Coordinator of Children’s Sacramental Preparation and Faith Formation/OCIA

At the heart of the Church’s mission is the call to “make disciples,” and this purpose shapes everything we do at Blessed Sacrament. We recognize a unique opportunity in our vibrant and diverse Hollywood community to offer welcoming, engaging and meaningful faith formation programs designed for children, young adults and adults whether they currently do not belong to a church community or are members of the parish of Blessed Sacrament.

Schedule: Part-time 20 – 25 hours maximum per week (hours worked above 25 hours must be approved in advance in writing by the Pastor and Business Manager)

• Every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Children’s Faith Formation and
• Every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for Spanish OCIA
• Staff Meetings once a month, additional weekend, may be required

Under the supervision of the Pastor, as a member of the Pastoral Team, the Coordinator of Faith Formation coordinates and administers children’s catechetical programs, including Liturgy of the Word for children, providing for the instructional and religious formational needs of children. plans, develops, organizes, and evaluates the Faith Formation Program for the Parish as well as the OCIA program. This position works collaboratively with the Coordinator of Teen Confirmation, Youth & Young Adult Ministry to support the parish’s ministry and faith formation programs. Because of the shared goals and overlapping responsibilities in these areas, both roles coordinate regularly to ensure unified planning, communication, and program delivery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Servant Leader responsible for creating a sense of connection and belonging to the Blessed Sacrament community for children in Faith Formation programs, Liturgy of the Word for Children and OCIA program.
• Practicing Catholic, committed to the authentic teaching of the Catholic faith and leading children and their families to grow in faith, deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, and become active members of the Catholic Church.
• Develop goals, objectives, and implement strategies for a comprehensive faith formation program that serves Pre-K through 7th grade children enrolled in sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion after discussion with and approval from the pastor.
• Responsible for the recruitment, orientation, and training of volunteers/catechists to conduct the children’s sacramental preparation, Liturgy of the Word for Children and OCIA programs.
• Ensure catechists and volunteers involved in the children’s faith formation programs meet Safeguard the Children requirements and policies (VIRTUS, fingerprinting).
• Ensure volunteers and catechists attend and complete related training programs.
• Evaluate existing faith formation curriculum, materials, resources (textbooks, liturgy materials, etc.), and make recommendations to the Pastor for improvement and expansion of faith formation activities.
• Effectively and consistently communicate all relevant information to children, parents, guardians and OCIA participants.
• Plan, direct retreats and other formation related activities for students, parents, and catechists.
• Take lead in preparing for Sacramental celebrations for Children’s Faith Formation and OCIA programs.
• Promote programs and provides material for the parish newsletter/Facebook, and website, with weekly updates.
• Where possible, align faith formation activities and events with ongoing and/or emerging events/initiatives led by pastor, parish ministries and groups.
• Keep current in developments/changes with Diocesan policies as they relate to formation and sacramental practices.
• Prepare annual formation program budget for review by the Finance Council and oversees programmatic expenditures.
• Develop an accurate statistical picture of the sacramental prep efforts at Blessed Sacrament and submits reports to the Pastor and Parish Pastoral Council as requested.
• Attend & participate in monthly pastoral team meetings.
• Attend & participate in quarterly off-site pastoral team meetings.
• Attend regional meetings convened by the Diocesan Office of Catechetical Ministry.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION

• Required certifications, completion of a religious education formation program.
• A Master Catechist certificate, studies or degree in theology, pastoral studies, religious education, or a related field (Master’s Degree a plus.

EXPERIENCE

• Three years of formation experience in a parish or diocesan position. Related degrees and comparable experience will be considered.
• Practicing Catholic with some knowledge and training in Theology and Liturgy in the Roman Catholic tradition.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs as presented in the documents of Vatican Council II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other relevant Church and Catechetical Documents a plus.
• Updated knowledge of educational and catechetical trends and practices a plus.
• Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Possesses excellent planning, organizational, and collaborative skills
• Computer literacy
• Bilingual communication and writing skills a plus (English and Spanish).
• Some knowledge of the multi-cultural dimensions of catechesis a plus.
• Supervisory skills to help lead and form catechists
• Ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Ability to build and launch teams in formation programming.
• The ability to form volunteers into leaders and provide them with skills to carry out tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to multi-task and handle frequent interruptions.
• Ability to be proactive, innovative, creative, and be able to recommend solutions to problems.
• Ability to handle and make good decisions in emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain accurate fiscal records, budgetary, and statistical data.
• Ability to interact with individuals and groups and maintain appointments and meetings on parish grounds.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as required.

Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.