Job Summary: 

The Associate Director of Faith & Family Life Ministry for Elementary children will help in making disciples of ages 5 years to 12 years. This minister will work closely with the Director of Faith & Family Life Ministry and Parish Leadership team to develop a strategy that equips and engages parents as the primary disciplers of their children and incorporate concise/ongoing Adult Faith Formation into the St. Jerome lifestyle. The Associate Director of Faith & Family Life Ministry for Elementary children will also recruit, train, coach, and appreciate volunteers/leaders to raise up pastoral family leaders. They will develop relationships with children, youth, and families to support the needs of the family on their journey towards living a life centered on Christ. 

Positions employed at St. Jerome Catholic Church help to extend the ministry of the Pastor and is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in the ministry for the Church.

Ministerial Character 

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the Parish (St. Jerome Catholic Church) which the Bishop has entrusted to him.  He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish.  In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people).  He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Jerome Catholic Church help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description.  Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Job Duties: 

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Jerome Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Pray regularly for each member of the Faith & Family Life Ministry staff, Family Leader Volunteers, and each family in your ministry.
• Develop relationships/foundational trust with children, youth, and families through family visits and accompaniment.
• Work with the Pastor, Administrative Manager, Faith & Family Life Ministry Director, and Faith & Family Life Ministry Staff to ensure coordination and cohesiveness among the various families.
• Connect with families within two (2) days if a family misses two (2) family meetings or one (1) church session.
• Monitor and respond within two (2) days to at-home submissions through Martha from family meetings and/or parent/teen meetings.
• Provide pastoral care to children, youth, and families during difficult situations or life events.
• Oversees the development of parallel events/gatherings, programs, retreats, and other resources to strengthen the Faith & Family Life Ministry catechetical program to recognize how God is working in the whole family of God.
• Work with the Pastor, Administrative Manager, Director of Faith & Family Life Ministry, and other adult ministry leads to ensure that there are opportunities for all generations to worship, learn, and serve together.
• Disciple whole families in their walk with Jesus Christ: helping parents communicate with their children about the Catholic faith and find community with other people in their same stage of life.
• Establish office hours to overlap with Faith & Family Life staff for a minimum of 8 hours per week.
• Recruit volunteer leaders, and teachers to fulfill positions needed to support the mission of St. Jerome.
• Observe, evaluate and affirm Faith & Family Life Ministry staff, leaders, and teachers in order to help them understand their strengths and to encourage them in areas where improvement is possible.
• Engage in regular planning meetings for Family Ministers that include training, collaboration, mentoring, and opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Respond to ALL emails/text from Faith & Family Life Ministry staff within 48 hours of receiving.
• Collaborate with parents to manage any conflict situations that may arise.
• Seek feedback from church leaders, church staff, and parish community regarding the purpose, value, and needs of Faith & Family Life Ministry.
• Ensures sacramental records are recorded accurately.
• Ensures all facets of Intergenerational Ministry staff, leaders, teachers, and volunteers are EIM compliant.
• Create an out of office automatic email response if out of office for more than 2 consecutive days to allow contact with another Faith & Family Life Ministry staff.
• Attends parish staff meetings as directed by the Pastor or Administrative Manager.
• Attend parish events as directed by the Pastor or Administrative Manager.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge and training in the catechesis and practice of the Catholic Church.
• Appropriate training/experience in Catholic Christian education, child development, and parental mentoring.
• A clear vision of discipling kids and families.
• A passion and vision for Faith & Family Life Ministry with St. Jerome’s overall mission and vision in mind.
• Zeal for Jesus.
• A passion for kids and investing in the next generation.
• Comfortable with current technology, and communication tools, including social media.
• Able to learn new programs such as ProPresenter, eCatholic web tool, and Ministry Platform sacramental record/data collective tool.
• Able to relate well to adults and children.
• Innovator and self-starter.
• Model the love of Christ and exemplify it by accompanying families and sharing their concerns, needs, and joys.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent teaching and training abilities.
• Good communication, collaboration, and team-building skills.
• Interpersonal skills to work with parish ministry groups, staff ministers, and public.
• Compassionate and patient.
• Ability to keep confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education and Trainings:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years’ experience in Children’s Ministry.
• Having appropriate training/experience in Catholic Christian education, child development, and parental mentoring.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of direct work experience as Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation or Pastoral Associate.
• Two years teaching experience.

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions: 

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off-site locations.
• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.