Christian Initiation Coordinator
Job Type
Part-time
Description

Job Summary

The Christian Initiation Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing sacramental formation for youth and adults which provides opportunities to “engage the community, encounter Christ, and live for Him.” The Christian Initiation Coordinator will coordinate initial and ongoing conversion opportunities, including evangelization, catechesis, and sacramental preparation for youth and adults. The position reports to the Faith Formation Director and operates under general supervision with wide latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.


Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish (St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church – Kyle, Texas) 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 laypeople). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church – Kyle, Texas, help extend the Pastor’s ministry 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.


Requirements

 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. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church – Kyle, Texas 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.

· Direct comprehensive sacramental preparation for children, teens, and adults through the OCIA in English and Spanish in coordination with other members of the Faith Formation Team. 

· Direct the Adult Confirmation process in coordination with the Faith Formation Director. 

· Recruit, coordinate, and form effective OCIA and Adult Confirmation volunteer teams to help implement the vision and parish goals for these programs. 

· Take initiative in informing leadership of ongoing progress in OCIA and Adult Confirmation programs to help the parish shape its goals and strategies for these programs. 

· Work with existing parish groups in developing programs. 

· Serve as staff contact for all OCIA and Adult Confirmation matters.

· Work with parish staff, Faith Formation Director, and Pastor to ensure accuracy of sacramental record keeping.

· Maintain a relationship with the Diocesan Office of Catechesis for consultation, support, and resourcing. 

· Maintain a flexible schedule of at least 8 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and special occasions. 

· Attend meetings at the request of the Pastor, Operations Director, and Faith Formation Director.

· Other duties as assigned.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

· Knowledge of theology and liturgical terms, language and usage.

· Knowledge of adult faith formation, including both evangelization and catechesis. 

· Knowledge of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as passed down through tradition, sacred scripture, and the documents of the church, including but not limited to the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 

· Knowledge of the four phases of OCIA, corresponding rites, and diocesan norms. 

· Knowledge of the Diocesan guidelines for Adult Confirmation formation.

· Skilled in verbal and non-verbal communication. 

· Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs. 

· Ability to work closely with the Pastor, the Faith Formation Director, and the Faith Formation team to ensure consistent Catholic faith formation for OCIA and Adult Confirmation participants and families. 

· Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with catechists, families, parents, and other parish ministers in the faith community. 

· Ability to develop and manage curricula.

· Ability to work effectively with others (staff, clergy, religious, and laity). 

· Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers. 

· Ability to organize, prioritize, carry out multiple tasks, meet deadlines and utilize effective time management techniques.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

· Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format. 

· Ability to communicate the faith effectively in large-group and one-on-one settings.

· Ability to tend to his/her own ongoing formation through participation in opportunities for professional development.


Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

· Degree in theology, religious education, pastoral ministry, or related field from an accredited American university. 

· Or certification in Religious Education/Faith Formation or Youth Ministry. 

· Or experience working/volunteering in a church atmosphere.

Experience:

· Minimum 3 years of parish religious education experience or similar experience is required; familiarity with principles and dimensions of adult faith formation, catechist formation, young adult ministry, or youth ministry is preferred.

Language:

· English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)

· Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Preferred but not required.

Catholic Requirement:

· Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

· Have or obtain certification from the Diocese of Austin Office of Catechesis in the Catechist Track, Adult Ministry Track, or Formation Leader Track.

· 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.