Job Summary:

Saint Luke Catholic Church (Temple, Texas) is seeking a Coordinator of Children’s Faith Formation (CFF). The CFF is responsible for overseeing the parish elementary catechetical/faith formation program (preK-6). This will include recruiting catechists and coordinating religious education programs, classes, and overseeing OCIA for Children which will prepare children with special circumstances to receive additional sacramental formation.

This is a full-time position with benefits and requires flexible work hours to include weekends, weekdays, and some evenings. This position reports to the Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation (DEFF) and the Pastor of the parish. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of Saint Luke 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 Saint Luke 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 Saint Luke Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by practicing and modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Be a confirmed, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Embody the mission of St. Luke Catholic Church to be a joyful disciple seeking to grow in faith, love, and service.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
•  Maintain and demonstrate compliance with all Diocesan safe-environment (EIM) policies and procedures.
•  Select and recruit Parish Catechists for elementary formation.
•  Develop and implement ongoing education/formation for Parish Catechists to promote effective catechesis.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times. 
•  Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
•  Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively.
•  Ability to multi-task and set priorities.
• Possess good organization and time management skills.
•  Conduct an annual inventory of program supplies and recommend order of books and supplemental resources.
•  Develop and monitor a CFF budget in collaboration with the DEFF, Pastor, and Finance Council.
•  Provide appropriate evaluation and feedback for the catechists and volunteers in the CFF program.
•  Ensure that CFF volunteers are engaging in ongoing religious and spiritual formation, including that which is required by the       Diocese of Austin.
• Ensure that all CFF volunteers are compliant with Diocesan safe environment (EIM) policies and procedures.
•  Develop and foster a culture among families that is focused on helping them to understand the role of faith, evangelization,  and discipleship in their lives. 
•  Oversee and coordinate the Vacation Bible School program.
•  Intentionally recruit new children and families (both inside and outside the parish) into the program.
•    Ensure that the CFF environment/facilities are clean, accessible, appealing, and welcoming before/after events.
•  Ensure catechists and volunteers will be in the classroom on Wednesdays or during Faith Formation events (two per room).
•  Find a replacement for, or step in and cover, the absence of any volunteers or catechists not present.
•  Ensure that the children receive a full knowledge of the Catholic Faith.
•  Ensure that an exceptional spiritual and religious experience is provided for children attending CFF programs.
•  Ensure weekly continuity of lessons being taught to children in the CFF program (lesson plan template, etc.).
•  Work with the Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation to expand Faith Formation outside of the classroom (coordinate engaging activities, guest speakers, visits, etc.).
•  Encourage those involved in CFF to participate in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church (organize liturgical celebrations, etc.).
•  Work directly with parents to aid in their catechetical instruction of children (providing access to lessons and basic plans for  each class, etc.).
•  Serve as the liaison with the relevant Diocesan offices (Evangelization and Catechesis, etc.) and their programs, services, and resources.
•  Be an active and engaged member of the parish community.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
• Understanding of Sacramental process
• Proficient with technology and media
• Ability to lead catechetical retreats
• Knowledge and experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
• Knowledge of / ability to select Catechetical materials, resources, and curriculum for Children’s Faith Formation
•  Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively
• Participate in ongoing spiritual formation, including that which is required by the Diocese of Austin
• Maintain a personal commitment to holiness (frequenting the sacraments, seeking Christ in daily prayer, etc.)
• Attending at least one spiritual retreat per year for his or her personal development
• Awareness and implementation of resources (new and existing) to improve and develop the CFF program.
• Other duties as assigned

 Education and Trainings:

•  High School Diploma or GED acceptable to Texas Education Agency.
•  Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Education or Theology preferred.

Experience:

•  Three (3) - five (5) years of working with elementary faith formation.

Language:

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

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.