Coordinator of Faith Formation

Reports To: Pastor
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Coordinator of Faith Formation plans, integrates, implements, oversees, and evaluates the religious education and sacramental preparation programs of the parish community. This position is responsible for fostering lifelong faith formation with a primary focus on catechetical formation for children, youth, families, and adults in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the guidelines of the Diocese of Phoenix.

Essential Responsibilities

A. Leadership, Coordination, and Administration

1. Serves as a member of the parish staff and leadership team, participating in planning and decision-making related to the overall mission and activities of the parish.
2. Attends and actively participates in staff meetings, department head meetings, diocesan DRE meetings, Faith Formation team meetings, prayer days, retreats, and professional development opportunities.
3. Provides leadership, supervision, and support to the Faith Formation team.
4. Develops, implements, and evaluates catechetical programs and curriculum for all age levels, from preschool through adulthood, in accordance with the Religious Education Guidelines of the Diocese of Phoenix.
5. Oversees sacramental preparation programs and ensures catechetical consistency throughout all formation offerings.
6. Recruits, trains, mentors, and supports catechists and volunteers while encouraging completion of diocesan certification requirements.
7. Maintains regular communication with the Pastor regarding the goals, progress, and needs of all Faith Formation programs.
8. Ensures compliance with diocesan Safe Environment policies and procedures for staff, catechists, volunteers, children, and youth.
9. Schedules and facilitates regular Faith Formation staff meetings to promote collaboration, spiritual growth, and professional development.
10. Conducts ongoing evaluations of program effectiveness in collaboration with the Pastor and Parish Director.
11. Coordinates parish missions, retreats, and adult faith formation opportunities, including recommending speakers and presenters for Pastor approval.
12. Oversees the selection, purchasing, distribution, and inventory of catechetical materials and resources for Faith Formation and Family Ministry programs.
13. Develops and manages the annual departmental budget and monitors expenditures in accordance with parish financial policies.
14. Pursues ongoing personal and professional formation through workshops, conferences, continuing education, and spiritual development opportunities.

B. Supervision and Program Oversight

1. Supervises, supports, and evaluates the effectiveness of the following ministries and personnel:
   
   • Youth Minister
   • Coordinator of Children's Catechesis
   • Family Ministry Staff and Volunteers
   • Bible Study Leaders and Small Group Facilitators
   • Alpha Program Leadership Team
   • Other assigned faith formation ministries
2. Supervises and evaluates administrative and office support personnel assigned to the Faith Formation Department.
3. Reviews and approves departmental payroll timesheets and monitors departmental expenditures.
4. Oversees and coordinates elementary religious education, sacramental preparation, adult faith formation programs, catechists, and volunteers.
5. Maintains a visible presence at evening and weekend sacramental preparation programs and major faith formation events as required.
6. Ensures that all programs reflect the mission, vision, and pastoral priorities of the parish and Diocese.

Qualifications

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Thorough knowledge of Catholic doctrine, sacramental theology, and catechetical methodology.
• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Catechetics, Education, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of leadership experience in parish ministry, religious education, or related ministry setting.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and motivate staff and volunteers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, parish database systems, and digital communication platforms.
• Completion of diocesan Safe Environment requirements and willingness to pursue ongoing diocesan formation and certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout parish facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds.
• Availability for evening and weekend ministry activities as required.

Mission Statement

The Coordinator of Faith Formation supports the mission of Our Lady of Joy Parish by fostering lifelong discipleship, providing quality catechetical formation, and helping parishioners encounter Jesus Christ through faith, prayer, sacramental life, and community.

QUALIFICATIONS 

1. Required Knowledge and skills:

Practicing Catholic, faithful to the Magisterium, and in good standing with the Catholic Church.Successful completion of the Diocesan Safe Environment process.

Excellent communication/ presentation skills combined with knowledge of catechetical methodology in accordance with Magisterial Documents on Catechesis.

Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.

Demonstrated competence in theology, catechetics, program coordination, catechist development, and application age-appropriate teaching methods, communication, administration, facilitation, research, supervision, and coaching skills. 

2. Education, Training, and/or Experience:  

BA in Theology/Faith Formation/Catechesis, Religious Education, or related field.

OR

Two to five years of successful parish experience coordinating a total parish faith formation program and demonstrated competence in theology and catechetics.