Posted 5/1/2024
Job Title:
Director of Religious Education
Hours:
Full time
Parish:
St. Patrick Church
991 S Waukegan Rd
Lake Forest, IL
Description:
St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lake Forest, Illinois is seeking a full-time Director of Religious Education (DRE). This person will articulate and implement a plan for comprehensive religious education in light of the parish mission and archdiocesan policies.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
+ Plan and direct the religious education program for grades 1 through 7 (approximately 100 students) including sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, and Christian Initiation of Children. Certification required within one year.
+ Manage and oversee the planning, administration, budgeting, and record keeping of parish catechetical programs.
+ Coordinate archdiocesan Safe Environment programs for children, parents, and volunteers in catechetical programs.
+ Manage recruitment, orientation, supervision, and evaluation of catechists and support personnel, and provide them with opportunities for ongoing formation and spiritual development.
+ Collaborate with parish staff members and parishioners.
+ Organize and conduct parent meetings, as necessary.
+ Report statistics of parish programs annually as requested on the archdiocesan Data Survey.
+ Participate in meetings as they relate to cluster, deanery, vicariate, archdiocesan, and ecumenical structure, as appropriate.
+ Provide for individuals with special needs (e.g.: SPRED, deaf interpretation, etc.).
+ Collaborate with other DREs in the local region to seek out the best opportunities towards continued formation and program development. St. Patrick Church is one of the oldest Catholic communities in northeastern Illinois. Our mission is to be a welcoming Eucharistic community that offers resources for spiritual growth and faith development, while encouraging service and discipleship to spread the good news of God's Kingdom.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
+ Fully initiated, practicing Catholic with a thorough knowledge of and commitment to the teachings, beliefs, and life of the Catholic Church.
+ Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) in pastoral studies, theology, faith formation, or the equivalent.
+ Previous work in the field of education, administration, management, program/level coordinator, training of volunteer catechists, youth ministers, and/or other ministers.
+ Demonstrated ability to collaborate with parish staff, leaders, volunteers, and program participants.
+ Strong working knowledge of Office 365 suite of products and highly comfortable navigating databases.
+ Knowledge and experience using Parish Data Systems database highly desired.
Further Qualifications:
+ Possess a firm knowledge of "best practices" in religious education.
+ Successful completion of Virtus and all other requirements mandated by the Archdiocese of Chicago for ministry with youth.
+ Possess excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.
+ Must be able to accommodate for a working schedule that occasionally includes evenings, weekends, and special events.
Special Directions:
Internal Candidates (existing employees) – Please complete the subject field of your email with the following: “Internal Candidate – Job Title – Full name”
External Candidates - Please complete the subject field of your email with the following: “Job Title – Full name”
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