Director of Faith Formation (EX)

The Director of Faith Formation (DFF) reports to and works closely with the Pastor and is responsible for the successful operation of all the faith formation programs of the parish. The DFF has a thorough understanding of the Mission and Tradition of the Catholic Church and the charism of St. Mary’s Church and School and works to ensure that all ages and states of life receive solid Catholic formation. The DFF should understand and preserve the existing successful elements of the programs outlined below but should also creatively approach each to form effective versions that meet the current needs of St. Mary’s parishioners.

The DFF reports to the Pastor regarding performance evaluation. The DFF reports to the Director of Parish Operations for benefits, budget, etc. The DFF supervises the Director of Youth and Young Adult Formation.

 

Essential Functions:

In addition to the duties listed below, the DFF shall perform other duties as assigned. The duties listed below are all the responsibility of the DFF; however, where appropriate, some of these duties may be delegated to and performed by other staff members or volunteers under the supervision of the DFF. 

Baptism Preparation

• Come up with a baptism prep program that serves the people of God.
• Ensure that all expecting parents are invited to prepare for their children to be baptized. Provide an intake package, including expectations (i.e. are the parents married inside the Church, Mass is required on Sundays, 5 precepts of the Catholic Church, etc.)
• Schedule regular opportunities for baptism preparation and follow up classes for parents and godparents.
• Collect necessary information prior to scheduling the baptism.
• Proficient in Sacramental record-keeping and able to assist the Parish Secretary with related administrative tasks, such as creating certificates, entering information in logs, etc.

First Penance & First Communion Preparation

• Create a prep program that is consistent with the dignity of the Eucharist
• Ensure all parents of children at the age of reason (usually second grade) are made aware of the preparation process for these sacraments.
• Oversee a formation process that engages not only the children but the parents.
• Schedule and coordinate a parents’ information session.
• Schedule and coordinate group formation sessions for children and parents.
• Schedule and coordinate opportunities to receive the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion in that order.
• Collect necessary information prior to agreeing to admit children to the sacraments.

Confirmation Preparation

• Create/Implement a Confirmation program that helps form disciples of Jesus Christ
• Ensure all parents of children who have not been confirmed (usually eighth grade) are made aware of the preparation process for confirmation.
• Oversee a formation process that engages not only the children but the parents.
• Schedule and coordinate a parents’ information session.
• Schedule and coordinate group formation sessions for children (and parents).
• Schedule and coordinate opportunities to receive the sacrament of Penance.
• Schedule and coordinate a Mount 2000 retreat (or similar) for all to be Confirmed.
• Collect necessary information prior to agreeing to admit children to the sacrament.
• Schedule and coordinate the visit of the bishop to administer the sacrament of Confirmation, including necessary rehearsal (usually same day).

Rite of Christian Initiation of Children

• Adapt formation process to families who have children (under the age of 18) who seek full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Ensure all elements of formation, including liturgical rites, are addressed for each family.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

• Create/Implement an OCIA program that helps form disciples of Jesus Christ
• Serve as a resource to all who are interested in entering into full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Provide adequate opportunities for inquiry.
• Schedule and coordinate a formation process
• Schedule and coordinate all preparatory rites, including the Rites of Welcoming, Election, Scrutinies, etc.
• Schedule and coordinate a retreat prior to the Easter Vigil.
• Schedule and coordinate opportunities for Confession for those who are already baptized.
• Schedule and coordinate a rehearsal prior to the Easter Vigil.
• Schedule and coordinate the period of mystagogy.
• Provide continuing education opportunities as necessary/able.

Religious Education Faith Formation

• Implement a catechesis program for grades K-8, evaluating needs for catechists, schedule, and meetings. 
• Provide for