Coordinator of Religious Education

St. Edward Catholic Parish in Pembroke Pines, Florida is now hiring a full-time Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE). The CRE is expected to reflect the best of the Catholic Church by offering a warm and welcoming, first-point-of-contact experience to parents and families inquiring or registering their children in St. Edward’s catechetical program. Working in a parish that embraces Stewardship as a Way of Life, this position will join the team in better assisting those families who are entering the parish for the first time, as well as returning families and students for their second year of catechesis and the renewal of their stewardship commitment. The CRE, under the direction and supervision of the pastor, assists the pastor in coordinating and implementing specific catechetical programs from grades 1 through 12 as designated by the pastor. This responsibility must be exercised in collaboration with parish staff members who share the responsibility for catechesis. The Coordinator of Religious Education performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provides exemplary customer service to employees and others who contact the office by phone or in person, assesses their needs, and directs them to the appropriate party.
• Becomes familiar with St. Edward Parish’s existing plan for a comprehensive and systematic catechesis and curriculum for students in the First Communion and Confirmation courses.
• Implements the catechetical policies and curriculum of the Archdiocese of Miami.
• Establishes long range and short-term goals and outcome for effective parish catechesis.
• Develops sacramental preparation.
• Works closely with parents to ensure the support and involvement of the family in the parish catechetical program.
• Coordinates the parish catechetical programs for children and teenagers, including family catechesis with parents of children in the catechetical program, and supporting and supervising existing infant baptism course material.
• Selects appropriate catechetical materials based on the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops and Archdiocesan guidelines.
• Becomes familiar with the parish calendar, with special attention to catechetical dates.
• Maintains accurate records on student enrollment, attendance and sacramental preparation and submits requested data of the Office of Catechesis.
• Publishes a handbook containing parish programs, sacramental policies, and procedures in accordance with the archdiocesan guidelines.
• Records/enforces volunteer completion of Virtus and Fingerprinting requirements of the Archdiocese of Miami’s Safe Environment Policy by all volunteers in the program.
• Implements the guidelines for mandates reporting of legal issues as per archdiocesan policies.
• Engages with Pastor and staff in the annual process of assessment, planning and evaluation.
• Sets the environment for procedures for management of sessions and discipline.
• Assures adequate supervision of minors during the entire time they are on parish premises for catechetical activities.
• Prepares annual budget and oversees expenditures after its approval by the Pastor.
• Recruits and screens candidates for the role of catechist; ensures that all catechists are certified according to the guidelines of the archdiocese.
• Assists catechists in selection of teaching aids and lesson plannings.
• Consults with catechists to assess their methodological and theological needs to implement appropriate training sessions.
• Provides spiritual formation for catechists and volunteers with such appropriate means as retreats, reflections, and / or workshops.
• Provides regular evaluation for catechists at all levels and support of staff.
• Provides continued support for catechists by being present before, during and after the teaching assignments.
• Develops role descriptions for catechetical personnel and support staff.
• Works with the parish staff to provide formation for parents and youth in the parish.
• Participates in Office of Catechesis, deanery, and other Archdiocesan meetings as appropriate.
• Participates in the on-going formation opportunities for CRE’s provided by the Office of Catechesis.
• Demonstrates Christian conduct in this role, including modest style of dress, character, positive interpersonal actions, etc.
• Maintains membership in professional organizations.
• Respects the confidentiality of information acquired through their role within St. Edward Catholic Parish.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Certificate in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Studies, or a related field from a qualified Catholic University or equivalent.
• Completion of Core Theological Competencies, Ministerial Courses, and archdiocesan safety policies (Background check, Virtus, etc.)
• Completion of Catechetical Certification.
• 3-5 years of experience in parish ministry, including lay ministry or ministry leadership responsibilities with in-depth knowledge of Catholicism.
• 5-10 years of combined experience in management, business, and facilities operations; non-profit is a plus.
• Experience in a Roman Catholic environment strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
• Good Spanish-language oral and written communication skills required.
• Strong computer literacy, including ability to navigate online applications and search engines effectively, with proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Practicing Catholic who fully adheres to the church’s teachings in faith and morals.
• Active participation in parish life.
• Appropriate mental and physical health to accomplish the tasks.
• Approval by the Office of Catechesis.
• Appropriate leadership, organizational, and facilitation skills with willingness to implement and work with existing programs, staff, and volunteers.
• Able to multi-task with a high level of accuracy in an environment that at times presents simultaneous challenges and competing priorities.
• Detail oriented with excellent writing and editing skills.
• Excellent human relations and customer service skills including ability to maintain focus and professionalism with people in challenging situations, both in person and by phone.
• Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time with accuracy.
• Helpful, supportive, and cooperative attitude with openness to give and receive constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
• Ability to walk and stand for prolonged hours as required by the parish catechetical sessions.

To apply: send resume and cover letter addressed to Reverend Albert Lahens.