Assistant Director of Faith Formation for Catechesis

Diocese of Nashville; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diocese of Nashville seeks an Assistant Director of Faith Formation for Catechesis to guide parish religious education, sacramental preparation, and adult formation in collaboration with pastors, OCIA leaders, and Catholic schools.

Responsibilities include developing standards, creating guidelines, coordinating catechetical materials, organizing events, and supporting parish leaders, while maintaining awareness of Church documents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Theology or related field.
• Master’s degree in Theology, Education, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of active participation in parish ministry.
• 2+ years of project management experience.
• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
• Active parish and diocesan involvement.
• Considerable knowledge of Church doctrine and practice.
• Articulate written and public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and project management skills.
• Familiarity with Church documents and rites (Catechesi Tradendae, Directory for Catechesis, OIA, etc.).
• Proficiency with computer programs, web-based software, and social media platforms.
• Ability to travel to off-site events and work evenings/weekends.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Accompanies and advises Directors of Religious Education, OCIA leaders, and catechists on religious education, catechesis, and sacramental preparation.
• Updating the core standards for religious education curricula.
• Developing a handbook of guidelines and tools for Directors of Religious Education.
• Creating guidelines for Sacraments (Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation).
• Maintaining awareness of best catechetical programs for parishes.
• Developing catechetical materials for Christian Initiation and OCIA liaison.
• Overseeing Circle of Grace safe environment curriculum implementation.
• Delivering catechetical talks and series to parishes.
• Finding speakers or facilitating conferences for parishes.
• Supports and mentors Directors of Religious Education and formation staff.
• Monthly/bi-monthly meetings; annual retreat; parish level formation classes.
• Coordinating and maintaining diocesan catechetical formation initiatives.
• Organizing annual catechetical initiatives (SEALED retreat, Rite of Election, Totus Tuus).
• Collaborates with Office of Catholic Schools on faith-based initiatives.
• Maintains awareness of Holy See and USCCB documents.
• Creates and reviews surveys for catechetical events.
• Prepares yearly budget plans for the Catechesis division.

Skills

Parish ministry

Project management

Public speaking

Spanish language

Church doctrine knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theology or related field

Master’s degree in Theology, Education, or related field

Job description

The Assistant Director of Faith Formation for Catechesis works with the Office of Faith Formation team to facilitate and promote the various catechetical, evangelical, and formational efforts throughout the Diocese of Nashville. The Assistant Director for Catechesis closely collaborates with pastors, parish leaders, and the Office of Catholic Schools to assist with their religious education and sacramental preparation programs as well as coordinates adult faith formation opportunities at both the diocesan and parish level. By providing guidance, mentorship, and accompaniment to all levels of parish ministry and lay sacramental life, the Assistant Director for Catechesis exemplifies and furthers the mission of the Diocese of Nashville: Living and Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, Welcoming All

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE:

• Accompanies and advises Directors of Religious Education, OCIA leaders, and catechists on issues related to religious education, catechesis, and sacramental preparation.
  • Updating the core standards for religious education curricula.
  • Developing a handbook of guidelines and tools for Directors of Religious Education.
  • Creating a guidelines source for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
  • Maintaining an awareness of the best catechetical, evangelical, and formational programs available for parishes.
  • Developing and/or researching catechetical materials for Christian Initiation and serving as diocesan liaison for parish OCIA programs.
  • Overseeing the implementation of the Circle of Grace safe environment curriculum.
  • Delivering catechetical talks and series to parishes.
  • Finding speakers or facilitating conferences for parishes.
• Supports and mentors Directors of Religious Education, OCIA leaders, and other formation staff in parishes.
  • Monthly meetings for parish directors of religious education.
  • Bi-monthly meetings for OCIA parish leaders.
  • One annual retreat for parish catechetical leaders.
  • Provides classes and opportunities for catechists and formational leaders at the parish level.
  • Coordinates, promotes, and maintains diocesan catechetical formation initiatives.
• Organizes and executes annual catechetical initiatives of the Office of Faith Formation.
  • SEALED confirmation retreat.
  • Rite of Election.
  • Totus Tuus summer program with diocesan parish leaders, recruits summer missionaries, and organizes summer training program for
• Works with the Office of Catholic Schools to facilitate their faith-based initiatives.
• Maintains an awareness of all relevant documents from the Holy See and USCCB.
• Creates and reviews participatory surveys for all catechetical events.
• Prepares yearly budget plans and manages monthly budget required for the Catechesis division of the Office of Faith Formation.
• Performs other duties assigned by the Director and Associate Director of the Office of Faith Formation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor\'s degree in Theology or related field.
• Master’s degree in Theology, Education, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of active participation in parish ministry.
• 2+ years of project management experience.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
• Active parish and diocesan involvement.
• Considerable knowledge of Church doctrine and practice.
• Articulate written and public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and project management skills.
• Familiarity with applicable Church documents and rites, such as Catechesi Tradendae, Directory for Catechesis, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, etc.
• Proficiency with computer programs, web-based software, and social media platforms.
• Ability to travel to off-site events and to work in the evenings and on weekends as occasionally required.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.