Parish Faith Formation Director (K-8)

Archdiocese of Chicago; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Job summary

The Archdiocese of Chicago invites a dedicated Director of Religious Education to lead parish faith formation for children and families from Kindergarten through Grade 8. You will shape catechesis, sacramental preparation, and liturgy planning in collaboration with clergy and staff.

Responsibilities include directing a 300+ student program, recruiting and training catechists, managing budgets, calendars, communications, and ensuring best practices in faith formation across parish and school

Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to Catholic teachings.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum five years of parish staff experience with leadership in faith formation or pastoral ministry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Catholic doctrine, sacramental preparation, and catechetical methods.
• Ability to lead staff and volunteers and manage programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the parish Religious Education serving 300+ students Kindergarten–Grade 8.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate catechetical programming per Catholic teaching and Archdiocesan guidelines.
• Coordinate sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and OCIA adapted for children and families.
• Recruit, train, supervise catechists, volunteers, and staff, fostering spiritual and professional development.
• Supervise the Religious Education personnel and budget, calendar, and communications.
• Plan and oversee weekly classes, summer programs, and family faith formation initiatives.

Skills

Pastoral Leadership

Catechetical Formation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Studies, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

Canva

Parish database

Job description

The Archdiocese of Chicago invites a dedicated Director of Religious Education to lead parish faith formation for children and families from Kindergarten through Grade 8. You will shape catechesis, sacramental preparation, and liturgy planning in collaboration with clergy and staff.

Responsibilities include directing a 300+ student program, recruiting and training catechists, managing budgets, calendars, communications, and ensuring best practices in faith formation across parish and school