Parish Faith Formation Director (K-8 Sacraments)

Northside Catholic; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Archdiocese of Chicago's School of St. Mary – Vic. I invites a Director of Religious Education to lead parish faith formation for Kindergarten through Grade 8.

This role focuses on evangelization, catechesis, sacramental preparation, and family engagement. Responsibilities include directing all parish Religious Education programs for 300+ students, recruiting and training catechists, coordinating sacramental preparations, and managing calendar, budget, and communications with clergy and

Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.
• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Studies, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of parish staff experience, with leadership in faith formation, catechesis, or pastoral ministry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Catholic doctrine, sacramental preparation, and catechetical methodology.
• Proven ability to lead staff and volunteers, manage programs, and build relationships with children, parents, and parishioners.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Canva, parish database and communication platforms, and related technology.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the parish Religious Education serving approximately 300+ students in Kindergarten through Grade 8.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate catechetical programming in accordance with Catholic teaching and Archdiocesan guidelines.
• Coordinate sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and OCIA adapted for children for both parish religious education and parish school families.
• Recruit, train, form, and supervise catechists, volunteers, and support staff, fostering their spiritual and professional development.
• Supervise the Religious Education assistant, administrative assistant and all religious education personnel.
• Plan, organize, and oversee weekly Religious Education classes, summer intensives, and seasonal programming.
• Provide leadership for Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) and support family-centered faith formation initiatives.
• Collaborate with staff and clergy to plan prayer services, liturgies, retreats, sacramental celebrations, and adult faith formation opportunities.
• Coordinate annual enrollment, sacramental meetings, program communications, and faith formation events.
• Oversee the Religious Education calendar and budget in collaboration with parish leadership.
• Ensure effective communication through parish bulletins, newsletters, website content, and other parish media.
• Provide input and be a resource for best practices for children in the context of faith formation to parish leadership and school leadership.
• Advocate for ongoing faith formation for children, outside of sacramental preparation years.
• Participate in parish leadership initiatives and collaborate with regional and Archdiocesan faith formation leaders.
• Perform other duties and ministries as assigned by the Pastor.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of Catholic doctrine

Education

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

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

Canva

Parish database

Communication platforms

Job description

The Archdiocese of Chicago's School of St. Mary – Vic. I invites a Director of Religious Education to lead parish faith formation for Kindergarten through Grade 8.

This role focuses on evangelization, catechesis, sacramental preparation, and family engagement. Responsibilities include directing all parish Religious Education programs for 300+ students, recruiting and training catechists, coordinating sacramental preparations, and managing calendar, budget, and communications with clergy and