Director of Youth Catechesis in Prairie Village, Kansas at St Anns Church

Role

The Director of Youth Catechesis (DYC) visions, plans and executes a compelling faith formation program for preschool through eighth grade for St. Ann Parish. The DYC takes ownership with the Pastor and parish leadership for St. Ann’s realizing its responsibility to catechize our youth in the Catholic faith, furthering their identity as missionary disciples.

Qualifications

The DYC is a practicing Catholic who upholds Church teaching both in word and by manner of life. A passion and capacity for understanding and caring for the real lived experience of St. Ann’s youth is critical. An ability to connect the faith authentically to said youth, in a way that frees them to live differently in Christ, is also essential. Knowledge and experience in effective Catholic youth catechesis is helpful. The DYC must demand personal excellence and the same excellence for the entire parish. The DYC must be convicted about the difference compelling youth formation will make in the lives of St. Ann’s youth. The DYC must be a great communicator, responsible and transparent, approachable and able to navigate expectations and conflict.

Responsibilities (20-25 hours per week)

Culture and Communication (5)

• Continual development of a compelling youth formation program with pastor and parish leadership
• Maintains excellent data, relational and communication channels with families who have children ages 3+ through 8th grade.

Youth Catechesis (10-15)

• Responsible for ensuring catechesis, formation and preparation for the sacrament of 1st reconciliation and 1st communion for all St. Ann’s 2nd graders and their families
• Collaborates effectively with Director of Youth Formation (DYF)
• Collaborate effectively with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Coordinator
• Invites and incentivizes active participation from all St. Ann youth ages 3+ through 6th grade
• Recruit, train and appreciate volunteer catechists needed
• Registers students, tracks attendance and participation
• Stays in communication with parish families who have youth not enrolled, and encourages parents to catechize. Provides OCIC avenues for children who are missing sacraments of initiation.
• Select curriculum and acquire all materials needed
• Discern summer catechesis (TOTUS TUUS or similar) and similar experiences outside of normal class time. Manage all programs that result.

Staff Collaboration and Communication (5)

• Keep an active, listening relationship with all staff so as to serve their needs.
• Weekly meeting with Supervisor, Director of Faith Formation
• Weekly 30 minute meeting with the Pastor
• Attends staff meetings and days of recollection
• Manages budget and income/expenses
• Attends Archdiocesan trainings and development meetings as deemed helpful

Nuts and Bolts

• Current Employee:
• Reports to: Director of Faith Formation
• Supervises: Volunteers
• Classification: Hourly
• Department: Faith Formation
• Office: Parish Office
• Physical Demands: Standard Office
• Evaluation period: 90 day evaluation period
• Compensation: Hourly based on experience and performance. Reasonable work and travel expenses reimbursed. Annual raise considered July 1 each year. Continuing Education by request.