Blessed Sacrament Parish seeks a dynamic and faith-filled Catholic leader to serve as Director of Religious Education & Youth Ministry. This position provides leadership for parish faith formation programs for children, youth, and families while developing and growing a vibrant youth ministry program for middle school and high school students.

1. Parish Religious Education Program:

• The primary responsibility of the Director of Religious Education is to administer (design, develop, direct, communicate and evaluate) the Parish Religious Education Program for the parish children and parents who attend the program.
• Oversees the development of the Parish Religious Education Program from Grade Level K through Grade 12, in conformity with the guidelines of the Religious Education Office of Rockford Diocese.
• Schedules faith formation opportunities for children and parents within the Religious Education Program calendar ? Provides access and inclusion for children with special learning needs
• Ensures that the Safe Environment requirements, policies, and mandates for Parish Religious Education volunteers are in compliance with Rockford Diocese
• Obtains approval and support from the pastor for the general direction of the religious education of the parish
• Meets with pastor routinely to discuss matters relating to the parish religious education and sacramental preparation
• Ensures that the Religious Education Program’s schedule of classes and activities are submitted to the pastor for his approval.
• Updates and distributes the Parish Religious Education Program handbook for catechists and the Parish Religious Education handbook for parents/guardians on an annual basis
• Recruits, orients and provides ongoing professional training and spiritual development for the Parish Religious Education catechists
• Participates in Diocesan sponsored events such as the Catechetical Leaders Convocations, Fall and Spring Professional Days and Retreats
• Attends the monthly Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education meetings sponsored by Aurora Deanery

2. Sacramental Program

• The Director of Religious Education oversees the coordination and sacramental preparation of parish school-age candidates who attend the Parish Religious Education Program, Catholic school or private Catholic academies.
• Schedules at the pastor’s directives dates for First Penance and First Holy Communion
• Schedules, coordinates and prepares retreat days for parents and students preparing for First Penance, First Communion and Confirmation
• Prepares the liturgy (with the pastor) for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation
• Creates and oversees catechetical plans for older baptized Catholic children or teens who seek the reception of First Penance, First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation.

3. Youth Ministry

• Establish and develop a comprehensive youth ministry program for the parish.
• Plan youth gatherings, retreats, service projects, leadership opportunities, and diocesan events.
• Develops a parish youth ministry core team.
• Build relationships with youth and their families.
• Recruit and mentor adult youth ministry volunteers.

4. Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Coordinate Youth and Young Adults Ministry and Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leaders
• Liturgy of the Word for Children – coordinate teams for Sunday Liturgy
• Vacation Bible School/Camp
• Make sure books used for the program are on the conformity list per Rockford Diocese policy.
• Work evenings and weekends (Sunday morning Religious Education Program mornings)

5. Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelors/Masters degree in related field and/or extensive experience in Faith Formation
• If no bachelors/masters, Ministry Formation is required. It takes 2 years to complete.
• Computer literate and able to learn Parish Data System program; know Microsoft Office, work with Flocknote, and PDS, know or familiar with social media platforms so to communicate with parishioners
• Excellent language and communication skills required
• Must pass current Diocesan clearances
• Manage repetitive tasks with little or no supervision
• Strong Public speaking skills
• Dress appropriately for office and public speaking

Salary Description:

$20.90-$26.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)

Summary of Benefits

To Apply

• Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Blessed Sacrament Parish Attn: Father Downing- Parochial Administator 801 Oak Street North Aurora, IL 60542 Email: adowning@rockforddiocese.org Phone: 630-897-1029