Pastoral Associate

Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation

The Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation is a full time, 12-month position. The person must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, a person of prayer, and one who is committed to personally living and actively sharing the authentic teachings of Jesus and the Church.

The Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation reports directly to the Pastor. As a member of the pastoral and administrative staff, he/she works with other parish staff, the school Principal, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, parishioners and parish families to foster and maintain a working environment where worship, prayer, and enthusiastic life-long faith formation is a priority. On-going personal and professional development is assumed.

Responsibilities:

Adults and Families: Design, implement, and oversee comprehensive program for faith formation and enrichment for adults and families. This includes scheduling and working with coordinators of various parish ministries involved.

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP): Design, implement, and direct Sunday morning Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) for children in Grades 1 through 7, including children who are homeschooled and children with special needs and disabilities, according to the guidelines of the Office for Catechetical Formation of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Ensure sufficient number of Catechists and assistants
Provide ongoing training and supervision for Catechists
Attend DRE county meetings and other required meeting
Communicate regularly with parents regarding program requirements
Keep required records for integrity of program
Personally meet and register new families/children into the program
Order and process all necessary catechetical materials
Provide onsite supervision and building security during PREP
Create and oversee catechetical plans for older baptized Catholic children or teens to complete Sacraments of Initiation
Assure compliance with all Archdiocesan Safe Environment requirements, policies, procedures, and directives

Sunday Story: Oversee 9 AM Mass Liturgy of the Word program for children ages 4 - 8.
Train, support, and schedule Catechists
Compile necessary materials for use with children
Assure compliance with all Archdiocesan Safe Environment requirements

Sacraments: Design, implement, and oversee the sacramental preparation process for Baptism, First Penance, First Eucharist, and Confirmation
Collaborate with Pastor and Director of Music in planning liturgies
Schedule and oversee sacrament celebrations in collaboration with Pastor, Principal, Director of Parish Services, and Youth Ministry
Record sacrament information as required by Parish and Archdiocese

RCIA: Design, implement, and coordinate, with a team of trained adults, a continuous, year round RCIA process for adults and children (as needed)

Reach More Small communities of Faith: Oversee, coordinate, and train small group leaders for Lenten Small Communities of Faith through Evangelical Catholic guidelines and formation. This program is in its fifth year and training will be provided it not known to the applicant.

Communications: Provides frequent communication of parish events to encourage participation. Includes bulletin, website, parish calendar, and school communication networks

Achieve Parish Mission and Pastoral Plan: In collaboration with the Pastor and parish staff, help to create an environment that supports the Parish mission and works to achieve the Parish Pastoral Plan.
Guided by the Gospel and the Spirituality of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
Attends monthly Pastoral Council Meeting
Performs other tasks as agreed upon with the Pastor
Conducts all responsibilities with utmost discretion and confidentiality

Qualifications:

A Master's Degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Education, or other related field

Strong Organizational Skills: Must have the ability to plan, implement, and oversee parish-wide programs while being sensitive and responsive to the needs and life situation of individuals and families

Strong Interpersonal Skills: Must have the ability to communicate effectively with parishioners and staff; be visible and available to parishioners on weekends and evenings

Strong Pastoral Skills: Must have a strong faith and spirituality and an ability to communicate that faith and spirituality in a manner consistent with the pastoral needs of the recipient

Strong Computer Skills

Salary & Benefits: Determined in accordance with the Archdiocesan Guidelines

If interested, send resume to Fr. John Fisher, OSFS at [email protected]