Divine Mercy Parish is a Catholic faith community rooted in Winnetka, Northfield, and Glencoe, and serving the North Shore suburbs of Chicago. We are blessed with two worship sites: Sacred Heart Church in Winnetka, and St. Philip the Apostle Church in Northfield. Divine Mercy Parish has been a leader in the Archdiocese of Chicago's efforts of renewal and evangelization. We are a welcoming community that inspires disciples of Jesus to share God's love and transform the world.
Job Summary The Director of Evangelization assists the Pastor in fostering conversion and growth in discipleship amongst the faithful and staff of Divine Mercy Parish. The Director collaborates closely with the pastor, parish staff, and lay leaders to cultivate a culture of missionary discipleship. The pathway of missionary discipleship, with a strong emphasis on Alpha, invites people to explore their faith, encounter Jesus Christ, grow in their relationship with Him, and go out to serve.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Explore and Encounter o Direct and oversee the Alpha course offerings in the parish. o Collaborate with the parish staff and ministry leaders to continue building a culture of evangelization and welcome within the parish. o Oversee and strengthen opportunities for non-Catholics to be initiated into the Church through the OCIA process. o Discern and develop opportunities to invite inactive Catholics into a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. o Support new parishioner inquiries with timely connections. • Grow o Oversee and support the parish's ongoing adult faith formation initiatives. o With the evangelization team and parish staff, develop and organize "next step" pathways for Alpha course participants and all parishioners. o Offer support and formation opportunities to existing small group leaders. o Collaborate with parish leaders from other local parishes to discern best practices for providing vital ministry to all people. • Go o Prayerfully discern, encourage, invite, and form new small group leaders. o Collaborate with parish staff and lay leaders to find ways for parishioners to serve as missionary disciples.
Qualifications
A practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church, living a life consistent with Catholic moral teaching and committed to daily prayer. Comprehensive vision and understanding of Catholic teaching on evangelization, and an investment in the mission and vision of Divine Mercy Parish. Familiarity with modern evangelization methods, particularly Alpha, including the use of digital platforms. The ability to comfortably give witness to one's own faith journey. Demonstrated ability to creatively engage parishioners and non-parishioners in the process of evangelization and community building. Demonstrated ability to foster an environment of inclusion and to engender a spirit of hospitality and welcome. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with clergy, staff, lay leaders, and parishioners. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Preferred Job Skills and Experience
Background in Pastoral Studies, Theology, Faith Formation or equivalent. Three or more years as a parish or ministry leader. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, collaborative, faithful, joyful witness, persistent, available, fair and balanced, dependable, person of integrity, sensitive to cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity, and openness to the needs of the parishioners. Ability to deal with multiple projects, flexible, sound judgment, and comfortable with change. Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
Compensation
The Director of Evangelization is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The salary ranges from $70,000 to $90,000, depending on education and experience.
