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NATIVITY OF OUR LORD PARISH

WARMINSTER, PA

DIRECTOR/COORDINATOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The position of Director/Coordinator of Religious Education (DRE or CRE) is a full-time, 12 months a year position. The Director of Religious Education must be a practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Church. Additionally, he/she is a person of prayer who is committed to the authentic teaching of the Catholic faith.

The Director/Coordinator of Religious Education reports directly to the pastor. As a member of the parish staff, the Director/Coordinator of Religious Education works with other staff members to foster and maintain a working environment where worship, prayer, hospitality and learning are the primary motivators.

The Director/Coordinator of Religious Education is a professional catechetical leader who assists adults, adolescents and children of the parish in their faith formation.

The responsibilities of the Director/Coordinator of Religious Education include, but are not limited to:

• Parish Religious Education Program

The primary responsibility of the Director/Coordinator of Religious Education is to administer (design, develop, direct, communicate and evaluate) the Parish Religious Education Program for the 200 parish children who attend public or non-Catholic private schools. He/She:

• oversees the development of the Parish Religious Education Program from Grade Level 1 through Grade Level 7, in conformity with the guidelines of the Office for Catechetical Formation of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for a traditional weekly program and a one-week intensive Summer program.
• actively communicates with Summer families and provides opportunities for spiritual growth and Parish involvement throughout the year.
• schedules faith formation opportunities for children and parents within the Religious Education Program calendar
• provides access and inclusion for children with special learning needs
• coordinates the initiation process for unbaptized children and/or children baptized validly in another ecclesial community with the pastor according to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
• researches and requisitions resources (AV, textbooks, liturgy materials, reference works, etc.) which complement the religious education efforts in the parish
• ensures that the Safe Environment requirements, policies, and mandates for Parish Religious Education volunteers are in compliance with the Office for Child and Youth Protection
• 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
• implements Archdiocesan policies and procedures per the directives from the Office for Catechetical Formation
• keeps informed of new models for parish religious education and safe environment policies.
• ensures that the Religious Education Program schedule of classes and activities are submitted to the pastor or his delegate for 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
• encourages Parish Religious Education catechists to obtain Catechetical Certification according to the policy set by the Office for Catechetical Formation
• recruits, orients and provides ongoing professional training and spiritual development for the Parish Religious Education catechists
• belongs to the Archdiocesan Association of Parish Directors, Coordinators, Administrators of Religious Education (PDCARE)
• participates in Archdiocesan sponsored events such as the Catechist Convocation, Fall and Spring Professional Days and Retreats
• attends the monthly Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education County meetings sponsored by the Office for Catechetical Formation
• oversees budget for all expenses related to the Parish Religious Education Program. Follows the budgetary procedures as set by the pastor, parish finance committee and/or parish business manager.

• 
  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. He/she:

• schedules at the pastor's directives dates for First Penance and First Holy Communion
• schedules and coordinates the sacramental meetings for parents of school-age candidates for the Sacraments of First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation
• coordinates retreat days for students preparing for First Communion and Confirmation
• prepares the liturgy (with the pastor or his delegate) for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation
• schedules Advent and Lenten Penance Services with the opportunity for individual confessions for the Parish Religious Education children
• 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.
  

Requirements

• Undergraduate (or preferably graduate level) degree in Catholic theology, religious education or a related field
• Competent educator capable of guiding catechists in proper teaching techniques and spiritual development
• Ability to relate to people in a professional and confident manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality as needed
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Sound interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Commitment to carrying out the mission and pastoral plan of Nativity of Our Lord
  

Interested candidates please send resume with salary requirements to:

Fr. Joe Watson, Pastor, at frwatson@noolp.org on or before May 15, 2023.