Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catholic Diocese Of Fort Worth•Fort Worth, TX

27d

About The Position

The Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is responsible for the leadership, theological integrity, and administrative oversight of the parish Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is the primary model of catechesis for children ages 3–12 at the parish, currently offering Levels I, II, and III and serving over 100 children, including more than 60 children in sacramental preparation. This position fosters a parish-wide culture of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The Director serves as the theological and pastoral steward of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd content and method, ensuring full fidelity to CGSUSA standards, USCCB guidelines, and diocesan policies, all of which profess the Catholic faith in fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. As the CGS program continues to grow, including the planned expansion of atrium spaces through the future Star of the Sea youth building, the Director provides vision, leadership, and coordination to support sustainable growth and long-term integrity of the program. Areas of responsibility include CGS Levels I, II, and III; sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion; catechist formation; atrium oversight; and volunteer leadership. The Director supervises the CGS Program Coordinator and collaborates closely with the Pastor, parish staff, and diocesan leadership.

Requirements

Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church.
Bachelor’s degree in theology/catechetics or their equivalent required with graduate degree preferred or in progress
Completion of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I and Level II formation (Level III preferred or willingness to complete).
Experience in catechetical leadership, faith formation, or parish ministry preferred.
Experience supervising staff or volunteers preferred.
Deep understanding of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, including its Montessori-based pedagogy and theological foundations.
Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
Ability to cultivate a collaborative and pastoral environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency with parish data systems, Microsoft Office, and digital communication tools.
Demonstrated adaptability, good judgment, and pastoral sensitivity.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish/English) desirable but not required

Responsibilities

Serves as the primary point of contact for all Catechesis of the Good Shepherd programming and children’s sacramental preparation.
Maintains ongoing communication with the Pastor regarding CGS programming, sacramental preparation, staffing, and pastoral needs.
Collaborates with parish leadership and staff to ensure CGS is fully integrated into the parish mission, vision, and pastoral life.
Develops and manages the CGS operating budget in collaboration with parish leadership.
Demonstrates adaptable, flexible, and collaborative leadership and sound problem-solving skills.
Fosters mutually responsive and charitable relationships with parish staff, school and parish catechists, volunteers, and families.
Mitigates conflicts promptly and pastorally.
Works independently and collaboratively on special projects and ongoing initiatives.
Ensures all catechesis, materials, and sacramental preparation are aligned with CGSUSA standards and USCCB guidelines.
Oversees CGS Levels I, II, and III programming, including planning, scheduling, and implementation.
Directs sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in a manner fully integrated with the CGS approach.
Plans and implements sacramental preparation retreats, parent sessions, and liturgical celebrations.
Participates in ongoing formation related to CGS.
Serves directly as a catechist within CGS atria to support program needs and maintain close engagement with the lived experience of the method.
Oversees the preparation, organization, cleanliness, and reverence of all CGS atrium spaces.
Guides the creation, theological accuracy, repair, and maintenance of CGS materials in fidelity to the CGS method.
Maintains inventory of CGS materials and supplies and directs ordering and restocking as needed.
Collaborates with parish leadership on long-term planning for atrium growth and facility expansion.
Recruits, forms, mentors, and supports CGS catechists, aides, and volunteers.
Serves as mentor and guide to catechists, supporting their spiritual, theological, and methodological development.
Provides observation, feedback, and accompaniment to catechists to ensure fidelity to the CGS method and to the Catholic faith.
Ensures all volunteers comply with diocesan Safe Environment policies and maintain current credentials.
Maintains catechist and volunteer records in accordance with diocesan retention policies.
Organizes catechist meetings, reflections, retreats, and ongoing formation opportunities.
Coordinates parish-hosted CGS formation courses in collaboration with certified CGS formators and CGSUSA.
Coordinates with the Saint Andrew Catholic School CGS program schedules and materials.
Directs and promotes student registration and ensures current forms are maintained in parish offices and digital systems.
Develops yearly schedules for CGS sessions, sacramental preparation, and related programming in consultation with the pastor and other pertinent staff in the parish.
Supervises the CGS Program Coordinator and delegates operational and administrative tasks as appropriate.
Prepares class lists, attendance records, catechist assignments, and atrium schedules.
Coordinates facility usage for CGS programming and sacramental preparation.
Orders, receives, maintains, and distributes CGS materials and program resources with appropriate financial oversight.