Director of Family Faith Formation - St. James Parish - Arlington Heights - Vic. I

Archdiocese of Chicago•Houston, TX

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Family Faith Formation (DFFF) will be a full-time member of the parish’s Pastoral Staff and will report to the Pastor. The DFFF will be responsible for a comprehensive parish faith formation ministry for families with children in grades pk-12. The mission of the DFFF is to help families encounter Jesus, grow in relationship with Him, and assist them in learning the Catholic Faith. The DFFF, in collaboration with other members of the Pastoral Staff, will lead the parish’s catechetical, evangelization, and outreach efforts for families to assist this larger mission. This position offers great opportunities to be creative, think outside the box and grow ministries already in place in a collaborative environment.

Requirements

Practicing Catholic who fully adheres to and models the Church’s teachings of faith and morals.
Education: BS or BA in theology, education, pastoral studies, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience in the field of education, administration, management, program/level coordinator, training of volunteer catechists, youth ministers and/or other ministers.
Compliant with the VIRTUS - Protecting God’s Children program.
Strong organizational, communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills.
Ability to lead and inspire volunteers and families.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, web content management, and social media.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Certificate in Catechetical Leadership, Religious Education, or Youth Ministry from a Catholic Institution or diocese.
Completion of Lay Ministry program, Diaconate program, or other extensive non-academic, formalized ministerial training is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Provide vision and leadership for a comprehensive family faith formation ministry that accompanies families in growing as disciples of Jesus Christ within a large and diverse parish community.
Create and sustain meaningful opportunities for families to encounter Christ, participate in parish life, and deepen their faith together.
Identify, invite, and form parishioners to serve in ministry, cultivating a spirit of co-responsibility by equipping catechists, small group leaders, and volunteers to share their gifts joyfully.
Mentor and support a broad team of volunteers and leaders, fostering collaboration, encouragement, and ongoing spiritual growth.
Develop and oversee formation pathways for parents and families, especially those connected to the St. James School and our RE programs, recognizing parents as the primary educators of their children in the faith.
Collaborate with clergy and parish staff in preparing families for the sacraments, ensuring experiences that are welcoming, formative, and rooted in the life of the parish.
Assist with the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), accompanying individuals and families as they journey toward full initiation into the Church.
Plan and coordinate parish-wide opportunities for formation and encounter, such as speaker series, missions, retreats, and seasonal gatherings that can serve a large parish community.
Develop and promote marriage enrichment and family life initiatives that strengthen relationships and support the domestic Church.
Organize parish celebrations and community events that foster belonging, hospitality, and unity across a diverse parish.
Coordinate Advent and Lenten opportunities for reflection and renewal, inviting broad participation through accessible and engaging formats.
Ensure all programs and events uphold Archdiocesan safe environment policies, prioritizing the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families.
Communicate consistently and pastorally with families through a variety of platforms, ensuring clarity, invitation, and a sense of connection.
Participate actively in parish staff life, including regular meetings, shared planning, and ongoing formation.
Oversee the administration of family faith formation ministries, including scheduling, registration, resource management, and budget stewardship.
Regularly assess and adapt ministry efforts in response to the needs of a large and growing parish, remaining attentive to where the Holy Spirit is leading.
Supervise, mentor, and collaborate with middle school and high school youth ministers, providing guidance, support, and integration of youth ministry within the broader vision of family faith formation.
Other duties as assigned.