Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry

Diocese of Des Moines • Creston, IA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Religious Education and Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Holy Spirit Parish in Creston, Iowa, is responsible for bringing love, compassion, and faith to the young people of the parish. This role provides vision and leadership for all catechetical, youth, and young adult evangelization efforts. The position manages Religious Education (Pre-K–10th Grade), Sacramental Preparation, and ministries for pre-K to middle school, high school, and young adults. The Director will recruit volunteers, build the faith community, and inspire families to participate in the Church's sacramental life and their children's faith development, following USCCB framework and Des Moines Diocese guidelines.

Requirements

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church or enrolled in OCIA and preparing to become Catholic within one year of acceptance of the position.
• Prior experience planning and developing programs for large and small groups of people desired.
• Background in education and training preferred.
• Previous experience as religious education instructor is helpful.
• Physical ability to operate standard office equipment, lift up to 45 lbs, and travel for retreats, conferences, diocesan events.
• Has a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Background in theology, education, or youth ministry preferred.
• Proven experience planning programs and leading groups or classes.

Responsibilities

• Directs the Wednesday evening Religious Education (RE) for Holy Spirit Parish (Grades 1–10) from September to May.
• Coordinates sacramental preparation, parent/sponsor meetings, logistics, and dates for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
• Selects curriculum resources in consultation with the Pastor and the school principal; teaches RE lessons as needed.
• Lead the transition of the parish’s religious education to align with the new diocesan Confirmation plan.
• Plans and executes comprehensive ministry programs, social events, and outreach for children (Pre-K–5th Grade), youth (Grades 6–12), and young professionals.
• Forms & Runs the Youth Leadership Team.
• Integrates youth into parish life through liturgy, devotions, hospitality, service projects, and altar server training and scheduling.
• Organizes youth retreats and Confirmation service opportunities in collaboration with parish staff.
• Recruits, trains, mentors, and evaluates volunteer catechists and adult youth mentors.
• Manages safe environment compliance by ensuring all volunteers complete background screenings and VIRTUS training on time.
• Manages the RE and Youth Ministry budgets, submits receipts, and tracks registration fees.
• Maintains accurate database records (family rosters, attendance, sacramental registries) using ParishSOFT and any approved database.
• Communicates program updates via email, text, phone, website, and social media.
• Attends staff meetings and presents half-yearly updates to the Pastoral Council.
• Complies with all Diocese of Des Moines policies and participates in diocesan leadership training and workshops.
• Actively pursue personal, spiritual, and professional growth through regular prayer, Scripture study, theological reading, workshops, and holistic self-care.

Benefits

• Optional health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Parish-provided long-term disability and $25,000 group term life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement program with a parish match of 50% up to 8% of employee contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed