Director, Religious Education

Archdiocese of St. Louis • St. Louis, MO

195d

About The Position

St. Gerard Majella Parish seeks to bring the fullness of the Gospel to its members and community, collaborating with the Holy Spirit, to foster faith in Jesus Christ. To that end, the Director of Religious Education (DRE) is responsible for working with the pastor to oversee the religious education and formation programs at St. Gerard Majella Parish and School, as well as to organize and oversee the preparation for and celebration of the Sacraments for the children of the parish. The DRE will develop and implement a curriculum in the school that aligns with Catholic teaching, and will work to equip teachers to implement that curriculum. Likewise, the DRE will work with the pastor to oversee the Parish School of Religion (PSR) program to provide meaningful religious education for children within the parish. The Director will develop and implement a curriculum in the PSR program that aligns with Catholic teaching, and will recruit and train volunteer catechists to help implement that curriculum.

Requirements

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, with a strong understanding of Catholic theology and traditions
• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Education, or a related field
• Experience in religious education, catechesis, or a related ministry
• Certification with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (preferred) or willingness to receive training in CGS
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with parish staff, volunteers, and families
• Proficiency in using digital tools and resources for communication and program management
• Ability to lead and motivate others and delegate effectively
• Commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth
• Desire to share the faith with parishioners of all ages, especially families

Nice To Haves

• Certification with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Responsibilities

• Establish relationships and consistent communication channels with parish personnel, teachers, and school families, keeping them updated and informed of program information.
• Evaluate and requisite resources (textbooks, classroom materials, worship aids) which support curriculum goals and complement the religious education efforts of the parish.
• Organize and plan prayer and sacramental opportunities and events for SGM students and their families.
• Facilitate spiritual and professional growth of teachers.
• Develop schedules for the celebration of school Masses and the Sacrament of Confession.
• Assist teachers with Mass planning and practice with students who have a special role in the Mass.
• Coordinate and facilitate Theology of the Body curriculum.
• Collaborate with the Coordinator of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to integrate the program in the school curriculum.
• Organize and lead Religious Education Committee meetings.
• Assist with preparation for and celebration of the Sacraments (First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation) for students in the school and PSR.
• Work with parents to keep records of the students’ fulfillment of preparation requirements.
• Secure materials to assist parents, teachers, catechists, and students in their preparation for the sacraments.
• Plan and facilitate parent meetings to begin the period of preparation for the sacraments.
• Facilitate formation of non-Catholic children seeking to be received into the Catholic Church as needed.
• Work with the Pastor and Director of Sacred Music to plan the liturgies associated with the reception of the Sacraments.
• Establish relationships and consistent communication channels with parish personnel, catechists, and parish school of religion families, keeping them updated and informed of program information.
• Coordinate the development of religious education guidelines and handbooks.
• Evaluate and requisite resources (textbooks, classroom materials, worship aids) which support curriculum goals and complement the religious education efforts of the parish.
• Organize and plan prayer and sacramental opportunities and events for PSR children and their families.
• Prepare the Parish School of Religion’s educational program schedule of in-person classes and activities.
• Recruit and orientate volunteer catechists.
• Maintain and record data for permanent records.
• Manage the yearly registration process.
• Work with the Archdiocese of Saint Louis to coordinate and oversee the Totus Tuus summer faith formation program at the parish.
• Provide opportunities for parent faith formation to support evangelization within the home.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees