Family Life & Catechesis Coordinator

St. Theresa Catholic Church•Austin, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Leads parish-wide faith formation for children (K–8) and their families, including catechesis, sacrament preparation, and family-based formation. Recruits, trains, and supports volunteers while coordinating programs aligned with the liturgical year. Spearhead parish efforts in developing healthy and Christ centered marriages within our community. Empowers parents to be the primary catechists to their children, with the understanding that the most effective formation in the faith happens at home. Frequent weekend work, mainly Sunday mornings throughout the school year.

Requirements

Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church
BA in Theology, religious studies, a related field, and/or equivalent work experience
Experience coordinating Religious Ed and/or children's faith formation programs preferred
Strong knowledge of Catholic teaching
Program development and execution
Volunteer leadership and training
Event planning and logistics coordination
Proficient public speaker
Clear and prompt communication (written and verbal)
Organization and time management
Pastoral engagement with families
Valid Texas driver’s license.
Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
Local candidates preferred

Responsibilities

As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Theresa Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.
Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
Oversee weekly Sunday Catechesis morning sessions (K–8th)
Communicate weekly with catechists to make sure they are aware of any updates and which lesson they are scheduled to cover next
Recruit, train, and retain catechists and volunteers each year; provide formation opportunities and ongoing support alongside other department members
Monitor classrooms and volunteers throughout the session time
Coordinate substitute coverage – step in to instruct when needed
Communicate weekly with families via Flocknote and individually if attendance is low
Plan additional gatherings throughout the year for families (ex: Living Rosary)
Coordinate our new Marriage & Family Formation opportunities in the parish.
Work with the E&C Team in developing a program to foster healthy marriages within our parish communities.
Co-Direct family formation opportunities with the Director of Ongoing Formation & Discipleship.
Lead weekly Liturgy of the Word with Children program during 9:00am Mass (K-5th)
Communicate with teams weekly and send the readings over as well as any special information about the liturgical season or celebration
Coordinate scheduling and substitute coverage – step in to instruct when needed
Oversee bi-monthly Family of Faith catechesis program on Wednesdays (1st-8th)
Lead hybrid “Family of Faith” program combining two parish sessions per month; families work through lessons on off-weeks at home
Plan monthly parent formation, student sessions, and community gatherings
Provide much guidance and structure for family-led instruction, share additional resources to supplement the parents’ own formation and give them space to grow spiritually as they share their faith with their own children
Direct Sacrament Preparation program for families with elementary children (2nd Grade and up) receiving First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Oversee preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for elementary students in 2nd Grade and older
Communicate regularly with families and monitor progress through their home-based activity materials – follow up with families who need additional support
Coordinate retreats for each sacrament, present content, and provide the space and time for families to rest in the Lord
Organize sacramental celebrations (including any rehearsals needed)
Support with pastoral care any families who desire to approach the sacraments for their children with learning disabilities or other special needs
Oversee Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level 1 (ages 3–5) and support the program if needed
Coordinate OCIA Adapted for Children on an as-needed basis with supplemental sessions for families
Vacation Bible School (VBS): Preplanning for this event (held in June) begins in January
Direct full program lifecycle: planning, volunteer recruitment & training, and execution
Coordinate logistics, supplies, communications, and volunteers
Act as MC for the event itself during assemblies; direct skits for each daily gathering
Oversee pre-event decorating and post-event teardown
Parish School Collaboration: Partner with school faculty and staff to support families in need of sacrament preparation
Spearhead organization for school penance services during Advent and Lent