Parish Catechetical Support Manager

Archdiocese of Chicago, Office of Catholic Schools•Chicago, IL

49d

About The Position

Responsibilities: Management Works with Director to guide and manage archdiocesan efforts of the Office of Lifelong Formation to support and equip parish catechetical leaders and catechists. Supervises the personnel of the Children and Family Ministry and Catechist Formation teams; establishes and guides a practical vision for those ministries. Stays up-to-date on the ministry initiatives and projects of the Office of Lifelong Formation and manages the communication of those initiatives and projects to members of the ministry team, other offices within the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission, vicariate teams, parish leaders, and outside agencies. Reviews/approves catechist formation resource development and manages the integration and alignment of the catechetical leader and catechist formation ministries with the overall vision and priorities of the Office of Lifelong Formation. Strategy Development Works with Director to design and implement a strategic plan for communication with vicariate leadership teams. Attends vicariate leadership team meetings and interacts with members of the vicariate teams to gain an understanding of the unique needs of each vicariate. Determines actionable steps for Office of Lifelong Formation team to meet the needs of formation ministry leaders throughout the archdiocese. Conducts needs analysis, assesses and makes determinations as to the needs and challenges of parish catechetical leaders, and manages integration and alignment of those needs with the ministry initiatives and priorities of the Office of Lifelong Formation. Designs, implements and evaluates a practical vision for the support of parish catechetical leaders and catechists, including management of the annual Catechetical Leadership and Catechist Formation Days; manages development of a catechetical leader and catechist support calendar in collaboration with the senior coordinator team; oversees the vicariate support Relationship Development and Maintenance Establishes and maintains external relationships with outside agencies; leads and directs ministry teams on related special projects (e.g., Catechetical Leadership Renewal Initiative with USML). Fosters a spirit of creativity, collaboration, professionalism, and accountability among office staff. Evaluates the capacity of team members for special projects. Leads and participates in committees, projects, or initiatives consistent with the responsibility level of this position, as assigned by the Director of the Office of Lifelong Formation. Increases skills and knowledge through continuing education, attending conferences and reading appropriate literature.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry or related field of study from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience
5-8 years of pastoral experience in parish formation
Fully committed to the Catholic Church's teaching on the Gospel message.
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, including persons with varied social, ethnic, and cultural
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills, with strong conflict resolution skills.
Strong working knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Power Point, Excel and Teams.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Theology or related field of study and/or current pursuance of a graduate degree in related field of study.
8+ years of proven professional experience in the field of formation, outreach, ministry and administration as well as experience in leadership and management.
Expertise and ability to mentor colleagues toward
Demonstrated project management experience, including experience with project management software.
Bilingual English skills and fluent in written and spoken Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Works with Director to guide and manage archdiocesan efforts of the Office of Lifelong Formation to support and equip parish catechetical leaders and catechists.
Supervises the personnel of the Children and Family Ministry and Catechist Formation teams; establishes and guides a practical vision for those ministries.
Stays up-to-date on the ministry initiatives and projects of the Office of Lifelong Formation and manages the communication of those initiatives and projects to members of the ministry team, other offices within the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission, vicariate teams, parish leaders, and outside agencies.
Reviews/approves catechist formation resource development and manages the integration and alignment of the catechetical leader and catechist formation ministries with the overall vision and priorities of the Office of Lifelong Formation.
Works with Director to design and implement a strategic plan for communication with vicariate leadership teams.
Attends vicariate leadership team meetings and interacts with members of the vicariate teams to gain an understanding of the unique needs of each vicariate.
Determines actionable steps for Office of Lifelong Formation team to meet the needs of formation ministry leaders throughout the archdiocese.
Conducts needs analysis, assesses and makes determinations as to the needs and challenges of parish catechetical leaders, and manages integration and alignment of those needs with the ministry initiatives and priorities of the Office of Lifelong Formation.
Designs, implements and evaluates a practical vision for the support of parish catechetical leaders and catechists, including management of the annual Catechetical Leadership and Catechist Formation Days; manages development of a catechetical leader and catechist support calendar in collaboration with the senior coordinator team; oversees the vicariate support
Establishes and maintains external relationships with outside agencies; leads and directs ministry teams on related special projects (e.g., Catechetical Leadership Renewal Initiative with USML).
Fosters a spirit of creativity, collaboration, professionalism, and accountability among office staff. Evaluates the capacity of team members for special projects.
Leads and participates in committees, projects, or initiatives consistent with the responsibility level of this position, as assigned by the Director of the Office of Lifelong Formation.
Increases skills and knowledge through continuing education, attending conferences and reading appropriate literature.