Religion Coordinator

St. Theresa Catholic Church•Austin, TX

23h

About The Position

The Religion Coordinator helps run faith formation for children in kindergarten through eighth grade and their families, including catechesis and sacrament preparation. The role recruits, trains, and supports volunteers; coordinates programs aligned with the liturgical year; and empowers parents to serve as their children’s primary catechists, recognizing the importance of faith formation at home. The coordinator oversees weekly Sunday catechesis sessions, the weekly Liturgy of the Word with Children program, the bi-monthly Family of Faith program, sacrament preparation for elementary-age children, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1. The role also coordinates OCIA Adapted for Children as needed and leads the planning and delivery of Vacation Bible School, including volunteer recruitment and training, logistics, communications, assemblies, and event setup and teardown. The position partners with parish school faculty and staff to support families preparing for sacraments and organizes school penance services during Advent and Lent. It requires frequent weekend work, particularly Sunday mornings during the school year. Evening and holiday work, local and other travel, and occasional overnight lodging may also be required. The employee serves in close connection with and assists the Pastor in his ministry. The Parish is an at-will employer.

Requirements

BA in Theology, religious studies, a related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
Strong knowledge of Catholic teaching.
Experience coordinating Religious Education and/or children’s faith formation programs is preferred.
Skills in program development and execution.
Volunteer leadership and training skills.
Event planning and logistics coordination skills.
Proficient public-speaking skills.
Clear and prompt written and verbal communication.
Organization and time-management skills.
Ability to engage pastorally with families.
Valid Texas driver’s license.
Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry policies throughout employment.
Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating Religious Education and/or children’s faith formation programs.
Local candidates preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee weekly Sunday morning catechesis sessions for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Communicate weekly with catechists about program updates and upcoming lessons.
Recruit, train, and retain catechists and volunteers; provide formation opportunities and ongoing support in collaboration with department members.
Monitor classrooms and volunteers during sessions.
Coordinate substitute coverage and instruct when needed.
Communicate weekly with families through Flocknote and individually when attendance is low.
Plan additional family gatherings throughout the year, such as a Living Rosary.
Coordinate volunteers for the weekly Liturgy of the Word with Children program during the 9:00 a.m. Mass for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Communicate weekly with program teams, share readings, and provide information about the liturgical season or celebration.
Coordinate scheduling and substitute coverage for the Liturgy of the Word with Children program, and instruct when needed.
Oversee the bi-monthly Family of Faith catechesis program on Wednesdays, including the hybrid format combining parish sessions with at-home lessons.
Plan monthly parent formation, student sessions, and community gatherings.
Provide structure and guidance for family-led instruction, share supplemental resources, and support parents’ spiritual growth as they share their faith with their children.
Direct sacrament preparation for elementary-age families, including preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for students in second grade and older.
Communicate regularly with families, monitor progress through home-based activity materials, and follow up with families who need support.
Coordinate retreats for each sacrament, present content, and provide time and space for families to rest in the Lord.
Organize sacramental celebrations and any necessary rehearsals.
Provide pastoral care to families seeking sacramental preparation for children with learning disabilities or other special needs.
Oversee Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 for children ages three to five and support the program as needed.
Coordinate OCIA Adapted for Children as needed, including supplemental family sessions.
Prepare for Vacation Bible School, including planning beginning in January for the June event.
Direct the full Vacation Bible School lifecycle, including planning, volunteer recruitment and training, and execution.
Coordinate Vacation Bible School logistics, supplies, communications, and volunteers.
Serve as master of ceremonies during Vacation Bible School assemblies and direct skits for daily gatherings.
Oversee Vacation Bible School decorating before the event and teardown afterward.
Partner with school faculty and staff to support families needing sacrament preparation.
Organize school penance services during Advent and Lent.
Adhere to the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry policies throughout employment.