Director of Religious Education

POSTION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Director of Religious Education

LOCATION: Our Lady of Guadalupe- Doylestown, PA

REPORTS TO: Pastor July 1, 2026

General Coordination / Administration

The primary responsibility of the Director of Religious Education is the administration and coordination of the Parish Religious Education Program. The role of the Director is:

1. To be accountable to the pastor and function as a part of the parish pastoral staff.

2. To design and administer the parish children’s religious education program from grades one (1) through eight (8) according to Archdiocesan Guidelines, policies and procedures.

3. To work with volunteers in the development, implementation, and maintenance of educational programs to effectively meet the targeted needs.

4. To work in concert with heads of ministry, clergy, staff, parish pastoral council, Archdiocesan Office for Catechetical Formation, Archdiocesan, Private, Public Schools as well as those who are home-schooled.

5. To facilitate the harmonious working together of the various personnel and programs that embody the parish efforts to educate all parishioners, including the Director of Youth Ministry, Parish Catholic Youth Organization, the Parish Liturgy Committee and the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.

6. Develop annual budget and submit for approval.

7. To perform additional administrative responsibilities as listed in this job description and as needed.

Pastoral Staff Responsibilities

1. To maintain communication with the pastor, general manager and other staff members.

2. To attend staff meetings and events.

3. To act as a staff resource person on issues relating to children’s religious education.

4. To be a member of the Parish Pastoral Council.

5. To be a member of the Parish Liturgy Committee.

Administrative Responsibilities for Parish Religious Education Program

The Director of Religious Education is to coordinate and administer the parish religious education program of the parish. Included with this responsibility is the coordination of the sacramental preparation of school-aged candidates for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

1. Develop goals and objectives for the catechetical program (both those attending class and those choosing to be home-schooled).

2. Implement curriculum in accordance with guidelines issued by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of Catechetical Formation.

3. Select appropriate instructional materials.

4. Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate catechists, catechetical assistants, volunteers. Training includes, but is not limited to providing weekly newsletters for catechists and maintaining resource center.

5. Ensure catechists to obtain Catechetical Certification according to the policy set by the Office for Catechetical Formation.

6. Produce and as needed, update the following: Parent/Student Handbook, Catechists, Handbook (also provided to catechetical assistants and volunteers).

7. Monitor and manage Religious Education Registrations through the Parish Giving database.

8. Manage enrollment and input Religious Education data into Ministry Platform.

9. Update Our Lady of Guadalupe Religious Education Website.

10. Review and edit Academic Year Calendar and Sacramental Calendar for approval.

11. Develop and update weekly lesson schedules.

12. Maintain written academic and attendance records for all students.

13. Plan and implement Sacrament Programs, including retreats and service projects, for those receiving First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

14. Use Canva and Google Drive to create Sacrament certificates and Sacramental Mass booklets.

15. Provide sacramental meetings for parents of school-aged candidates for the sacraments for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

16. Coordinate student participants in monthly class Masses.

17. Coordinate/prepare the celebration of First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

18. Coordinate/schedule/prepare the celebration of Advent and Lenten Penance Services with the opportunity for individual confessions for the Parish Religious Education children.

19. Ensure that administrative records/tasks are completed accurately and on a timely basis.

20. Ensure payment of all fees and accurate recording of same.

21. Provide accurate and timely reports, as required.

22. Provide input for and works within the budget allocated for the operation of the program.

23. Follow parish’s established financial procedures.

24. Adjust program components (space, time, materials, etc.) as needed.

25. Provide other assistance and support as needed.

26. Work with General Manager and assist with providing information and support for Finance Council meetings.

Additional Administrative Responsibilities

1. Design, develop and maintain summer education programs for the children associated with the Parish Religious Education Program.

2. Provide access, inclusion and support for children with special learning needs.

3. Coordinate the initiation process and sacramental preparation for unbaptized children and/or children baptized validly in another ecclesial community with the pastor.

4. Serve as a parish coordinator for the children who attend parochial schools in the area.

5. Ensure, in coordination with the General Manager, that the Safe Environment requirements, policies, and mandates for Parish Religious Education as set by the Office for Child and Youth Protection and the Office for Catechetical Formation, Archdiocese of Philadelphia are implemented and maintained.

6. End of Fiscal Year review of Religious Education families donating $750 towards Church offerings. (Family is credited one free tuition for next school year)

7. Oversee FMX scheduling of classrooms at Cold Spring Elementary.

8. Periodic review of safety plans for Cold Spring Elementary.

Position Requirements

1. Proficient computer skills to maintain databases, perform word processing, outlook functions, internet skills and parish data systems skills.

2. Appropriate and friendly communication skills

3. Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters

4. Demonstrates ability to organize work effectively and to set priorities

5. Functions in a manner consistent with the mission of the Catholic Church

Professional Memberships and Activities

Archdiocesan Association of Parish Directors, Coordinators, Administrators of Religious Education (PDCARE).

Archdiocesan sponsored events such as the Catechetical Forum, Fall and Spring Professional Days and Retreats.

Regional and Deanery meetings sponsored by the Office for Catechetical Formation.

Work Environment

Maintains a flexible work schedule averaging five (5) days and at least forty (40) hours per week, including evenings, weekends and special occasions. Scheduled work hours will vary to accommodate program needs as established by the adult faith formation programs, parish religious education programs and summer religious education programs, etc.

If you are interested in applying, please send Jeanne Senour your resume at jsenour@olguadalupe.org