Director of Lifelong Formation

Description

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:

The Archbishop, visible principle of unity in his archdiocese, is called to build up the particular Church unceasingly in the communion of all its members, and to ensure that their diverse gifts and ministries, in union with the universal Church, serve to build up all the faithful and to spread the Gospel. (Apostolorum Successores 8).  He must take care that all the affairs which belong to the administration of the whole archdiocese are duly coordinated and are ordered to attain more suitably the good of the portion of the people of God entrusted to him.” (Apostolorum Successores 177).

Each position employed in the Chancery helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE:

As part of the Office of the Vicar General, the Director of Lifelong Formation is responsible for developing and implementing a plan, standards, and programs of formation, education, and certification for youth and young adult ministers, catechists, teachers, and parents. Supports the formation of faith for youth, young adults, and adults in parishes in both English and Spanish. Oversees the Christifideles Program.  The Director is also responsible for developing and implementing standards, processes, and formation for Marriage and Family and Christian Initiation coordinators.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES:

1. Collaborates with the Executive Director and all members of OVG in planning and implementing Lifelong Formation efforts for the Archdiocese of Seattle. This includes supervision of the Directors of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Faith Formation Program Manager and the Faith Formation Associates from the order of the Missionary Sisters of the Rosary of Fatima.
2. Develops, reviews, and implements policies, guidelines, and recommended catechetical and formation resources. Provides support and guidance to pastors, parish staff, and faith communities regarding best practices in Catholic Lifelong Formation.
3. Serves as the point person in the archdiocese to ensure that the Chancery does its due diligence to ensure formation practices for Catholics of all ages and does not stray from normal and acceptable methods as understood by the archbishop.
4. Directs Marriage and Family Life, Christian Initiation, and Faith Formation programs. This includes supervising the Missionary of the Holy Rosary of Fatima Sisters who provide faith formation courses to the Hispanic Community in Spanish.
5. Develops and implements faith formation programs, events, and/or curriculum to address catechetical needs across all age groups, including sacramental preparation, family faith, catechist formation, and lay ministry. Plans, executes, and evaluates the annual lay minister convocation.     
6. Collaborates with team members in the department to conduct formation and development events for Lifelong Formation personnel. This includes taking the lead for the Catechist Certification Program, supervision of the Youth and Young Adult Certification program in coordination with the Christifideles program.
7. Collaborates with other offices, departments, and ministries in the archdiocese providing consultation and support on Lifelong Formation, Intercultural Competency, and Hispanic/Multicultural ministries.
8. Reviews catechetical best practices to improve sacramental participation by the faithful as well as to minimize burdens on those who administer and participate in the programs.
9. Oversees and supervises the Christifideles Program, supporting its staff members in their efforts to educate and form Catholic lay ministers.  Co-supervises clergy leaders in collaboration with VC/VG.
10. Oversees the development and administration of budgets and effective stewardship of resources allocated to the Department of Lifelong Formation. This also includes grant management as appropriate.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Primary: 

1. Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop.
2. Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the local Church in support of lifelong formation and the collaboration between lay and ordained Ministers.
3. Ability to promote an evangelizing catechesis to the faith community in the Archdiocese.
4. Active member of a parish/faith community in good standing with the Church.

Education:

1. Master's degree in religious education, theology, pastoral studies or related field
2. Ph.D. in theology, religious education or education with an emphasis in religious education desirable.

Experience:

1. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Catholic formation leadership in universities, colleges, schools, diocese, or parish settings.
2. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. (i.e. Word, Excel, and Outlook)
3. Experience in developing and implementing Catholic formation programs and courses.
4. Experience in program management and administration preferred.
5. Experience in supervising staff.

Other Elements:

1. Strong working knowledge of Catholic parish structures and organizations.
2. Excellent communications skills both verbal and written to facilitate meetings, conduct oral presentations, or write documents.
3. Bilingual skills in English in Spanish preferred
4. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed
5. Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license to travel within the Archdiocese.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.

Salary : $93,000 - $105,000