Director of Religious Education

Job Summary

St. Gerard Majella Parish seeks to bring the fullness of the Gospel to its members and community, collaborating with the Holy Spirit, to foster faith in Jesus Christ. The Director of Religious Education plays a vital role in this mission by helping to form children and families as disciples rooted in prayer, sacramental life, and love for the Church. Working closely with the pastor, school leadership, parents, volunteer catechists, and a Parish School of Religion assistant, the Director oversees religious education and sacramental preparation for the parish, ensuring that all formation programs reflect the richness of Catholic faith and support the spiritual life of the home and parish community. The responsibilities of this position include leadership of religious education in the parish school, the Parish School of Religion program, and sacramental preparation programs.

Job Responsibilities

Parish Catechetical Leadership and Formation

• Establish and maintain effective communication and collaborative relationships with parish staff, school leadership, teachers, catechists, parents, and families.
• Evaluate, select, and requisition textbooks, classroom materials, and worship aids that support parish-wide religious education and sacramental preparation.
• Organize and plan age-appropriate prayer, liturgical, and sacramental opportunities for children and families across the parish school and Parish School of Religion.
• Work with the Archdiocese of Saint Louis to coordinate and oversee the Totus Tuus summer faith formation program at the parish.
• Provide opportunities for parent faith formation to support evangelization within the home. 

Elementary School

• Facilitate spiritual and professional growth of teachers.
• Develop schedules for the celebration of school Masses and the Sacrament of Confession.
• Assist teachers with Mass planning and practice with students who have a special role in the Mass.
• Coordinate and facilitate Theology of the Body curriculum.
• Collaborate with the Coordinator of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to integrate the program in the school curriculum.
• Organize and lead Religious Education Committee meetings. 

Parish School of Religion

• Coordinate the development of religious education guidelines and handbooks.
• Prepare the Parish School of Religion’s educational program schedule of in-person classes and activities.
• Recruit and orientate volunteer catechists.
• Maintain and record data for permanent records.
• Manage the yearly registration process. 

Sacramental Preparation

• Assist with preparation for and celebration of the Sacraments (First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation) for students in the school and PSR.
• Work with parents to keep records of the students’ fulfillment of preparation requirements.
• Secure materials to assist parents, teachers, catechists, and students in their preparation for the sacraments.
• Plan and facilitate parent meetings to begin the period of preparation for the sacraments.
• Facilitate formation of non-Catholic children seeking to be received into the Catholic Church as needed.
• Work with the Pastor and Director of Sacred Music to plan the liturgies associated with the reception of the Sacraments. 

Job Requirements

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, with a strong understanding of Catholic theology and traditions
• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Education, or a related field
• Experience in religious education, catechesis, or a related ministry
• Certification with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (preferred) or willingness to receive training in CGS
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with parish staff, volunteers, and families
• Proficiency in using digital tools and resources for communication and program management
• Commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth
• Desire to share the faith with parishioners of all ages, especially families