Director Of Religious Education - St. Joseph's Parish - Pomfret Maryland

The Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry is responsible for creating and implementing

comprehensive catechetical and sacramental preparation programs for youth and adults at St. Joseph. This role also supports the pastoral mission of the parish through digital media outreach, liturgical planning, and organizing larger-scale events that engage the faith community.

Key Responsibilities

• Sacraments of Initiation Preparation Programs (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation)

Develop and oversee comprehensive catechetical programs for children and youth preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. Coordinate with families, catechists, and

clergy to ensure thorough preparation, including catechetical sessions, retreats, parent meetings, and

liturgical celebrations.

• Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)

Lead the parish's OCIA process, providing catechesis and spiritual formation for adults preparing to enter the Catholic Church. Collaborate with clergy and sponsors to guide candidates through the stages of

conversion, culminating in their full initiation during the Easter Vigil.

• K-8th Grade Faith Formation on Monday Evenings Through the School Year

Plan and coordinate weekly religious education classes for K-8 students. Recruit, train, and support

catechists to provide engaging and doctrinally sound instruction. Communicate regularly with parents and ensure curriculum aligns with Archdiocesan guidelines.

• Adult Faith Formation Programming Opportunities

Create and implement opportunities for adult parishioners to deepen their faith, including Bible studies,

small group discussions, speaker events, and parish missions. Ensure programming meets the spiritual

needs of a diverse adult population.

• Manage the Parish Social Media

Oversee the parish's social media platforms to effectively communicate parish events, catechetical

content, and spiritual reflections. Develop a consistent posting schedule to engage parishioners and

promote the mission of St. Joseph.

• Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection Coordinator

Serve as the parish liaison for the Archdiocese's Child Protection Policy. Ensure compliance with all child protection training and background check requirements for staff and volunteers working with minors.

Maintain accurate records and provide guidance on best practices for safeguarding children.

• Youth Ministry Programming, Including a Monthly Youth Night for 6th-12th Grade Students

Plan and execute engaging Youth Ministry programs to foster faith development and community among

middle and high school students. Organize monthly Youth Nights, service opportunities, and other events that combine catechesis, fellowship, and fun.

• Sacraments of Initiation Preparation Programs (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation)

Develop and oversee comprehensive catechetical programs for children and youth preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. Coordinate with families, catechists, and

clergy to ensure thorough preparation, including catechetical sessions, retreats, parent meetings, and

liturgical celebrations.

• Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)

Lead the parish's OCIA process, providing catechesis and spiritual formation for adults preparing to enter the Catholic Church. Collaborate with clergy and sponsors to guide candidates through the stages of

conversion, culminating in their full initiation during the Easter Vigil.

• K-8th Grade Faith Formation on Monday Evenings Through the School Year

Plan and coordinate weekly religious education classes for K-8 students. Recruit, train, and support

catechists to provide engaging and doctrinally sound instruction. Communicate regularly with parents and ensure curriculum aligns with Archdiocesan guidelines.

• Adult Faith Formation Programming Opportunities

Create and implement opportunities for adult parishioners to deepen their faith, including Bible studies,

small group discussions, speaker events, and parish missions. Ensure programming meets the spiritual

needs of a diverse adult population.

• Manage the Parish Social Media

Oversee the parish's social media platforms to effectively communicate parish events, catechetical

content, and spiritual reflections. Develop a consistent posting schedule to engage parishioners and

promote the mission of St. Joseph.

• Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection Coordinator

Serve as the parish liaison for the Archdiocese's Child Protection Policy. Ensure compliance with all child protection training and background check requirements for staff and volunteers working with minors.

Maintain accurate records and provide guidance on best practices for safeguarding children.

• Youth Ministry Programming, including a Monthly Youth Night for 6th-12th Grade Students

Plan and execute engaging Youth Ministry programs to foster faith development and community among

middle and high school students. Organize monthly Youth Nights, service opportunities, and other events that combine catechesis, fellowship, and fun.

Qualifications Required:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, with a strong understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions.
• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Education, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in parish catechetical ministry or youth ministry.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by parish programs and events.
• Proficiency with digital tools, including Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and parish management software.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with modern technology tools such as Canva, Photos hop, or streaming media platforms.
• Experience in content creation, including digital and social media strategies.

Applications should be emailed to Father Stokes at stjoepastor@comcast.net and copied to the parish office at stjoeoffice@comcast.net with the subject line: "Application for Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry- [Your Name]."

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.