General Summary of the Position
Under the direction of the Director of Children’s and Youth Faith Formation, and in alignment with the vision of St. Mark Catholic Church — forming missionary disciples to transform the world by creating welcoming communities and providing life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ — the Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of parish catechetical programs for elementary-aged children who attend public school or are homeschooled.
This role supports sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, partners with parents as the primary educators of their children in faith, and accompanies catechists in providing evangelizing, age-appropriate formation. The coordinator collaborates closely with parish staff, volunteers, and families to ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and well-organized faith formation experience consistent with diocesan guidelines and parish priorities. This position requires schedule flexibility, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Essential Responsibilities
Program Support and Implementation
- Assist the Director of Children’s and Youth Faith Formation in implementing parish-wide catechetical goals, objectives, and pastoral priorities for elementary faith formation.
- Support the development, execution, and evaluation of elementary faith formation programs in accordance with diocesan standards and parish vision.
- Assist in reviewing, implementing, and maintaining catechetical curricula and resources selected under the direction of the Director.
Catechist Recruitment and Formation
- Recruit, train, support, and accompany catechists and volunteers serving in elementary faith formation and sacramental preparation.
- Assist with catechist formation opportunities, including meetings, in-services, workshops, retreats, and diocesan training.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive catechist community rooted in prayer, shared mission, and ongoing formation.
- Ensure catechists comply with diocesan Safe Environment requirements in coordination with the Director.
Family Engagement and Communication
- Partner with parents and guardians as the primary educators of their children in faith through clear communication, resources, and relational support.
- Coordinate registration, orientation sessions, parent meetings, and sacramental information sessions in collaboration with parish calendars and staff.
- Communicate program expectations, calendars, and parish opportunities to families through parish-approved platforms (email, bulletin, website, etc.).
Sacramental and Liturgical Coordination
- Support preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, including coordinating parent meetings, practices, and materials.
- Assist with the preparation and reverent celebration of child-centered liturgies and sacramental celebrations.
- Encourage family participation in parish liturgical life, especially during Advent, Lent, Easter, and other significant seasons.
Inclusion and Pastoral Care
- Assist the Director in identifying and supporting children with disabilities or special learning needs.
- Coordinate with catechists, families, and parish resources to help implement individualized catechetical plans as directed.
- Promote inclusive and accessible faith formation experiences for all children.
Collaboration and Parish Integration
- Collaborate with the Director, parish staff, school personnel, and other ministry leaders to ensure effective communication, scheduling, and use of facilities.
- Participate in Faith Formation staff meetings, parish staff meetings, ministry days, and workshops as required.
- Support parish-wide catechetical and evangelization initiatives such as Vacation Bible School and seasonal programs.
Administration and Record Keeping
- Maintain accurate program records, including registration, attendance, and sacramental documentation, under the supervision of the Director.
- Assist with supply management, preparation of materials, and coordination of classroom needs.
- Support financial tracking and payment processing in collaboration with departmental staff
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements
- Active and practicing Catholic with a commitment to the mission and teachings of the Church.
- Ability to proficiently speak and write in English and Spanish, required
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work effectively with children, parents, catechists, volunteers, and parish staff.
- Organizational and administrative skills appropriate to a coordinated parish program.
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn age-appropriate catechetical methods and curricula.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and parish database systems (e.g., PDS)
- Flexibility in scheduling, including evenings and weekends and ability to lift and move up to 25–50 lbs.
Education and Experience
- Background in catechetical ministry, education, theology, or a related field preferred.
- Willingness to pursue ongoing formation as required.
Please email cover letter and resume to Debbie Betz at dbetz@stmarkplano.org.
