Director of Evangelization and Catechesis

Description

SUMMARY

The Director of Evangelization and Catechesis is a professionally qualified minister responsible for advancing the Church’s mission of evangelization and lifelong catechesis throughout the Diocese of Orlando. This role provides strategic leadership, formation, and support to parish leaders, strengthening catechetical programming through diverse pedagogies that foster mature discipleship and promote the universal call to holiness. Grounded in ecclesial documents, the Director serves as a key advisor on evangelization and catechesis, analyzes emerging pastoral trends—particularly among adults—and develops responsive programs, policies, and resources. The position collaborates within the Secretariat for Laity, Family, and Life and other chancery offices on sacramental formation, manages relationships with lay organizations to ensure alignment with diocesan standards, and supports holistic, age-appropriate catechesis for individuals, families, and parish communities.

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.
2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.
3. Courage: Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.
4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Provides training and resources to parish leadership and works with them to further catechetical programming in a variety of pedagogies that foster mature discipleship and promote the universal call to holiness.
• Provides support and consultation to parish leadership, to evaluate, strategize and implement effective ministry measures and initiatives.
• Establishes and maintains a common understanding of evangelization and catechesis based on pertinent ecclesiastical documents and serves as a key advisor on such matters.
• Analyzes needs/trends affecting adults and strategically uses this information to enhance evangelization and catechesis throughout the Diocese of Orlando. This would include, but is not limited to, developing programs, policies or guidelines as needed.
• Collects information and/or initiates surveys and evaluations that provide required statistical information, as needed.
• Assists, in collaboration with other members of the secretariat and chancery, with catechetical matters pertaining to sacramental formation, including the catechumenate.
• Manages the relationship between the diocese and lay organizations, works with the bishop’s office to verify a diocesan liaison, and assures appropriate insurance and safe environment policies are followed.
• Supports, with other members of the Secretariat, all aspects of age-appropriate and/or community/family catechesis from a holistic perspective.
• Partners with colleagues to utilize department and diocesan communication tools (database, website, publications, etc.) to provide policy guidelines, to recruit project teams, to manage events, and to establish budgetary parameters, etc.
• Provides project-planning, budget preparation and tracking, able to multitask.
• Participates in national, state, and local evangelization and catechetical seminars and conferences as budget and time allows.
• Collaborates with secretariat-head, peers, and colleagues in developing annual goals, outcomes and measures of success for areas of responsibility.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

COLLABORATES WITH

• Secretariat of Laity, Family, and Life Directors
• Secretariat of Communications
• Office of Worship
• Parish Evangelization and Catechetical Leaders
• Clergy

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in theology, ministry, catechetics, or equivalent.
• Five years’ practical parish-level ministry leadership experience.
• Practical diocesan-level ministry leadership experience.
• Appropriate English language speaking and writing ability for a person in an executive position. Fluency in Spanish is considered a plus.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to quickly earn the confidence of those with whom this individual collaborates and coordinates information, including other secretariat heads, directors, members of various diocesan and parish committees, and clergy.
• Familiarity with adult learning models/methods.
• Knowledge of how to develop and implement comprehensive ministry programming.
• Working knowledge of the Catholic Church’s catechetical and evangelical documents and publications.
• Offers excellent interpersonal/relational skills; works collaboratively with others (including diverse people and personalities, including familiarity and comfortability with cross cultural training).

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour day. This person will need to be available in the evening and weekends, as needed. Must be willing to work in conditions of stress and function well under pressure.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. The ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to reach, grasp, feel, and see up close and from afar. Must be able to use basic office computer hardware and peripherals, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to communicate verbally and in written form.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.