Director of Faith Formation - Jefferson City, MO

Description

The Director of Faith Formation serves as the pastoral leader responsible for cultivating a vibrant culture of evangelization and discipleship throughout the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Working collaboratively with the Pastor, parish staff, school leadership, and volunteers, the Director leads the parish's efforts to form intentional disciples of Jesus Christ by accompanying individuals and families at every stage of faith.

The Director oversees all faith formation ministries, sacramental preparation, and catechetical programs while intentionally reaching those on the margins of parish life—especially school families, young adults, and young families—inviting them into a deeper relationship with Christ and full participation in the life of the Church.

This full-time exempt position requires a missionary mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Essential Responsibilities

Evangelization and Discipleship

• Develop and implement a comprehensive parish strategy for evangelization and lifelong discipleship for parishioners of all ages.
• Foster a parish culture that moves people from initial encounter with Christ toward mature discipleship and active missionary witness.
• Build pathways that invite inactive Catholics and those disconnected from parish life into meaningful relationships with Christ and the Church.
• Collaborate with the Pastor to ensure all faith formation efforts support the parish's evangelizing mission.

Engagement of School-Age Families and Those on the Margins of Parish Life

• Develop intentional outreach strategies to engage families enrolled in the parish school (or enrolled at Helias) who are not actively participating in parish life.
• Enrich the experience of homeschool and public-school families by assisting them in forming a deeper connection to the parish community.
• Build relationships with parents through hospitality, educational opportunities, discipleship relationships, family events, and faith-sharing experiences.
• Create accessible entry points for individuals and families who may feel disconnected from the Church.
• Work collaboratively with school administration and faculty to strengthen the partnership between parish and school.
• Provide spiritual and theological formation for members of school administration and faculty.

Young Adult and Family Ministry

• Develop, oversee, and grow ministries that engage young adults, newly married couples, and families with children.
• Recruit, train, and mentor volunteer leaders to sustain vibrant ministries.
• Create opportunities for fellowship, service, prayer, and ongoing faith formation tailored to various stages of life.
• Encourage intergenerational participation and leadership within parish ministries.

Catechesis and Sacramental Preparation

Provide overall leadership and oversight for:

• Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) – especially in leading the transition to a year-round program.
• Parish School of Religion (PSR), if applicable.
• Bible & Book studies and small faith-sharing groups
• Family catechesis initiatives
• First Reconciliation preparation (in collaboration with school faculty)
• First Holy Communion preparation (in collaboration with school faculty)
• Confirmation preparation (in collaboration with school faculty)
• Ongoing sacramental mystagogy following reception of the sacraments

Leadership and Administration

• Recruit, train, supervise, and support catechists and ministry volunteers.
• Develop annual ministry goals and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Prepare and administer the departmental budget.
• Collaborate with the Sacramental Records Coordinator and become familiar with the process of maintaining accurate sacramental and ministry records.

Required Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church whose life reflects the teachings of the Catholic faith.
• Demonstrated commitment to evangelization and missionary discipleship.
• Thorough knowledge of Catholic theology, Scripture, and Church teaching.
• Willingness to work a several evenings each month (4-6) assisting with events related to faith formation (XLT, sacramental planning & prep, OCIA, etc.)
• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Ministry, or related field.
• Minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible parish or diocesan ministry leadership.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to recruit, inspire, and mentor volunteers.
• Proficiency with parish management software and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.