Religion Coordinator

Description

Help run faith formation for children (K–8) and their families, including catechesis & sacrament preparation. Recruits, trains, and supports volunteers while coordinating programs aligned with the liturgical year. Empowers parents to be the primary catechists to their children, with the understanding that the most effective formation in the faith happens at home. Frequent weekend work, mainly Sunday mornings throughout the school year.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Oversee weekly Sunday Catechesis morning sessions (K–8th)
  • Communicate weekly with catechists to make sure they are aware of any updates and which lesson they are scheduled to cover next
  • Recruit, train, and retain catechists and volunteers each year; provide formation opportunities and ongoing support alongside other department members
  • Monitor classrooms and volunteers throughout the session time
  • Coordinate substitute coverage – step in to instruct when needed
  • Communicate weekly with families via Flocknote and individually if attendance is low
  • Plan additional gatherings throughout the year for families (ex: Living Rosary)
• Coordinate volunteers for weekly Liturgy of the Word with Children program during 9:00am Mass (K-5th)
  • Communicate with teams weekly and send the readings over as well as any special information about the liturgical season or celebration
  • Coordinate scheduling and substitute coverage – step in to instruct when needed
• Oversee bi-monthly Family of Faith catechesis program on Wednesdays
  • Lead hybrid “Family of Faith” program combining two parish sessions per month; families work through lessons on off-weeks at home
  • Plan monthly parent formation, student sessions, and community gatherings
  • Provide guidance and structure for family-led instruction, share additional resources to supplement the parents’ own formation and give them space to grow spiritually as they share their faith with their own children
• Direct Sacrament Preparation program for families with elementary children (2nd Grade and up) receiving First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
• Oversee preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for elementary students in 2nd Grade and older
• Communicate regularly with families and monitor progress through their home-based activity materials – follow up with families who need additional support
• Coordinate retreats for each sacrament, present content, and provide the space and time for families to rest in the Lord
• Organize sacramental celebrations (including any rehearsals needed)
• Support with pastoral care any families who desire to approach the sacraments for their children with learning disabilities or other special needs
• Oversee Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level 1 (ages 3–5) and support the program if needed
• Coordinate OCIA Adapted for Children on an as-needed basis with supplemental sessions for families
• Help Prepare for Vacation Bible School (VBS)
  • Preplanning for this event (held in June) begins in January
  • Direct full program lifecycle: planning, volunteer recruitment & training, and execution
  • Coordinate logistics, supplies, communications, and volunteers
  • Act as MC for the event itself during assemblies; direct skits for each daily gathering
  • Oversee pre-event decorating and post-event teardown
• Parish School Collaboration
  • Partner with school faculty and staff to support families in need of sacrament preparation
  • Spearhead organization for school penance services during Advent and Lent

Requirements

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church
• BA in Theology, religious studies, a related field, and/or equivalent work experience
• Experience coordinating Religious Ed and/or children's faith formation programs preferred
• Strong knowledge of Catholic teaching
• Program development and execution
• Volunteer leadership and training
• Event planning and logistics coordination
• Proficient public speaker
• Clear and prompt communication (written and verbal)
• Organization and time management
• Pastoral engagement with families
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
• Local candidates preferred

Working Conditions

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

• The Parish is an at-will employer.

• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.  

• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

• May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off-site locations.

• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.

Requirements

MINISTERIAL CHARACTER

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish (St. Theresa of Lisieux

Catholic Church and School Austin, Texas) which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes

Christ's mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor

employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or laypeople). He shares with them his

mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at the parish help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as

outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to,

and assists the Pastor in, the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the

Church.