Director of Religious Education

Job Description: Youth Minister & Director of Religious Education

Position Summary

The Youth Minister & Director of Religious Education serves as a key pastoral leader in the parish, responsible for fostering the faith formation and spiritual growth of children, teens, and their families. This role oversees the parish’s religious education programs (Grades K-12) and develops a vibrant, Christ-centered youth ministry rooted in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, practicing Catholic with a heart for evangelization, strong organizational skills, and a passion for accompanying young people on their journey of faith.

Key Responsibilities

Religious Education (Grades K–12)

• Oversee and coordinate all parish faith formation programs, including sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
• Recruit, train, and support catechists and volunteers.
• Select and implement approved curriculum and resources aligned with diocesan and parish standards.
• Develop yearly program schedules, lesson plans, and parent communication materials.
• Maintain accurate sacramental and attendance records.
• Organize parent meetings, retreats, workshops, and other formation events.
• Ensure all programming complies with diocesan safe-environment policies.

Youth Ministry (Middle School & High School)

• Create and lead youth ministry initiatives that foster community, prayer, service, and discipleship.
• Plan regular youth nights, service projects, Bible studies, service trips, and social events.
• Accompany youth in developing a personal relationship with Christ and participation in parish life.
• Coordinate youth involvement in liturgical ministries, service opportunities, and parish events.
• Engage parents in the spiritual formation of their teens.

Leadership & Administration

• Collaborate closely with the pastor, parish staff, school personnel (if applicable), and diocesan offices.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and materials.
• Communicate effectively with families via email, parish website, social media, and print materials.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and faith-filled environment for all children and teens.
• Promote parish events and encourage youth and family participation in liturgies and community life.

Qualifications

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church; must fully support Catholic teaching and mission.
• Bachelor’s degree in theology, religious education, pastoral ministry, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in youth ministry, catechesis, or parish ministry preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and families.
• Competence in planning, organization, and technology (email, social media, parish management tools).
• Must complete diocesan background check and safe-environment training.

Personal Attributes

• A joyful, missionary spirit and a heart for serving young people.
• Creativity in ministry and comfort working with diverse parish families.
• Reliability, professionalism, and ability to take initiative.
• Prayerful and committed to ongoing personal formation.

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Work Schedule

• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holy days as needed.
• Presence at major parish events, retreats, and youth activities is expected.

How to Apply

Please submit a résumé, cover letter, and two references to:
Allycia Rudlaff

4408 S. Westnedge Ave

Kalamazoo, MI 49008

[email protected]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person