Location: Annunciation Parish, Newington

FLSA Code: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Pastor
Hours per Week: 20 (including weekends; flexibility required). Time will be split between planning and coordination for courses in addition to time in the classroom.

Contact for Applicants:
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest to Fr. Kukulka at fr.kukulka@aohct.org and Dolores Mihaliak at dre@annunciationnewington.com

Position Overview:
The Director of Religious Education is responsible for designing, developing, directing, and evaluating the parish catechetical program. This role provides leadership in forming a strong foundation for the spiritual growth of children and families, aligning with Catholic values and traditions. The position includes supervisory responsibilities, administrative duties, and the facilitation of faith formation programs, ensuring the success of religious education from Grades 1-10.

Key Responsibilities:
Program Management:

  • Directs the total parish catechetical program, ensuring compliance with Archdiocesan guidelines and the National Catechetical Directory (NCD).
  • Designs and implements religious education curriculum, including Confirmation preparation for Grades 9 and 10.
  • Develops goals, objectives, and strategies for effective faith formation programs.
  • Recruits and staffs religious education program; identifies community leaders to serve students

Supervision & Leadership:

  • Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates catechists and volunteers.
  • Serves as the Parish Coordinator for VIRTUS to ensure compliance with safeguarding policies.
  • Substitutes for catechists when necessary

Community Engagement:

  • Collaborates with families and parish leaders to maintain strong connections between faith formation and community life.
  • Coordinates retreats, service projects, and other religious events for parishioners and youth.

Administrative Duties:

  • Works with the Parish Business Manager to develop and manage the annual budget.
  • Plans and organizes catechist meetings and training sessions (minimum of two per year).
  • Uses Microsoft Excel and other tools to manage program data and schedules.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Theology, Religious Education, or a related field.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong leadership and organizational skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and basic office technology.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to work collaboratively.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and lead volunteers effectively.

Experience:

  • Prior experience in faith formation, religious education, or related pastoral roles is required.
  • Knowledge of Catholic doctrine and a commitment to the mission of Catholic education.

Additional Information:

  • The position involves overseeing 210 children in the parish religious education program.
  • Weekend and evening hours are required.
  • Familiarity with family faith formation and community engagement strategies is essential.

Working Environment:

  • Requires the ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods and to occasionally lift objects up to 25 pounds.
  • Flexibility to work both in-office and during parish events.