Catechist Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Name: Diocese of San Diego, Pastoral Center

Location: 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, CA 92117

Reports to: Director for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry

Employment Type: Full Time (evenings and weekends required)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $70,304/yr.

Position Overview

The Associate Director (AD) will assist the Director and work collaboratively with the team in developing, envisioning, creating, leading, and providing ongoing leadership formation for parish catechetical ministers, catechists and Master Catechists. The AD will assist with the coordination, implementation of evangelizing catechesis formation processes throughout the various areas of ministry such as: Pre-K thru Eighth grade, pre-baptism preparation, sacramental preparation, OCIA and adult faith formation. Assist in the development and implementation of parish level evangelization and discipleship formation for persons of various cultures.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating the event calendar, workshops, in-services, courses, and retreats in San Diego and Imperial counties.
• Provides initial and on-going leadership and catechist formation and certification for parish catechists, catholic schoolteachers who teach religion, and other parish catechetical ministers.
• Provides initial and on-going formation for Master Catechists through Master Catechist formation courses, workshops, in services and retreats.
• Provide guidance to parishes and their ministers pertaining to certification and ongoing renewal.
• Provide guidance to parishes and their ministers pertaining to sacramental catechesis, pre-baptism team preparation, special needs, OCIA, adult formation, bible studies, evangelization and forming disciples.
• Assist with the development of guidelines and processes in the areas of evangelization and catechesis.
• Attend and co-lead (when necessary, in the absence of the Director) DCM deanery meetings.
• Promotes networking of parish DCM’s/coordinators.
• Assists in coordinating the annual Diocesan Rite of Election ceremonies.
• Collaborate with other diocesan offices to promote evangelizing catechesis and design new approaches to establish a new means of serving diverse populations.
• Assist where needed with translations.
• Evaluates and updates curriculum for basic catechist courses and master catechist courses.
• Serves as a resource to parishes through consultation and visitation.
• Assists in the coordination of catechetical conferences.
• Attends staff and commission meetings.
• Keeps abreast of current developments, publications and programs through reading, attendance at conferences, workshops, and courses.
• Perform other administrative duties as required.

Religious Requirements

• Active, practicing Roman Catholic.
• Thorough knowledge and familiarity with the organizational structure and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and its diverse members.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Bishop of San Diego’s vision for Synodality, Catholic Social Teaching, and fostering unity in Christ through collaborative and faith-centered ministry service.

Knowledge & Skills

• Proactive and ability for independence in judgment in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.
• Skill in planning medium to large scale events and organization.
• Able to evaluate, develop and apply catechetical/evangelization programs.
• Skilled in the use of human and public relations, listening and communications.
• Avid in using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage, maintain and communicate via Flocknote.
• Ability to use Canva software and/or Adobe Photoshop or other graphic/art publishing software.
• Ability to post and create content for social media.

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree in Pastoral Theology or the equivalent and substantial experience at the parish or diocesan level.
• Proven track record of growing discipleship within your parish or diocese.
• Bilingual and Bicultural (English / Spanish) Required.
• Intercultural skills – Sensitivity towards the various cultures which make up our local church.
• Understanding of the implications of Evangelization and its relationship with Catechesis.
• A strong understanding of the parish ministry experience working with various catechetical programs.
• Knowledge of diocesan and parish structures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Have an understanding of networking and telecommunications and the impact of media and technology on the learning process.
• Ability to work with clergy, accompany and guide pastoral minsters, and lay people.
• Creative ability to innovate, adapt and embrace co-responsible leadership.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to be in an office at a computer workstation and access information from a computer and use a telephone. The employee is also regularly required to perform moderate manual labor including frequent bending, walking and lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the pastoral center, as well as maneuver throughout the facility to attend meetings, briefings, and other work-related events. The employee will be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend meetings or events.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Catholic Diocese of San Diego is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.