St. Martha School in Okemos is seeking a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Lead Teacher: Level I amp; II. This position is part-time (not to exceed 8 hours per week), Monday 8:30am-10:30am and 1pm-3pm and Wednesday 9:00am-11:30am and 1pm-3pm and will report to the Principal amp; Director of Faith Formation.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
At St. Martha School, we believe each child is uniquely created in the image and likeness of God and is called to grow in faith, knowledge, and love. We are seeking a compassionate, faith-filled Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Lead Catechist to guide children in preschool through second grade as they deepen their relationship with Jesus. Rooted in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd philosophy, the Lead Catechist fosters a peaceful, prayerful Atrium where children encounter Scripture and the liturgy through hands-on materials, reflection, and wonder. Serving as a guide, the catechist presents CGS lessons, supports children's independent work, models prayer, and nurtures each child's spiritual growth while collaborating with families and school staff to cultivate a community rooted in faith, kindness, and belonging.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Prepare and maintain the CGS Atrium to create a peaceful, organized environment that fosters prayer, concentration, silence, and contemplation for both children and adult catechists.
- Prepare, organize, and care for catechetical materials used in the Atrium, collaborating with others as needed to create or obtain new materials.
- Present Catechesis of the Good Shepherd lessons that introduce children to Sacred Scripture, the liturgy, and the person of Jesus Christ in accordance with the CGS methodology.
- Guide and support children as they engage independently with Atrium materials, encouraging reflection, wonder, and spiritual growth.
- Train, direct, and collaborate with Atrium aides and volunteers to ensure they effectively support the catechetical environment and the needs of the children.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers and the principal to coordinate Atrium schedules and integrate the catechetical program within the school community.
- Model a prayerful Christian life and foster an atmosphere rooted in faith, reverence, kindness, and respect.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Education: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Level I and Level II formation preferred, or willingness to complete required training as soon as possible.
Eagerness to continuously enrich teaching expertise through engagement in professional development opportunities.
Experience: Experience working with young children in a faith formation, educational, or catechetical setting preferred.
Experience presenting Catechesis of the Good Shepherd materials is preferred.
Required: Commitment to supporting the mission, values, and philosophy of Catholic educations while fostering the faith development of students.
Fully initiated member of the Catholic Church in good standing.
Willingness to share in the child's religious experience and foster a prayerful, contemplative environment.
Approaches children with humility, respect, and reverence for their unique relationship with God.
Must pass a criminal background check and complete the protecting God's Children VIRTUS program.
Physical Demands: The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Lead Catechist must be able to perform the physical activities necessary to support a safe, prayerful, and effective Atrium environment. This position requires preparing, organizing, and maintaining catechetical materials; standing and walking for extended periods; sitting on the floor or in child-sized seating while working with children; bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The catechist must be able to supervise children in the Atrium and other school settings, operate standard classroom technology and equipment, communicate effectively with children, families, volunteers, and staff, and respond promptly to student needs and emergency situations. The position requires maintaining confidentiality, exercising sound judgment, and demonstrating professionalism at all times.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.
To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the online application.