.png)
Director of the Office of Life, Marriage, and Family Formation (Fort Wayne, IN; South Bend IN)
Diocesan Job Description: Director of the Office of Life, Marriage, and Family Formation
Classification: Exempt, Ministerial, Full-Time Position (40- hour week position, some evening/weekend work required)
Reports To: Secretary, Secretariat for Catechesis and Evangelization
The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
Job Summary
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is responsible for evangelizing and catechizing the people of northeast Indiana. The Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis exists to assist the bishop in implementing his vision for formation of the people of the diocese by aiding pastors, educators, and catechists, and additional ministerial staff in the human formation of the members of our diocese, ordered toward evangelization and catechetical development. The Director of Life, Marriage, and Family Formation coordinates diocesan programs to provide pastoral care and multi-faceted formation to engaged and married couples in both English and Spanish, to equip and encourage parents in their role as the primary evangelizers of their children, and to foster a culture of life in families and parishes in the diocese.
Primary Areas of Responsibility
Secondary areas of responsibility
Specific Job Skills and Qualifications
Education and Preferred Work Experience
Mutual expectations of the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis
Physical Demands
Classification: Exempt, Ministerial, Full-Time Position (40- hour week position, some evening/weekend work required)
Reports To: Secretary, Secretariat for Catechesis and Evangelization
The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
Job Summary
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is responsible for evangelizing and catechizing the people of northeast Indiana. The Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis exists to assist the bishop in implementing his vision for formation of the people of the diocese by aiding pastors, educators, and catechists, and additional ministerial staff in the human formation of the members of our diocese, ordered toward evangelization and catechetical development. The Director of Life, Marriage, and Family Formation coordinates diocesan programs to provide pastoral care and multi-faceted formation to engaged and married couples in both English and Spanish, to equip and encourage parents in their role as the primary evangelizers of their children, and to foster a culture of life in families and parishes in the diocese.
Primary Areas of Responsibility
- Aid the Secretary in the implementation and operationalization Bishop Rhoades’ vision for evangelization and catechesis in schools and parishes
- Collaborate with other diocesan offices, especially the Office of Hispanic Ministry, the Catholic Schools Office, and others in the Secretariat
- Support parishes and schools in their efforts to evangelize, catechize, and disciple families of the diocese
- Form pastoral ministers through training, resources, and networking
- Special Ministries, Programs, and Events:
- Coordinates programs and events for marriage enrichment and family formation
- Coordinates the diocesan marriage preparation program
- Promotes and publicizes natural family planning services throughout the diocese
- Oversees implementation of the U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities and provides opportunities and resources related to prayer, education, evangelization, pastoral care, and public policy
- Oversees special ministries designed to provide pastoral care and support to families in difficult situations
- Provides training for programs such as Theology of the Body middle school program for teachers and catechists
- Provide support for the chaplains of the Courage and EnCourage chapters in the diocese
- Responds to inquiries and requests from parish staff, couples, and individuals related to marriage, family life and pro-life issues and initiatives
- Provides oversight and direction for social media platforms for the office such as the Facebook page and Instagram account
- Serves as the diocesan liaison with both chapters of the Catholic Medical Guild in the diocese
- Serves as diocesan liaison with pro-life groups in the diocese such as Northwest Indiana Right to Life and Pro-Life Michiana
Secondary areas of responsibility
- Assist pastors in hiring and training of new religious educators, pastoral ministers, catechists
- Develop program budgets, track financial expenditures, pursue grant funding?
- Supervise the Associate Director of Life, Marriage, and Family and other part-time staff
- Support Catholic campus ministries at colleges and universities within the diocese
- Assist with diocesan initiatives such as the Diocesan Synod and Eucharistic Revival?
- Assist with diocesan support programs/grant initiatives such as the Legacy of Faith
- Assist in other duties as directed by the Secretary for Evangelization and Catechesis?
- Participate in and collaborate with the Indiana Catholic Conference
Specific Job Skills and Qualifications
- Catholic and passionate about evangelization and discipleship
- Possesses understanding of education as human formation
- A thorough and detailed knowledge and understanding of the Church’s teachings on marriage, family life, sexuality, and the sanctity of human life
- Familiarity with Pope St. John Paul II’s “theology of the body”
- Proficiency in speaking Spanish
- Demonstrates strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively
- Possesses the necessary skills to be a part of a dynamic team
- Ability to understand and operationalize a broad but deep overarching vision
- Must be self-motivated and reliable, with ability to take initiative, work independently, and meet deadlines
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize responsibilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication and well-developed interpersonal skills
- Ability to collaborate and maintain working relationships with diocesan/parish staff
- Able to think critically, evaluate relevant information, recognize potential issues for concern, recognize alternatives, and reach logical conclusions
- Skilled in editing web pages and managing social media accounts
- Available to work some weekday evenings and weekends as needed for ministry
- Willingness to travel within the diocese
- Ability to help with set up of equipment for events
- Ability to delegate responsibilities clearly to other volunteers
- Demonstrates strong knowledge of computers, office software, and office equipment
Education and Preferred Work Experience
- Master of Divinity/Theology preferred, or bachelor's degree in a related field?with additional study or certification in the theology of marriage, sexuality and family life
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in diocesan or parish-based ministry
Mutual expectations of the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis
- Communicate with pastors, principals, Directors of Religious Education, religion teachers, and catechists
- Foster positive relationships with Catholic colleges and universities to enhance the formation opportunities for our catechists, and teachers
- Collaborate with other dioceses to learn from their programs and best practices
- Participate in local, regional, and national professional development opportunities
- Participate in staff meetings
- Maintain a professional and orderly work area and office
- Represent the Secretariat in a professional manner in all areas including communication, dress, and timeliness
Physical Demands
- Regularly spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers
- Regularly move from sitting to standing positions effortlessly
- Regularly use hands and fingers to lift files, open filing cabinets, and for data entry purposes
- Frequently bend to file paperwork
- Must be able to speak and hear clearly so listeners can understand
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
- Occasionally lift 10-20 pounds
This is a full time position
Visit Careers at Diocese of Fort Wayne - South Bend Diocesan Jobs