Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Team Member (South Bend, IN)

• Certification in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for at least Level I (or a commitment to complete certification within a year of hire), with a preference for Level II and even Level III certification and experience as an Atrium Assistant.
• Commitment to the 32 Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
• High level of organization, spatial reasoning, attention to detail, cleanliness, and mindfulness
• Clear verbal and written communication skills with professional and pastoral sensibilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, basic familiarity with G Suite tools

• Providing all aspects of CGS to ensure that quality formation in prayer, liturgy and catechesis is provided to all children who attend the CGS Atrium
• Providing catechist facilitation for all CGS sessions operating annually
• Contributing to inventory, damage assessment, purchasing and provision of supplies and furnishings
• Maintaining the logical arrangement of presentation materials and oversee the setup of the Atrium environment twice weekly at each required CGS level each week of the Atrium year (September through May), according to current session needs
• Contributing to the making of catechetical materials as requested by the Coordinator.
• Interfacing directly with the Assistant Principal, teachers being served, and available qualified CGS volunteers as needed to adjust scheduling and staffing for CGS sessions each week and remaining in communication with Coordinator about all such adjustments.
• Ensuring that at least one Catechist certified at the required level and one adult Assistant trained in that role staff each session with children that is conducted.
• Providing ongoing communication and mentorship to all volunteers within the Program as needed, addressing practical concerns that arise, etc.
• Providing parent communication in the form of newsletters and informational updates as needed
• Assisting in the setup/breakdown between Atrium configurations as requested
• Being present to promote CGS at the annual Ministry Fair (Aug)
• Being present onsite to provide tours of the CGS Atrium at Back to School Night (Sep), the Catholic Schools Open House (Jan), and as requested by the wider CGS community
• Assisting the Coordinator as needed with other responsibilities
• Meeting regularly with one another, i.e. monthly, to discuss issues related to the CGS Atrium

• Overseeing the ongoing acquisition and activity of volunteers as needed (as many as possible) in service to the Atrium, including:
  • Recruiting adult assistants, and substitutes, arrange for their proper formation and training, and schedule them to conduct catechetical sessions in the Atrium as needed
  • Verifying the Safe Environment clearance of all volunteers with the School Safe Environment Coordinator prior to the start of CGS sessions
  • Observing twice annually in each catechist’s Atrium sessions
  • Coordinating substitute volunteer staffing in Atrium sessions when regular weekly volunteers cannot be present, as much as is possible
  • Scheduling, instructing, and/or guiding materials volunteers in making and/or repairing CGS catechetical materials as needed
  • Scheduling, instructing, and/or assisting supply volunteers in purchasing or providing supplies and services for the Atrium (e.g. art supplies, clean laundry, flowers)
• Scheduling Atrium sessions for the school year in cooperation with the Assistant Principal, teachers being served, and available qualified CGS volunteers
• Scheduling Atrium sessions for the parish as needed in cooperation with the Director of Sacramental Preparation and available qualified CGS volunteers
• Oversee and schedule the setup/breakdown of Atrium configurations between levels of instruction as needed
• Presenting volunteers with clear schedules and procedures for work in the Atrium
• Providing parent communication in the form of newsletters and informational updates as needed
• Assigning and scheduling catechists and volunteer assistants
• Distributing the administrative responsibilities described above among the Team members
• Organizing and leading regular meetings to review the program and address issues
• Meeting with the Pastor and Principal at least twice a year to ensure the ongoing fruitfulness of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Christ the King
• Scheduling requests from individuals to observe in CGS Atrium sessions and clear visitors during the school day with the School Safe Environment Coordinator
• Coordinating the hosting of on-site formation courses sponsored by the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGSUSA) as needed to fortify the team of catechists
• Remaining in communication with the Principal, Assistant Principal and classroom teachers about changes in school schedules, events, and procedures within the School and communicate/coordinate these with the volunteers as needed
• Remaining in communication with the Director of Sacramental Preparation regarding sacramental preparation needs that arise, including Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist
• Arranging coverage for sessions when scheduled catechists and assistants are unable to be there

This is a part time position