Diocese of Rockford – Director of Religious Education and Formation
Department: Department of Educational Services
Reports To: Moderator of the Curia
Position Overview
The Director of Religious Education and Formation is responsible for providing leadership, consultation,
training, and support for formation opportunities and programs for adults, catechists, and lay leaders in
the Diocese of Rockford.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Implement the goals and objectives of the Diocese of Rockford and Department of Educational
Services, especially in regard to catechetical, theological, and lay formation.
- Attend to Diocesan faith formation needs, addressing these needs in conjunction with Catechetical
and Pastoral Leaders at the diocesan, deanery, and parish levels, with a view toward planning and
implementing effective formation programs for persons of all ages.
- Serve as a theological and catechetical resource to the Department of Educational Services and other
diocesan offices and personnel as needed.
- Provide direct supervision to the Regional Directors of Religious Education, including casting the
vision that directs their efforts throughout the various regions of the diocese, meeting with them
regularly, and overseeing their work.
- Prepare and monitor a budget related to programs of responsibility.
- Direct and oversee the planning, implementation and instruction of on-going formation opportunities
for lay leaders throughout the Diocese of Rockford.
- Oversee and promote the Catechist Certification process, programs, and classes offered throughout
the diocese.
- Direct the planning, development, advertising, implementation, and instruction of the curricula of the
Diocese of Rockford Ministry Formation Program. This includes: selecting, securing, and evaluating
parish locations where classes are held; recruiting and maintaining an effective faculty of instructors
and retreat leaders; planning and overseeing the budget and all finances for the program; promoting
the Ministry Formation Program and recruiting prospective candidates through parish visits, contact
with pastors, and pastoral leaders and marketing; overseeing the progress of every candidate in
completing all necessary assignments and attendance requirements for certification.
- Offer courses in the Diocesan Theological Institute that provide ongoing formation opportunities for
Ministry Formation graduates, as well as for Permanent Deacons and their wives.
- Plan and facilitates the New Catechetical Leader workshop annually for new hires throughout the
diocese.
- Administer the Bishop O’Neill Awards annually for outstanding and long-term catechists.
- In conjunction with other staff, collect, monitor, and supervise statistical information and permanent
records related to applicable programs.
- Oversee the dissemination and collection of the Annual Parish Reports by parish catechetical leaders
at every parish in the diocese.
- Assist Pastors with the annual evaluation of catechetical leaders at the parish, as needed.
- Assist other diocesan leaders as needed with the creation and implementation of diocesan Safe
Environment guidelines and policies.
- Attend occasional national and regional meetings, such as the NCCL conference, gatherings of
Illinois Diocesan Directors of Religious Education, etc. and participates in conference or regional
projects and efforts, as needed.
- In conjunction with Regional Directors of Religious Education, attend deanery meetings of parish
catechetical leaders, communicating diocesan-level concerns as needed.
- Meet annually with the Catholic High School Religion Department Chairpersons to discuss issues of
common concern.
- May be given various other assignments and projects consistent with the responsibility level and
general duties of a Director.
Requirements and Preferences
Education Required: Master’s Degree in related field (Theology / Catechesis / Pastoral Ministry);
knowledge of Church doctrine, especially the documents on Evangelization,
Catechesis, and Lay Ecclesial Ministry; familiarity with principles and
dimensions of adult faith formation and catechist formation.
Experience Required: Five-year experience in related field; demonstrated experience in leadership and
management of staff, including fiscal responsibility.
Experience Preferred: At least three-year experience at Diocesan level; working knowledge of diocesan
structures, parishes and operations.
Skills Required: Excellent communication, organizational, administrative, and presentation skills;
proficiency with computers and electronic communication; ability to supervise
and oversee staff; ability to work in collaboration with other diocesan offices to
communicate and implement diocesan vision, guidelines, and policies with parish
leadership; competence in creating and managing budgets and careful monitoring
all spending.
Skills Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred.
Other Required: Must be a practicing Roman Catholic with a strong faith commitment, dedicated
to the Gospel values and living a life of prayer and service, with a mission-driven
understanding of Catholic education and the Church’s vision for lifelong faith
formation; availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Professionals wishing to apply should send a resume and introductory
letter to catholiceducationoffice@rockforddiocese.org
