Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catechist

Job Purpose:  To assist the preschool and church with ministry and formation needs of children in preschool ages along with the families as they encounter Christ and learn to live within the heart of the Catholic Church.  This position will provide the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation for students ages 3-6 in our preschool and church offerings.

Responsibilities include working as team member to provide Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program.  Teach Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to the children in collaboration with an Assistant, provide communication plan with parents, material development, and maintenance of atrium.

Representative Responsibilities:

1. Team member of the goals and objectives of the CGS program for our preschool and church in accordance with the vision, objectives and goals of St. John the Baptist Catholic School and Church.
2. Work in collaboration with the CGS Coordinator and Preschool Director to support the Catholic culture of our preschool.
3. Teach in the Atrium using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program to students with age range of age 3-6.
4. Prepare for planning of presentations and preparation of the atrium environment.
5. Provide work direction to and work collaboratively with Assistants and any Volunteers.
6. Maintain the integrity of the Atrium to ensure a clean, orderly and attractive environment.
7. Assist with material making and overall maintenance of the Atrium.
8. Maintain proper record of student behavior, participation, work and achievement in the Atrium and report progress as requested.
9. Report and document any accidents/incidents and behavior issues and share needed information appropriate staff.
10. Understand, share, and accept responsibility for the safety and well-being of the children.
11. Maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with youth, parents, staff, volunteers, and parishioners.
12. Communicate effectively with preschool and church families and staff.
13. Attend and participate in quarterly in services for effective ministry.
14. Handle conflicts, challenges, crisis situations, and behavior issues with maturity by providing pastoral care, mentoring and wisdom to both adults and youth. Make the necessary referrals and follow up according to safe environment policies.
15. Be an active member of the St. John’s school and church community by being present and attend school and church events of high visibility as determined by CGS Coordinator. Events can include:  Fall Fest, All Saints, Journey to the Inn, Egg Hunt, Wines to Wishes, St. John’s Feast Day and preschool kick off events and socials.
16. Be available and actively participate in program promotion to parish on Good Shepherd Sunday.
17. Support and help implement ongoing catechetical formation for parents, catechists and staff.
18. Meet regularly with supervisor.

Qualifications

1. Must be a practicing Catholic with a sound understanding of Catholic Tradition and Scripture.

1. Demonstrate understanding and acceptance of Catholic doctrine.
2. Certification in the level of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd teaching - Level 1a, 1b.
3. Three years’ experience working in a similar position preferred.
4. Demonstrated skills and interests in this type of work.

1. Desire to help lead youth of the school and church to become authentic disciples of Jesus Christ.

1. Ability to satisfactorily pass a criminal background check.
2. Be knowledgeable in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Publisher, and Outlook) as well as Google docs.

Mental Demands

1. Ability to work independently.
2. High level of organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and with interruptions.

1. Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills with ability to initiate and problem solve. Must work well with both adults and young people.

1. Strong communication skills that articulate the church mission and invite young people to participate. Effectively able to address conflict and provide inspiration.
2. Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and able to work without supervision, but obtain direction when needed.

1. Comfortable leading a group of children.

1. Understand the importance of confidentiality.

Physical Demands

1. Work the hours per week needed.
2. Able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
3. Able to lift up to 15 lbs. (office materials, etc.) using proper techniques.
4. Able to work long hours when the position demands.
5. Able to participate in evening and/or weekend events if needed.

To apply please send a cover letter and resume to Jill Fink, Director of Discipleship, finkj@stjohnnyb.org. Fax 651-633-7404.