Elementary Sacrament Coordinator

Elementary Sacrament Coordinator (Part-time)

Primary responsibilities include the coordination of the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation, as well as educating students in need of out of sequence sacraments.

1. Organize the preparation for and celebration of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, working with parish priests, according to the Archdiocesan guidelines for the celebration of these sacraments and parish standards, including parent meetings, community activities and sacramental liturgies.

• Meet with the catechists in both the full-time school and PSR in Grades 2 and 8 for curriculum information and guidance in their religion classes for sacramental preparation.
• Draft and communicate the annual calendar for sacraments, in consultation with the parish priests, St. Peter Principal, PSR Principal and parish staff.
• Oversee all church sacrament record keeping and reporting to rectory personnel.
• Verify each student’s sacramental record/history and those in need of Professions of Faith.

2. Plan and organize all activities for First Reconciliation and First Communion, including parent meetings, Community Retreat Day, in class practices, church rehearsals, prayer services, photographer scheduling, etc.

• Prepare the service or liturgy for each of these sacraments, collaborating with the Parish Music Director, and recruiting all applicable liturgical ministries, and overseeing the Liturgy Booklet preparation.
• Review curriculum with PSR Principal/catechists and day-school catechists.

3. Plan and organize Confirmation activities, including the Parent-Candidate Meeting, Candidate-Sponsor Reflections, Candidate-Sponsor Day of Reflection, Rehearsal, etc.

• Review curriculum with PSR Principal/catechists and school religion teacher.

• Keep records for the associate pastor on requirements for the Confirmation candidates, including the Sunday Mass reflections, and report regularly.
• Prepare the liturgy for Confirmation according to the requirements of the presiding Bishop. Oversee preparation of the liturgy booklet in collaboration with the Parish Music Director. Recruit and practice with liturgical ministries.
• Coordinate a full preparation program to develop the students for Confirmation in conjunction with the participation of their sponsors.

4. Oversee parish Confirmation candidates from private Catholic schools in the Confirmation program.

• Provide for the participation of private school candidates in the Confirmation curriculum through class attendance and/or home study.
• Communicate with these families to provide the full inclusion in the Confirmation program activities.

5. Oversee the preparation of students for Elementary sacraments that are out of normal sequence.

• Provide for the catechesis of students specific to sacrament preparation.
• Monitor and evaluate child readiness for sacrament.
• Communicate with parents and parish pastor to coordinate sacrament celebrations.
• Oversee the record-keeping and reporting of these sacraments to the rectory staff.

6. Collaborate with other evangelizing ministries of the parish, such as the catechumenate program, youth ministry program, liturgical ministry, parish life committee, and pastoral ministries for charity and justice in carrying out the parish mission.

7. Work with the pastor, principal, and other catechetical leaders of the parish to establish an evangelizing community of faith in which the Gospel message and Catholic identity are proclaimed and celebrated.

8. Take responsibility for his/her own continued spiritual and professional growth.

9. Cooperate with the Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education in assessing, planning, and reporting needs and progress of local, regional and archdiocesan programs.

10. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge of Catholic sacramental theology and liturgy
• Experience in coordinating sacramental programs preferred
• Ability to collaborate with various staff members including clergy, educators, and parish staff
• Understanding of Archdiocesan guidelines and procedures
• Commitment to ongoing spiritual and professional development.
• Previous pastoral leadership experience preferred.
• Practicing Catholic, active in their parish
• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Education or related field and/or Catechetical Leader Certification through the St. Louis Archdiocese (DRE/CRE)
• Proficiency and adaptability in various computer platforms utilized for registration, communication and record-keeping purposes.

Please forward resumes and cover letters to Susan Lueker, PSR Principal, at slueker@stpeterkirkwood.org