Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE)

Location: St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish, New Albany

Posted: July 14, 2025

Saint Mary of the of the Annunciation Parish is seeking a Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) to assist the intercultural community pastor in handing on the Faith through Catholic Catechesis. This is done by equipping catechetical leaders and facilitating religious education programs for ages Pre-K through Grade 12. The ideal candidate will be bilingual (English & Spanish), possess a strong faith, and a deep love of the Catholic Church. The applicant will be knowledgeable about Church teachings and committed to their faithful transmission to a new generation.

Position Summary

The CRE provides leadership and administration of specific areas of parish life to ensure that the formation needs of parishioners and parish are met while facilitating the living out of the Catholic Faith. The CRE is a person who has a strong faith, witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and is blessed with a deep love of people through the Catholic Church. The CRE’s ministry is rooted in an close relationship with Jesus Christ in His Church. One is knowledgeable about Church teachings and committed to its mission. By one’s life, attitude, and ministry, the parish community is enriched, as is the life of the minister by the mutual sharing of gifts, talents, service, and God’s Grace.

Key Responsibilities

  • Directly oversee, plan, and administer the Wednesday evening Children's Faith Formation Program (CFF) for preschool to 12th grade.
  • Directly oversee, plan, and administer Sacramental preparation for: First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, and Christian Initiation for Children Sacramental preparation. Coordinate liturgical celebrations associated with these Sacraments.
  • Administer and coordinate Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) programing, including program develop, recruit Sponsors & Catechists
  • Recruit and provide ongoing training and support for catechists, classroom assistants, and other catechetical volunteers.
  • Ensure that ministry settings and volunteer catechist personally comply with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
  • Manage communication between catechists, parents, and the parish while respecting confidentiality.
  • Baptism Preparation for English speaking families for infant/child baptisms.
  • Record reception of Sacraments: infant/child baptisms, first communions, confirmations, Christian initiation of children/adults, and weddings.
  • Collaborate with Youth Ministry, Adult Faith Formation, OCIA and other parish programs as needed.

Qualifications

  • An active and practicing Catholic faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, including in the area of Sacramental Marriage, is required
  • Basic knowledge of Sacraments and Sacramental preparations and requirements
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English and Spanish
  • Organizational and leadership abilities especially with small groups
  • Relate to a variety of persons
  • Collaborate with the Parish Ministry team – pastor, parish staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers
  • Maintain confidentiality in all matters
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Daytime working hours with regularly required work during some evenings and weekends with prior notice.
  • Ability to balance working on multiple projects simultaneously

Education, Training, and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Ministry, Religious Studies or Education; or a Pastoral Ministries specific certificate; or equivalent is preferred with at least two years of experience as a catechist is preferred
  • Previous training or applicable experience using array of communication methods
  • Administration related experience which includes working with people and program planning in a church or civic group is helpful
  • Must be able to understand and to comply with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Code of Conduct
  • Must be able to successfully complete the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Child Safety Training
  • Background screening required
  • Valid driver’s license required

To Apply:

Please send your resume and a cover letter to Father Jeremy Gries at: FrGries@HolyFamilyNewAlbany.org.

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