Catholic Religious Education Coordinator

Catholic Religious Education Coordinator

Place of Performance: Ellsworth AFB, SD

General Description:

Serves as resource person, advisor, and coordinator of religious education program for the Ellsworth Air Force Base Catholic Community. Consults and coordinates with the Catholic Chaplain, priest, or designee, who in turn monitors the coordinator’s work.

Specific Tasks:

• Coordinate and execute a full-spectrum program of Catholic religious education with Catholic Priest (Active Duty, Contractor, or designee; here and throughout this document) in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. The program will include Children’s Church, Pre-K through 8th grade Religious Education instruction, pre-sacramental instruction (First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation) and must meet the needs of the Catholic community using curriculum and programs approved by the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) and the Wing Chaplain.

• Organize classes; recruit volunteer teachers, substitutes, and other necessary staff for all aspects of the religious education program; initiate process of background checks for volunteers and local procedures.

• Record and submit AFFCARS data to Catholic Priest as required.

• Ensure all volunteers working with minors adhere to the local procedures.

• Stock and maintain Catholic RE supplies in chapel classrooms from chapel supplied items. Ensure classroom environment is appropriate as directed by the Catholic Priest, Air Force Instructions, and local policy.

• Coordinate with Chapel Staff to ensure proper scheduling of all Catholic RE events to preserve adequate space and time allotments for Catholic RE events/programs. Advise chapel staff on changes in requirements.

• Train teachers and substitutes on teaching requirements and safety protocols. Provide workshops for volunteers as required by the Catholic Priest or local guidance. Ensure Religious Education workers are trained and comply with safety requirements and procedures.

• Provide orientation for new volunteer staff members in facilities, funding, religious education policies, and available resources.

• Maintain a professional working environment. Report any malicious activity, misconduct, or unlawful acts to the Wing Chaplain and/or necessary base agencies.

• In consultation with the Catholic Priest, develop and submit an FY calendar of events and a list of religious education curriculum requirements to the Wing Chaplain or designee as required.

• Be present in each class and children’s church at least once a month or as requested by volunteer teachers. Verify, document, and enforce use of background check badges for all volunteers working with minors.

• Ensure teacher(s) is/are prepared and ready to teach all RE classes coordinated with Catholic Priest. Ensure background check badges are properly signed out and maintained for Catholic RE volunteers.

• Upon start of the contract term, meet with NCOIC, Religious Affairs to receive facility orientation and issuance of facility keys. Upon end of contract term, return all issued keys and equipment.

• Do not remove any equipment or chapel furnishings from chapel facilities without consent from the Wing Chaplain or designee.

• Serve as the advisor to the Wing Chaplain, NCOIC, Religious Affairs, and Catholic Priest as the Coordinator of Catholic Religious Education requirements and curriculum.

• Coordinate and execute volunteer appreciation function for Catholic RE volunteers annually or as required by the Catholic Priest.

• Ensure classes and events are set up properly before close of business on the last duty day before the event/program. Report any requirements or requests to successfully launch the event/program before COB on the last duty day before the scheduled activity. Upon event completion, ensure the facility is cleaned up, trash has been taken out, all lights and equipment has been turned off and facilities are locked and secure.

• Ensure set-up and tear down of facility is thoroughly completed (i.e., returning tables and chairs to original location, storing TVs in their secure locations). Ensure books and materials are properly stored and classrooms are free of loose materials and debris after use. May recruit volunteers from congregation to perform set-up and tear down tasks.

• Plan and coordinate a summer curriculum for Catholic Youth Religious Education (i.e. Vacation Bible School event or coordination with Rapid City Parish hosted summer event). If required, schedule and organize Vacation Bible School in consultation with the Catholic Priest, or designee. Recruit volunteer teachers and staff and create funds requests in order to obtain the appropriate materials when such a program is deemed necessary.

• Project the required amount of RE and Vacation Bible School curriculum material and submit a timely report of needs to the Catholic Priest.

• Comply with all laws and requirements at the Federal, State, and Local level, to include Air Force Instructions and policies.

• Keep a record of participants and volunteers on staff. Submit a list of volunteers to Catholic Priest every month.

• Attend Catholic Parish Advisory Council meetings.

• Attend contractor staff meetings as convened by the Wing Chaplain.

• Participate in at least one continuing education or professional development event each year. When possible, the Chapel may fund registration fees.

• Develop and maintain a professional working relationship with the EAFB Chaplain Corps Staff, and the Catholic Community, especially with Catholic Community Coordinator and Advisory Council members, giving special attention to open communication and advance coordination regarding Catholic Community programs.

Qualifications:

• Must be a practicing Catholic who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

• Must possess a valid Catechist Certificate issued by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

• Must have earned a Bachelor’s Degree.

• Must be experienced in Catholic theology and catechesis.