Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth: Job Description Form

Job Description Form

Department/parish: Hampshire Downs Parish

Job title: Coordinator/Adviser for Catechesis and Formation

Date of appointment: (to be agreed)

Purpose of role: The person appointed to this new post will ensure the provision of catechesis across all age groups within the parish. The role will be to develop and support parish volunteers to provide catechesis programmes and to develop materials to support those programmes. Quality assurance of existing and future programmes and the management of change processes consistent with Catholic and pastoral care values are key elements. The direct provision of catechises for key sacramental programmes may be needed on an occasional basis.

Based at: St Peter’s Pastoral Centre Winchester

Hours of work – per week: full time (35 hours) or reduced hours by negotiation

Salary £22,000pa or pro rata

Line Manager: Parish Priest

Main Responsibilities Standards expected/How achievement will be measured Recruitment, training and formation of volunteer catechists  Significant increase in number of - Formation of catechists for catechists delivering effectively youth youth programmes and adult formation programmes - Recruitment of additional youth  induction training /ongoing support in catechists place with formal catechetical formation - Formation of volunteer leaders provided either in house or via external for adult formation groups links - Formation for Childrens’ Liturgy  All childrens liturgy volunteers provided volunteers with formation and ongoing support - Provide. jointly with the parish  Theology sessions to underpin RE priest, staff development curriculum developed with PP. Online programmes for the parish resources also developed. school to support the RE curriculum Review, quality assure and  All change introduced sensitively and introduce change to existing within context of Christian ministry programmes principles of dialogue, respect and consensus building - Review existing sacramental  Baptism, Holy Communion, programmes and work with Confirmation, RCIA (JIF) and Marriage coordinators to introduce Preparation programmes reviewed with change and recruit new leaders and with user feedback and volunteer leaders changes implemented - Development of content for  Programme of adult formation developed adult formation groups including and delivered with volunteers Advent and Lent reflection trained/supported and opportunities available in each church community.  Resources provided for additional groups (eg neighbourhood groups).  Lead Lent and Advent refection groups in each church community  Childrens Liturgy in the three Masses - Review of Children’s Liturgy reviewed, changes implemented and content and delivery in three volunteer leaders recruited trained and churches supported

Development of new programmes and materials - Development of catechists and  Programme in place with either a content for Confirmation ‘and volunteer leading or post holder leading follow up year’  Jointly with sacramental programme - Development of parent and leaders develop increased opportunities family catechesis for for parents to engage in programmes, sacramental programmes pilot a family based sacramental (Baptism, Holy Communion, programme Confirmation) including joint  Lead a spiritual reflection group in each work with the parish school church community and provide - Development of regular spiritual resources and formation/support for reflection groups including other groups Lectio Divina  Jointly with PP develop a programme - Development of Scripture either in house or via external links interpretation groups Provide support and advice on parish and diocesan initiatives  Contribute to all new initiatives being  Respond to new parish and robustly planned by the volunteer diocesan initiatives that require leaders, connect to Parish catechetical formation as Evangelisation Strategy Group priorities tasked by the parish and review effectiveness at regular Evangelisation Strategy Group intervals - Work with Development  Joint programme of work created to Worker/Adviser for Volunteers underpin the formation of all ministry and Ministry Groups to provide groups the catechetical elements of  Provide reports to Strategy Team on all ongoing support to all ministry Diocesan and parish initiatives requiring groups catechetical inputs (particularly - Advise Parish Evangelisation Evangelisation) with advice about Strategy Group on effectiveness of proposed new prioritisation and advise about parish and Diocesan initiatives, implementation proposals particularly concerning  Model best practice in managing the catechesis and formation. change processes, reflecting Catholic - Provide advice on prioritisation values of collaborative ministry of initiatives

Regular contact / liaison with: Parish Priest and other clergy, Parish Evangelisation Strategy Group, Development Worker/Adviser for Volunteers and Ministry Groups, other members of the parish staff, Parish Safeguarding Representative, St Peter’s school.

Experience and qualifications required for the role:

A practising Catholic with a qualification in Adult Education or teaching and experience of teaching Catholic theology. Knowledge of learning behaviours and barriers to learning across all age ranges. Experience of delivering training programmes and volunteer support. Excellent communication, facilitation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills. An excellent record of introducing change in groups or organisations with a commitment to collaborative working and a consultative then decisive approach. Experience of reviewing programmes or groups to increase effectiveness. IT competent: able to develop and maintain systems and records. This role is subject to a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check,

Personal attributes: A Catholic with personal credibility and strongly developed interpersonal skills. A self starter able to use initiative and a proven facilitator. Resilient and able to remain optimistic and focussed during challenges but able to build consensus by gaining trust in order to introduce effective change.

Way of working: car owner and driver, the position involves extensive travel within the parish, flexible with significant evening and weekend work, team worker.