Director of Discipleship

Brief Job Description: A Director of Discipleship in a Catholic Parish is a key ministry leader responsible for coordinating and overseeing all aspects of faith formation and catechesis in the parishes of Catholic Community of Buffalo North and St. Mark Elementary School. The role supports the parish’s mission of making disciples of all nations and fostering lifelong spiritual growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Leadership & Oversight
• Develop and implement a coherent, sustainable discipleship plan aligned with Church teaching (Catechism, General & National Directories for Catechesis, diocesan guidelines)
• Coordinate and oversee catechetical programs for children, families, adolescents, young adults, and adults
• Manage sacramental preparation (Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, RCIA)

2. Program Development & Implementation
• Design and deliver dynamic religious education and discipleship programs (e.g., Catechesis of the Good Shepherd)
• Integrate faith formation into parish life, working with the pillars of the Renewal to include retreats, workshops, prayer groups, and service-learning opportunities
• Use media and technology to promote programs and milestones
• Coordinate, plan and prepare weekly school liturgies, special liturgies and help coordinate sacramental celebrations.

3. Team & Staff Support
• Aid in the mentorship and training of teachers, catechists and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with diocesan Safe Environment requirements
• Work closely with the pastor, staff, forming disciple pillar and family pastoral council to align formation efforts with parish mission and evangelization
• Serve as a resource for parish and school staff on discipleship and catechesis

4. Spiritual Life & Parish Engagement
• Maintain a personal Catholic spiritual life, participate in Mass and sacraments, and model discipleship
• Build relationships with families, even those not attending formal programs
• Welcome and engage families in parish life, including stewardship initiatives
• Deepen connection between Catholic school and the parishes Catholic school families are members of
• Foster good working relationship with parish, family of parishes, school and liturgy bringing closer collaboration in pillar efforts

5. Administration & Accountability
• Work with business office to prepare and manage budgets for discipleship programs in faith formation and school.
• Maintain accurate records of participants, catechists, and program outcomes
• Ensure sacramental recordkeeping is done appropriately according to Diocesan guidelines
• Work collaboratively with the school to foster a collaborative relationship between the school and faith formation program.
• Weekly communication utilizing family of parishes bulletin, social media, local newspaper and other means to keep all people informed of discipleship efforts and ongoings in our family of parishes.
• Attend staff meetings, events, and diocesan catechetical gatherings

Qualifications: Required Education/Experience:
• Catholic faith with strong knowledge of doctrine, liturgy, and ministry in the Roman Catholic tradition.
• Degree/graduate studies in Theology, Pastoral Ministry required.
• Experience in education and classroom management preferred.
• At least 3 years of parish/diocesan ministry experience and supervisory experience.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to work with diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds in an inclusive environment.

Salary: $55K to $60K annually

How to Apply: By mail or e-mail bzielenieski@buffalodiocese.org, no later than 05/15/2026