With an eye toward reaching individuals in parishes who have an interest in leading a parish religious education program, the diocesan Department of Catechesis is sponsoring a recruitment fair March 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Diocesan Chancery, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville.
“The recruitment fair is for those who are currently in ministry and are not sure if they have the qualifications or education for this type of position,” said Denise Contino, department director, noting that during the fair, information on the support, training, leadership programs and scholarship opportunities for higher education in religious studies/theology will be made available for qualified candidates, giving them the skills they need to be able to apply for a position as parish catechetical leader as positions become available. Department representatives will be available to meet with potential candidates and address questions during the three-hour timeframe.
“We want to be able to offer opportunities for those interested to be able to develop the competence and skills necessary for effective leadership through the knowledge of the faith,” Contino said.
Contino explained that a parish catechetical leader’s responsibility is mainly to plan, implement and evaluate the religious education program in a parish which provides for the faith formation of adults, youth and children.
“The faith formation of the entire community ‘from womb to tomb’ is the mission of catechesis,” she said, adding that some of the parish catechetical leader’s responsibilities include recruiting, providing information, ongoing development and evaluation of volunteer catechists. The leader will also implement diocesan policies and collaborate with the pastor and other parish ministers as needed.
For persons who are not able to attend the recruitment fair or for those with additional questions may contact Contino at dconti@dioceseoftrenton.org.