Full-time, permanent position
The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference wishes to appoint a Coordinator for Evangelisation, Catechetics and Pastoral Renewal. The successful candidate will support the ethos of the Bishops’ Conference and will work closely with the Chair and Council for Evangelisation, Catechetics and Pastoral Renewal, the Executive Secretaries of the various Episcopal Commissions and with other relevant Councils and Agencies of the Conference.
Scope of the Role:
The Council for Evangelisation, Catechetics and Pastoral Renewal (ECPR) supports the Bishops’ Conference in its work of promoting reflection, strategies and resources in initial proclamation, Christian initiation, catechesis, religious education, new evangelisation and theological reflection in dioceses throughout Ireland. The Council is a key component of the Church’s mission of catechesis and evangelisation. The Coordinator for ECPR will be responsible, under the direction of the Chair of the Council, for supporting and implementing the development of the above initiatives.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the coordination of various national projects and initiatives relevant to the work of the Council. Current examples of such projects and initiatives are working collaboratively with those tasked with overseeing matters relating to the Synodal Pathway in Ireland; promoting Share the Good News; promoting the (Irish Episcopal Conference) Catholic Catechism for Adults and the 2024 Directory for Catechesis; promoting the Religious Education Curriculum at Primary Level; supporting the development of Religious Education at Second Level; working with Third Level Colleges regarding the Recognition of Qualifications to Teach Religious Education in Primary and Post Primary Schools.
In addition, the Coordinator for ECPR will:
- liaise with the Council for Education of the Irish Episcopal Conference in respect of the catechetical content of publications used in the furtherance of Catholic education at primary, secondary and tertiary level;
- provide support for the introduction and development of the Ministry of Catechist;
- liaise with the Department of Education, the Department of Education Northern Ireland (DENI) and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), as appropriate;
- support the work of the Council for ECPR on matters relating to Youth Ministry;
- liaise with diocesan youth ministry officers;
- liaise with ecclesial movements and communities; and
- develop reflection on new pastoral directions in an era of transformation.
The successful candidate will have:
- Good interpersonal and organisational skills and ability to work on his/her own initiative and as part of a team
- Excellent communication, research and analytical skills
- Detailed knowledge of Catechetical teaching and the relevant magisterial documents of the Catholic Church
- Familiarity with Church documentation on Evangelisation such as Pope Paul VI’s 1975 Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi and Pope Francis’ 2013 Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium.
- Familiarity with current directions in the pastoral ministry and mission of the Church, especially in the areas of youth ministry and adult faith development
- An ability to work collaboratively with a variety of individuals and groups across the island of Ireland in youth ministry, pastoral renewal and adult faith development in implementing the vision for pastoral renewal and faith development contained in Share the Good News – the National Directory for Catechesis in Ireland
- Effective pastoral, organizational and communication skills
- Familiarity with social media and the use of Microsoft Office Professional (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
- A full driver’s licence.
Qualifications:
- A qualification in Catechetics/Religious Education/Theology/Leadership and Pastoral Care/Youth Ministry, preferably at Post Graduate level;
- Qualified teacher at Primary or Post Primary level; or lecturer at Third Level.
Special requirements:
- respect for the teachings and ethos of the Catholic Church;
- a positive disposition, excellent interpersonal skills and be a constructive team player;
- flexibility with regard to hours of work and travel.
The employer provides a hybrid working policy that allows for three days based in the office in Maynooth and two days working remotely per week.
A competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience, will apply to this appointment. A detailed job description is available here.
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter (maximum one page) for the attention of the Chief Operating Officer, Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference at [email protected]
Closing date for receipt of applications: 4.00 pm on Friday, 29 November 2024.
