"Minister for Catholic Faith Formation"

Minister for Catholic Faith Formation

Company: Villanova University

Job Location: Villanova, 19085

Category: Religious and Spiritual Life

Type: Adjunct/Part-Time

Posting Number: 20254527S

Location: Villanova, PA

Work Schedule: part-time/12-months

Avg Hours Week: 20

Department: 005-Office of Mission and Ministry

Position Summary

The Part-Time Minister for Catholic Faith Formation is a member of the Office for Mission and Ministry (OMM) who will contribute to the Augustinian and Catholic mission of Villanova by: 1) supporting existing OMM programming in the areas of Catholic faith formation, 2) accompanying students in their faith journeys and 3) contributing to discernment of areas for programmatic growth to best-serve the Villanova community.

A 20 hour per week position, the minister will serve as the primary coordinator for three faith formation programs offered by OMM: the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), Sundays in St. Rita, and Catholic Bible Study. Beyond existing programs, this person will develop relationships with students, Catholic student group leadership, and staff to work and think collaboratively across all areas of the division to integrate and emphasize Catholic faith formation in new and creative ways. This person will support colleagues in imagining a robust culture of faith formation for the common good and engaged with the signs of the times.

This position will require frequent Sunday evening and occasional weeknight commitments.

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

35% of Time: Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)

• Participate in weekly OCIA team meetings (30 minutes/week).
• In collaboration with OCIA team, organize catechetical sessions and Sundays in St Rita events for OCIA participants.
• Collaborate with Liturgy & Sacred Music team for planning and implementation of various liturgical rites-including celebration of the sacraments in the Easter season-associated with OCIA.
• As part of OCIA team, offer individual and group pastoral support to those participating in OCIA via 1/1 pastoral meetings, follow-ups for missed sessions, and communications/operational support of the program.
• Assist with collection and preparation of relevant paperwork for sacramental records.

20% of Time: Sundays in St. Rita

• Coordinate "Sundays in St. Rita", a biweekly faith formation program offered after the 7pm Mass on Sunday evenings.
• Work with relevant OMM staff to vision and plan schedule each semester
• Create communication plan and develop materials to promote and engage interested community members.
• Create and facilitate plan for refreshments needed for event.
• Set-up and host the events in collaboration with other staff and student volunteers.
• Develop relationships with regular attendees to collaborate in facilitation of events and support other areas of development.

20% of Time: Bible Study in the Catholic Tradition

• Coordinate Bible Study in the Catholic Tradition offerings in collaboration with University Ministry and Liturgy & Sacred Music Teams.
• Advertise, recruit, and organize student participation.
• Collaborate with OMM staff and/or faculty to organize groups with student group leaders.
• Provide support for team of Bible Study Leaders.
• Facilitate at least one group with student leaders.
• Serve as relational point of contact for participating leaders and students.

10% of Time: Relationship Building and Student Support

• Establish ongoing relationship with leaders of spaces and groups of Catholic-identified students (e.g., Restless Co., Knights of Columbus, FIAT).
• Listen and discern needs in these and other spaces to inform possibilities for further invitation and Catholic faith formation across Office for Mission and Ministry offerings.

10% of Time: Administration and Meetings

• Develop and maintain professional standards of communication and conduct.
• Attend regular meetings of Office for Mission and Ministry (~monthly) and Liturgy & Sacred Music and University Ministry teams (as possible).

5% of Time: Other

• Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Theology /Pastoral Ministry or equivalent.

Work Experience

• Experience in pastoral, religious or educational formation.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)

• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of constituents.

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)

• An understanding of Roman Catholic theology and practices and the ability to relate them to the personal and relational experience of young adults.
• Knowledge and appreciation of principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
• Excellent active-listening skills.
• Ability to form an atmosphere of trust and openness, and a strong capacity to facilitate small-group sharing.
• Genuine interest in the lives of students and concern for their psychological, spiritual, and intellectual well-being and growth.

Equipment Knowledge

• Facility with Office Suite of programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Formal Education

• Masters' Degree in Theology /Pastoral Ministry or equivalent.

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)

• A clear ministerial vision grounded in an awareness of Augustinian spirituality and an ability to develop programs and experiences that further that vision.

Special Message to Applicants

In addition to your resume and cover letter, please submit a written Statement of Contribution to Mission. You may find more information on our website about the University's Mission and Enduring Commitments.

Salary Posting Information

This position falls within hourly grade 13 and the range for this position is $29.97-31.64/hr. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.