Adult Faith Formation Consultant: Diocese of Cleveland
Full Time
Catechetical Formation & Parish Life - Cleveland, Ohio
JOB TITLE: Adult Faith Formation Consultant
SECRETARIAT: Catechetical Formation & Parish Life DEPARTMENT: Office of Catechetical Formation LOCATION: Cathedral Square Plaza REPORTS TO: Secretary for Catechetical Formation & Parish Life
POSITION SUMMARY
The Adult Faith Formation Consultant supports the Diocese's mission to foster lifelong faith formation among adults. This position serves as a diocesan resource for pastors, parish staff, and pastoral ministry leaders by providing consultation, training, resources, and strategic support for adult faith formation initiatives.
As a member of the Lifelong Faith Formation Team, the Consultant develops, promotes, and supports opportunities that deepen adult discipleship, strengthen catechetical formation, encourage ongoing conversion, and support parish vitality. The Consultant also assists parishes in assessing needs, implementing effective formation models, and creating environments that help adults grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and actively participate in the life and mission of the Church.
The ideal candidate will bring a missionary zeal for the Church's mission of evangelization, inspiring others to deepen their relationship with Christ and embrace their call to discipleship.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
Serve as a diocesan consultant and resource person for adult faith formation initiatives throughout the Diocese.
Assess parish needs and recommend resources, programs, and best practices that support lifelong faith formation.
Assist in implementing diocesan pastoral priorities related to adult faith formation, catechesis, and discipleship.
Promote a culture of lifelong learning, hospitality, stewardship, accompaniment, and missionary outreach.
Promote the Church's vision for adult faith formation as articulated in Church documents including Evangelii Gaudium, Evangelii Nuntiandi, Go and Make Disciples, Disciples Called to Witness, Directory for Catechesis (2020), National Directory for Catechesis,Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United Statesand other relevant ecclesial documents.
Adult Faith Formation and Leadership Development
Develop, coordinate, and evaluate faith formation opportunities that help adults know, live, and confidently share their faith.
Recruit, train, support, and equip facilitators, instructors, and parish leaders involved in adult faith formation efforts.
Develop, coordinate, and evaluate retreats, workshops, seminars, conferences, and leadership development opportunities.
Lead the Called by the Spirit Gifts Discernment Program, including the development and training of facilitators through a train-the-trainer model.
Evaluate and continuously strengthen formation programs based on participant feedback, parish consultation, and identified pastoral needs.
Develop, curate, and maintain high-quality formation resources, training materials, and practical tools for parish leaders and ministry teams.
Parish Support and Consultation
Partner with pastors, parish staff, and ministry leaders to strengthen adult faith formation efforts.
Provide consultation, coaching, training, and strategic planning assistance to support parish adult formation goals.
Assist parishes in developing and implementing effective adult faith formation pathways, small Christian communities, Bible studies, and other faith-sharing opportunities.
Encourage regional collaboration among parishes through networking opportunities, resource sharing, and best practices.
Collaboration and Diocesan Leadership
Collaborate with diocesan offices, schools, ministries, and apostolates to integrate adult faith formation into broader pastoral initiatives.
Work closely with offices including Catechetical Formation, Catholic Schools, Communications, Lay Ecclesial Ministry, Vocations, Worship and Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and other educational and outreach ministries to ensure coordinated pastoral efforts.
Foster strong relationships with clergy, religious communities, parish personnel, lay leaders, and Catholic organizations including ecclesial movements.
Represent the Diocese at diocesan, state, regional, and national committees, conferences, and organizations related to catechesis, adult faith formation, and pastoral ministry.
Build relationships with diocesan and national partners that strengthen adult formation efforts through collaboration, resource sharing, and best practices.
Communications and Administration
Promote diocesan adult faith formation initiatives through print, digital, and social media platforms.
Serve as a presenter, facilitator, or retreat leader for diocesan and parish formation programs and events.
Plan and coordinate diocesan conferences, retreats, workshops, and formation events.
Manage registrations, communications, scheduling, and event logistics for programs and initiatives.
Prepare leader guides, formation materials, and training tools for parish use.
Assist with the development and monitoring of the annual operating budget.
Identify grant opportunities, cultivate funding partnerships, and responsibly administer designated grant funds supporting adult faith formation initiatives.
Maintain program records, assessment data, and evaluation metrics to measure effectiveness, inform strategic decision-making, and support continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church who demonstrates a commitment to the Church's mission of evangelization and lifelong faith formation.
Master's degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Ministry, or a closely related field required.
Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in parish, diocesan, educational, or Catholic ministry settings.
Demonstrated experience in adult faith formation, evangelization, catechesis, leadership development, or parish renewal preferred.
Experience coordinating programs, facilitating groups, and collaborating with volunteers and ministry leaders.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Clear and current understanding of Catholic theology, ecclesiology, evangelization, missionary discipleship, catechesis, and parish life.
Understanding of adult learning principles and effective faith formation methodologies.
Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with clergy and lay leaders in advancing a shared mission and vision.
Demonstrated ability to assess needs, develop resources, and support parish faith formation initiatives. Save
Outstanding interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and teaching adult learners.
Strong organization and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and digital communication tools.
Commitment to intercultural ministry and serving within a multicultural Church.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.
Ability to travel throughout the Diocese and attend evening and weekend meetings, conferences, retreats, and events as required.
To Apply:
Please submit cover letter, resume, and a completed employment application (use the link titled application).
