Title: Director of Christian Initiation, Infant Baptism Ministry & Marriage Preparation
Classification: Hourly
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Pastor
Serves on: Education Commission, Worship Commission
Job Summary:
This role coordinates communication between individuals seeking completion of Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church and the church, including infant baptism, adult education, and marriage preparation at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Billings, Montana, within the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. The ideal candidate communicates well and is organized, collaborative, and committed to helping others grow as dynamic disciples who believe, grow, gather, love, and lead.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and Adaptation for Children:
• Creates a team and provides resources for individuals, including facilitating any phase of the process, team meetings, and spiritual enrichment
• Plans and implements the initiation process for both adults and children: Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogia
• Plans – in consultation with the pastor, liturgy coordinator, director of music, and Worship Commission – the Rite of Welcome and Acceptance, Rite of Election, Scrutinies, and Sacraments of Initiation and prepares those participating
• Prepares worship aids (Sacraments of Initiation)
• Conducts rehearsals for all of the rites
• Is present for all of the rites and ensures all run smoothly
• Meets periodically with candidates and/or families individually to reflect on the spiritual journey and assist in the discernment process
• Recruits and provides formation for sponsors
• Promotes the community as initiator, building awareness and continually inviting the community to assist and participate in the initiation process
• Evaluates the process each year and sets goals
• Continues personal faith development through prayer, study, participation in workshops, seminars, retreats, spiritual direction, etc.
Infant Baptism Ministry:
• Coordinates initial interview with parent(s)
• Trains and supports leaders of baptismal preparation sessions and baptismal guides
• Coordinates dates and ministers for celebrations of baptism
• Conducts rehearsals for baptismal liturgies
• Is present for the baptismal liturgies and ensures everything runs smoothly
• Evaluates the process each year and set goals
Marriage Preparation:
• Conducts initial interview with couple (explains preparation process, begins paperwork, provides materials, etc.)
• Coordinates methods of marriage preparation (Couple-to-Couple and Engaged Encounter)
• Administers FOCCUS test and facilitates review sessions
• Facilitates preparation for weddings of St. Pius X parishioners that take place at other parishes
• Assists couple in planning marriage liturgy in collaboration with director of music, liturgy coordinator, and presiding pastor
• Facilitates and monitors guest priest ceremonies in collaboration with director of music and liturgy coordinator
• Coordinates marriage annulment process by supervising advocates, referring petitioners and respondents to advocates, working as an active advocate, and maintaining communications with the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal
Adult Education:
• Assumes lead responsibility for planning, implementing, and evaluating the overall direction of adult faith formation in the parish
• Recruits, supports, and provides initial and ongoing formation (or makes these opportunities known and available) for catechists ministering to adults
• Reviews and maintains a variety of resources geared to adults in different age groups, stages of the family lifecycle, and/or life circumstances
Requirements:
• Must be a fully-initiated, practicing Catholic in good standing
• Bachelor’s degree in Sacramental Theology, Scripture, Pastoral Studies, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum one year of experience in pastoral/parish ministry
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, to effectively communicate with various groups
• Technological background with software applications, including Word, Excel, the internet, and email systems
Diocesan benefits:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• 403b retirement plan with company match
• Life insurance and AD&D benefit
• Professional development opportunities
Diocese of Great Falls-Billings Lay & Deacon Employee Handbook
Application Information:
Ready to join our Pastoral Team? Apply today by submitting your application, including your resume and a cover letter, by August 13, 2026, to Parish Administrator Shannon Behounek. Any questions? Call the Parish Office at 406-656-2522. We look forward to receiving your application.