Job Openings

We operate with a small staff, but from time to time we do have a position open up. Currently we have one open position (see below). If you are interested in donating your time and talent at St. Jude, please check out our volunteer opportunities (we are in need of a third grade catechist) or ministries. Visit the Diocese employment page for more opportunities within the Grand Rapids diocese.

Faith Formation Elementary Coordinator

Posted 8/25/2025

This is a part time, hourly employee of St. Jude Parish.

The responsibilities of the Faith Formation Elementary Coordinator include working with programs for children in Pre-School through Seventh Grade.  Currently this includes Sunday School, Religious Education, Early Elementary Sacraments and Vacation Bible School, but would also encompass any spiritual instruction for children in this age group, including any new programs the Elementary Coordinator could propose and implement in coordination with the DRE.

SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The Elementary Coordinator is responsible for securing and scheduling volunteers for the Sunday School programs (Children’s Liturgy of the Word and The Lord’s Lambs), making sure they have completed the necessary VIRTUS training and coaching them before entering the classroom.  Responsibilities also include producing any advertising pieces that would go into the bulletin or flyers to be placed in parent friendly areas of the church.

  • CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD is offered during Liturgy of the Word to children in elementary grades.   Responsibilities include:
    • Providing all materials necessary:  weekly scripture, leader manuals, music, posters, take home flyers.
    • Setting up and overseeing weekly classes, acting as a second adult in the room – per VIRTUS regulations.
    • Coordinating Children’s Liturgy schedule with the Priest and Parish Office.
  • THE LORD’S LAMBS is a lectionary-based class offered for children in Pre-School through First Grade.  These children are welcomed at the beginning of Mass and stay in class throughout the entire Mass.  Responsibilities include:
    • Creating a weekly lesson plan based on the Gospel for that week. 
    • Supplying volunteers with crafts, music, storybooks, posters, and games to reinforce the Gospel message.
    • Supplying a small snack for the children. 
    • The ministry is indefinitely on hiatus.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The position of Elementary Coordinator is responsible for First through Seventh Grades.  Responsibilities include:

  • Securing catechists, making sure all they have complete the necessary VIRTUS training, coaching them before entering the classroom, and encouraging them to attend classes and workshops to supplement their Christian knowledge and faith. 
  • Creating a lesson plan schedule, if needed, for each grade to use as a guideline for class preparation. Also suggesting crafts, video, and other activities to enhance the learning experience.
  • Providing a list of prayers to be taught to each grade level.
  • Supplying classrooms with textbooks and instructional supplies. 
  • Informing parents of necessary information for the year, including material for at home spiritual growth. 
  • Creating an atmosphere for each child to grow in their relationship with Christ through prayer services and celebrations on Holy Days.

SACRAMENT PREP FOR FIRST COMMUNION AND RECONCILIATION is being taught to all Second Grade students and any older students that need the Sacraments.  Classes are included as part of the weekly Religious Education Program using the same Catechists.  For students attending ASA all sacramental education is done in their daily classes. Responsibilities are the same as those listed above, but also include:

  • Working with DRE to select textbook. 
  • Creating schedule for classes, coordinated with weekly Religious Education Classes plus additional Sacramental prep classes.
  • Meeting with parents once or twice a year to review their responsibilities during their child’s Sacramental prep (this includes parents of ASA students).
  • Scheduling and preparing for the day of First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation.
  • Coordinating information with teachers at ASA who are preparing any St. Jude Students for these Sacraments.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Responsibilities include:

  • Selecting and purchasing a VBS Kit and managing VBS budget.
  • Securing volunteers, making sure all they have complete the necessary VIRTUS training and coaching them for whatever position they will be working. 
  • Purchasing decoration crafts, supplies, snack, and any other items needed for the program to run smoothly.
  • Promoting the event and producing any advertising pieces that would go into the bulletin or flyers to be placed in parent friendly areas of the church.
  • Supplying all the materials needed for each volunteer to excel at their given task.
  • Supervising all aspects of the event.
  • Create an atmosphere for each child to grow in their relationship with Christ through prayer services and celebrations on Holy Days.
  • Assisting in clean up at end of event.  Storing any items that can be used again.

To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to Linda Parks at lparks@stjudes.net.