Director of Religious Education - St. Michael Church - Old Town - Vic. II

Visit Church Website The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 154 elementary and high schools in Cook and Lake counties. It is one of the largest private school systems in the United States. Its schools have received 96 Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education over the past 10 years. St. Michael in Old Town seeks an accomplished, mission-driven, and deeply pastoral Director of Religious Education to lead a comprehensive faith formation ministry serving approximately 100 to 150 children in Kindergarten through Grade 8 and their families.

This is an opportunity for a proven leader who sees faith formation as more than a program or a series of sacramental requirements. The successful candidate will bring vision, energy, creativity, and demonstrated results to the work of forming disciples and strengthening the relationship between children, families, and the parish community. Inspired by the Redemptorist charism of proclaiming God’s abundant redemption—especially to those who may feel overlooked, disconnected, or on the margins—the Director will develop accessible and meaningful ways for families to encounter Christ and grow in faith.

We seek someone willing to think beyond conventional models, meet people where they are, and remove barriers to participation without compromising the richness of Catholic teaching. St. Michael in Old Town is a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive parish where hospitality is central to our mission: All Are Welcome, All Belong. The Director of Religious Education (DRE) serves as a pastoral leader responsible for the vision, development, and administration and continued growth of the parish's faith formation ministry for children and families.  Rooted in evangelization and discipleship, the DRE fosters lifelong Catholic formation through catechesis, sacramental preparation, prayer, service, and active participation in parish life.  The Director collaborates closely with clergy, leadership, parish staff, catechists, volunteers, parents, and Archdiocesan partners.

The ideal candidate will inherit an established ministry while being expected to evaluate it thoughtfully, strengthen its effectiveness, expand participation, and develop creative approaches that respond to the realities of today’s families. A Distinctive Place to Lead and Serve  This position offers the rare opportunity to lead a growing faith formation ministry within one of Chicago’s historic Catholic churches.

Founded in 1852, St. Michael in Old Town has served generations of Chicagoans and remains a significant spiritual and architectural presence in the city. Located in the heart of Chicago—yet surrounded by the tree-lined streets and neighborhood character of Old Town—St. Michael offers a setting unlike that of a typical urban parish. Its traditional church architecture, historic bell tower, sacred spaces, and enduring presence provide a remarkable environment in which children and families can encounter the beauty, history, and living tradition of the Catholic faith.

  The Director will have the opportunity to connect this rich heritage with the needs of today’s families—honoring what generations have built while creating a thoughtful, welcoming, and sustainable vision for the future.   Shaped by Redemptorist spirituality, St. Michael proclaims plentiful redemption, serves those most in need, and meets people wherever they are.

We seek a Director who sees our diversity of cultures, backgrounds, ages, family structures, and experiences as a gift—and helps every child and family experience genuine welcome, belonging, and participation.   Primary Responsibilities Provide strategic, pastoral, and administrative leadership for the parish Religious Education program serving approximately 100 to 150 students in Kindergarten through Grade 8.

  Develop, implement, and continually evaluate eng