Full-time Lay Ministry

[eucharisteo]

I’m not sure where to post this. But I’m looking into abandoning my current line of work that is really a dead end for me now. I’ve done it long enough to know I’m unhappy with what I do. The work is somewhat interesting but my degree is much more exciting to work in. The economy is what has been holding me back. I’ve considered teaching full-time in the public schools simply to continue making enough money to support my family. But what I would really love to do is become a Director of Faith Formation in a parish or diocese. I know I’d have to take a pay cut but my wife is willing as long as I just don’t quit a job and go back to school like I’ve proposed. She’s nervous.

In case you can’t resist, I work in civil engineering for a municpality, but my degree is in Geography with a concentration in Cartography and Photogrammetry / GIS / Math / Earth Science…it’s really an applied geography degree. So getting into education should be no problem according to my sources. But like I said, since I entered the seminary right out of high school, because that’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do, I’m at a loss for what to do now, that is where to even look for jobs in ministry on the desired level. At the same time I’m also in the process of discerning the diaconate at the beginning stages. This may not make sense because I’m really tired and going to bed.

 

[Joannm]

I’m not sure where to post this. But I’m looking into abandoning my current line of work that is really a dead end for me now. I’ve done it long enough to know I’m unhappy with what I do. The work is somewhat interesting but my degree is much more exciting to work in. The economy is what has been holding me back. I’ve considered teaching full-time in the public schools simply to continue making enough money to support my family. But what I would really love to do is become a Director of Faith Formation in a parish or diocese. I know I’d have to take a pay cut but my wife is willing as long as I just don’t quit a job and go back to school like I’ve proposed. She’s nervous.

In case you can’t resist, I work in civil engineering for a municpality, but my degree is in Geography with a concentration in Cartography and Photogrammetry / GIS / Math / Earth Science…it’s really an applied geography degree. So getting into education should be no problem according to my sources. But like I said, since I entered the seminary right out of high school, because that’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do, I’m at a loss for what to do now, that is where to even look for jobs in ministry on the desired level. At the same time I’m also in the process of discerning the diaconate at the beginning stages. This may not make sense because I’m really tired and going to bed.

As I said on another site, it depends on the diocese. While a parish might hire you without a degree in Religious Ed, Theology or Pastoral Ministry, the diocese would be looking for at least a Master’s in Theology to work on the diocesan level. With regard to a pay cut…you might discover it will be a significant pay cut. Do you have experience teaching religious education? That is an important part of what they look for in hiring - how many years of expereince you have had. I don’t know of too many places that will hire someone without any prior expereince, even if you go for the degree. So I would suggest you begin by getting involved in CCD in your parish.

 

[eucharisteo]

As I said on another site, it depends on the diocese. While a parish might hire you without a degree in Religious Ed, Theology or Pastoral Ministry, the diocese would be looking for at least a Master’s in Theology to work on the diocesan level. With regard to a pay cut…you might discover it will be a significant pay cut. Do you have experience teaching religious education? That is an important part of what they look for in hiring - how many years of expereince you have had. I don’t know of too many places that will hire someone without any prior expereince, even if you go for the degree. So I would suggest you begin by getting involved in CCD in your parish.

thanks, I do teach religion, CCD and Why Catholic [even though it says I’m just a leader]