Description
Job Description
Our parish is changing the way we approach youth ministry and catechesis and we are looking for a self-motivated, organized, passionate individual to serve with us on our team. As a direct report to the Director of Youth Ministry & Formation, the Elementary Youth Minister & Catechist (Pre-K to 5th Grade) in the Office of Youth Ministry & Formation (OYMF) is an important ministerial person responsible for providing the vision and coordination of the parish’s efforts in catechesis and ministry to young people from Pre-K through 5th grades including sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion. This includes Pre-K and elementary school catechetical/ministerial sessions (weekly or semi-weekly gatherings depending on scheduling and number of families), monthly activities, catechesis and sacramental preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion). The goal is to provide competent catechesis and comprehensive youth ministry. This new model of catechesis and ministry is a blend of a standard catechetical model following a curriculum and comprehensive youth ministry as outlined by the USCCB document, “Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry.” This position is the primary catechist and minister for young people and families through ongoing discipleship. We are looking to build relationships within our community, our parish, and ultimately directing these relationships (parents, students, families) to Jesus Christ. By using a relational model of ministry as a model of also providing the curriculum topics as outlined by the Diocesan Catechetical Office we hope to evangelize, catechize, engage, and empower young people and families to live their faith as fully active members of the parish community.
Key Responsibilities
Member of the Youth Ministry & Formation Department-the Elementary Youth Minister & Catechist (Pre-K to 5th grade) will be responsible to:
• Attend regular departmental meetings
• Participate in departmental planning
• Communicate to staff about youth ministry & formation activities
• Seek staff input in planning youth ministry & formation activities
• Be a resource person to parish staff on issues related to youth and youth ministry within their scope
• Collaboration with our Middle school Ministry and Middle School Minister
Parish Youth Ministry & Catechesis–the parish youth ministry & formation ministry integrates adolescent catechesis into a comprehensive ministry to, with, by and for young people. The Elementary Youth Minister & Catechist (Pre-K to 5th Grade) responsibilities include:
• Recruiting, training, and facilitating a team of catechists and ministers which is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the ministry and formation of youth in grades Pre-K to 5.
• Coordinating the recruitment, training, supporting, and evaluating of student leaders in the youth ministry program.
• Developing a systematic and intentional plan for catechesis according to Diocesan curriculum guidelines for grade levels that utilizes a creative variety of formats, settings, and timeframes.
• Providing resources (print, video, archdiocesan events) for effective programming.
• Providing appropriate training for the adults and young people in leadership positions.
• Coordinating the First Reconciliation and First Communion programs and liturgies.
• Fostering the involvement of young families in the life of the parish, including serving on various parish committees and being involved in parish activities.
• Coordinating the outreach to and evangelization of all young people in the parish – especially focused on youth and families in grades Pre-K to 5th.
• Advocating for a comprehensive vision of youth ministry, based on the 1997 USCCB document, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry.
• Participating in the diocesan association of professional youth ministers and in any local youth ministers association.
• Continue to seek training and education as both Youth Minster and Catechist.
• Meets and greets Youth Ministry & Formation visitors and provides hospitality.
• Produces, organizes, compiles, flyers and information materials and distributes to appropriate parties as necessary.
• Prepares and distributes sacramental support materials as directed to parents as necessary.
• Prepares weekly communication materials/folders for the various subsections (groups) ensuring those materials and requested items are available.
• Handles the arranging for substitutes as necessary.
• Maintains team member file information with current personal information and Catechist certification information.
• Oversees the communication of information necessary for various Diocesan reports. E.g. Diocesan insurance for all parish Youth Members, Catechist formation presenters and programs, Sacramental records, department statistical data and other information.
• Prepares/updates/maintains accurate policy and procedure files for department.
• Reviews/manages/updates web pages and communications with the Parish for Youth Ministry & Formation, Sacraments, and other family formation opportunities.
• Assists in the planning and implementation of ‘staple’ departmental projects.
Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years comprehensive youth ministry and/or religious education experience .
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Catechetics, Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Assets:
• Microsoft Office Proficient
• Technology/social media proficient
• Bi-Lingual a plus
• Ability to prioritize work and work under deadlines
• Effective, welcoming communication skills
• Organized
• Heart for youth and ministry
Please send cover letter, resume, and three references to Mike Sylvester at: msylvester@sgg.cc