Purpose

To develop and implement a comprehensive approach to student ministry to include planning, implementation, and oversight of programs for parish teens grades 6 – 12. Programs will be focused on faith and the development of the spiritual lives of the teens, building disciples for Christ, and equipping teens to share their faith with others. The end goal is to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a systematic and intentional plan for middle school and high school youth ministry that utilizes a creative variety of formats, settings, and timeframes.
• Prepare and facilitate programming including weekly sessions, monthly small groups, annual fall and spring weekend retreats, and week-long summer service retreat.
• Mentor youth and young adults in developing their leadership skills.
• Stay abreast of new resources and changes in youth ministry and youth culture and adjust programming as needed to maintain a current and effective program.
• Participate in continuing education events and training opportunities.
• Recruit and train volunteers (CORE Team) to serve in various aspects of youth ministry.
• Serve as a liaison between the church and other community organizations, people, and resources that relate to youth ministries.
• Recruit teens and adults to participate in events.
• Regularly communicate with teens and parents via:
• Parish bulletin and bulletin board updates,
• Updating the “Youth Ministry” webpage,
• Emails, phone calls, and social media.
• Work with the business manager in creating and maintaining a budget.
• Work with the DRE in coordinating and unifying ministry efforts.
• Organize service opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate yearly retreats and mission trips.
• Teach 6-8 th grade Catechesis when needed/Confirmation preparation – plan, coordinate, and oversee the annual Confirmation retreat.
• Organize and implement fundraising activities to support the youth and the Parish.
• Organize the annual Youth Ministry Christmas outreach.
• Organize and plan Vacation Bible School.
• Attends parish staff meetings.
• Other responsibilities as directed by the Pastor.

Qualifications

1. Faithful, passionate Catholic role model in all aspects of life
2. Solid understanding of the teachings and theology of the Roman Catholic Church
3. Ability to interact with youth, parents, staff, parishioners.
4. Outgoing, professional catechetical leader.
5. Self-starter.
6. Organizational skills
7. Effective communication, including ability to effectively speak in front of groups.
8. Ability to lead and facilitate with a spirit of humility.
9. Computer knowledge.
10. Comfortable sharing one’s faith/evangelization.
11. Works well with teens and adults.
12. Desire to learn and grow in faith.

Education/Training Requirements

1. Certification in Catechesis preferred.
2. Virtus training (initial and ongoing).