Director of Youth Ministry at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church

SUMMARY

The Youth Ministry Coordinator is responsible for assisting with developing a parish-based ministry with youth in senior high school. Reaches out to all youth in the community, provides for formal catechesis, invites and enables youth to serve others. Develops close communication with and mutual support from families of youth and collaborates with other community and parish youth organizations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Program Development and Relationships

• Assists with creating and developing a youth ministry advisory group with youth and adults and provides for its enrichment.
• Develops a plan for youth ministry in collaboration with the pastor, parish staff, and the youth ministry advisory group.
• Facilitates development of leadership skills in youth and adults.
• Assists in the preparation of liturgical celebrations for youth (reconciliation, confirmation, liturgies for retreats and special youth events).
• Is available for listening, advising, and referral.
• Provides opportunities for weekend retreats and evenings/days of reflection by developing a retreat team and providing for its development and enrichment.
• Develops the kind of relationships with parents that are conducive to open communication between parents and youth.
• Develops an age-appropriate catechetical program that includes the Faith Themes as outlined in Renewing the Vision, in the spirit of the General Directory for Catechesis and under the guidance of the National Directory for Catechesis.
• Provides opportunities for justice/service education, inviting youth to a deeper appreciation of the social teachings of the Church.
• Helps youth to discern their gifts and how best to use them in the ministries of their parish communities.

Recruitment and Training

• Recruits, trains, assigns and evaluates the youth leaders. Coordinates participation in diocesan-sponsored training programs. 
• Serves as an advisor and support to youth leaders.
• Monitors the efforts of volunteer leaders and evaluates progress.
• Defines the responsibilities of each adult leader/advisor.
• Ensures that all adult leaders/advisors comply with diocesan safety regulations (i.e., VIRTUS training/criminal background check).

Administration

• Initiates ways of gathering data on the needs, interests, attitudes and beliefs of youth.
• Plans, organizes and implements programs/experiences that provide a holistic approach in meeting the needs/interests of youth.
• Submits annual financial report and budget; administers budget throughout the year.
• Maintains necessary office and program records, including a log of activities and times.
• Determines effective means for publicizing and promoting programs and experiences.
• Submits periodic reports to the pastor detailing programs in youth ministry.
• Initiates procedures for evaluating all aspects of the parish’s ministry to youth.

Communication

• Actively works with the Catechetical Leader/Director of Faith Formation to determine appropriate curriculum and participates in the planning and implementation of various ministries. 
• Participates in parish staff meetings, keeping the pastor and other staff current on youth ministry activities and concerns.
• Keeps the parish community informed of youth ministry activities and goals.
• Advises, communicates and cooperates with other parishes and diocesan organizations, specifically the Faith Formation Deanery Association Meetings.
• Participates in parish governing structures to ensure greater participation of youth in parish life and to facilitate communication and decision-making.
• Supervises and coordinates scheduling of youth events and activities.
• Keeps informed through attendance at diocesan, regional, and national conferences, regular reading, and membership in professional associations.
• Keeps parents informed of youth ministry activities and invites their participation in and presence at all youth ministry events.
• Is aware of and connected to community agencies and resources that interface with youth.
• Sets annual goals and objectives for the Senior High program as requested.

Professional and Personal Development

• Participates in annual retreat and seeks spiritual direction.
• Is a member and active participant in the Faith Formation Deanery Association.
• Is involved in the Diocesan Catechist Certification Program.
• Attends diocesan, state and national in-service opportunities.
• Seeks other opportunities to meet national standards and competencies for coordinators of youth ministry.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and experience required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the archdiocese.