Youth Director

Description

Job Summary: 

This position implements the parish's commitment to youth ministry, and parents/families of youth, effected in a comprehensive manner. Youth Ministry's overall goal is to evangelize youth. Youth and their families must know, through the Church's ministry, that they are personally loved by God and have a place in the community of the Church as disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Youth Ministry is above all relational but must also operate within an organized and consistent program. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are necessary, including the ability to recruit and motivate new catechists to serve teens. The youth minister organizes the people and events that serve to evangelize our youth and their families, and he/she also engages in direct relational ministry to youth. This position reports to the Director of Religious Education. 

Essential Job Duties: 

•As an integral part of the youth ministry for the Church is carried out in this position, the Director supports and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of Ascension Catholic Church in both their professional and personal life. 

• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

• Continuously grow the youth ministry program by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, reflection activities, fundraisers and special events as directed.

• Develop programs and activities for youth that foster healthy growth and development in their spiritual, social, physical, and family lives. 

 Develop programs, events, sacramental prep, and personnel management (80%)       

• Oversee the Confirmation program, including classes, weekly gatherings, catechism classes, retreats, parent meetings, sponsor workshops, etc. Organize Youth & Confirmation Masses, reserving dates, requesting clergy and serve as contact with the Diocese.

 • Organize weekly youth group, as well as other liturgical celebrations and opportunities where young people can experience and celebrate God in their lives. Recruit, train, and sustain teams of volunteers for youth ministry and Confirmation programs. 

• Develop strong communication and collaboration with parents. Personally connect with parents/families of youth by evangelizing and directing parents to existing adult faith programs and Sunday liturgy. 

• Direct ministerial outreach to parish youth. Attend parish liturgies and community and school functions according to program priorities. 

• Provide information for parish Bulletin as needed, along with maintaining current event information for parish-wide communications via mail, e-mail, texting, web, Facebook, or other social media as directed. 

• Coordinate annual event planning as needed (i.e., Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference, Confirmation retreats, guest speakers, fundraising activities). Manage events and attend as the staff leader.

• Plan, create, publish and monitor social media platforms to increase awareness and encourage youth, community members, parents and church parishioners.   

• Working with the DRE as the Parish administrator for Ethics & Integrity in Ministry (EIM) to manage and oversee volunteer VIRTUS accounts. Works with the Diocese to plan and organize Ethics and Integrity workshops for the Parish.  Provide information to volunteers serving in ministry to become/remain compliant with VIRTUS requirements.

General Duties (20%) 

• Work to maintain all Youth Ministry records, including maintaining and updating students' records in the filing system for Youth Ministry. This includes student records and documents, such as student personnel files, confirmation sponsor forms, attendance, etc. Submit required paperwork to Diocese on behalf of youth as required.

• Work with parish business manager to prepare and implement budget for youth ministry. Maintain a level of knowledge and skills required for this ministry. This is accomplished by regular updating, reading, and participation at workshops, conventions, etc. This position also participates in professional organizations, as approved.

• Host Annual Review and Planning (and meetings when necessary) with Religious Education Leaders 

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of Ascension Catholic Church which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at Ascension Catholic Church help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of Roman Catholic teachings, parish, and diocesan structure. 

• Work in a multi-cultural parish serving various cultures and age groups. 

• Provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, and laity. 

• Build authentic relationships with teens rooted in Christ. 

• Effectively work with constant interruptions. 

• Operate various software, spreadsheets, and database programs. 

• Organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques. 

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Carry out multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and implement creative solutions.

 • Follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

 • Proficiently communicate in English (writing, reading, and conversing). Bilingual (English/Spanish speaking) Is required.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education and Training: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Ministry, or equivalent job experience in Church/Youth Ministry. 

Experience:            

• Two (2) years of experience in a parish, paid or volunteer, is preferred. 

Catholic Requirement:                                                                                                                                              

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing. 

Licenses/Certifications:                                                                                                                          

 • Valid Texas driver’s license.  

• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.