Coordinator of Middle School Youth Ministry

Job Purpose:  To assist the parish with the ministry and formation needs of St. John’s families that have children in grades 6-8 as they encounter Christ and learn to live in the heart of the Catholic Church.  This position will provide a dynamic and comprehensive program for youth in grades 6-8 through Middle School Formation program, discipleship groups and ministry events creating an environment where missionary discipleship can be lived.  This position will provide ministry to all parish families, both in the church and the school, as well as non-parish school families.

Representative Responsibilities

1. *Work collaboratively with both staff and volunteers in a Core Team model to implement youth discipleship programming.
2. *Coordinate parish outreach events, trainings, and programming for parents and youth in the parish community, such as coordinating speakers, trainers, facility needs, meals, supplies, etc.
3. *Recruit, train, and supervise all adult and teen leaders in a Core Team model, to lead Middle School Formation. Ensure these leaders have adequate knowledge of faith and catechetical skills as well as training in pastoral practice.
4. *Participate in relational, discipleship making youth ministry with 6-8th graders, creating and taking advantage of opportunities outside set programming to interact (and team to interact) with both youth and families of youth.
5. *Maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with all youth, parents, parish staff, volunteers, and parishioners.
6. *Handle conflicts, challenges, crisis situations, and behavior issues with maturity by providing pastoral care, mentoring and wisdom to both adults and youth. Making the necessary referrals and follow up according to safe environment policies.
7. *Be an active member of the St. John’s church community by being present and attend weekend Masses regularly as well as school and church events of high visibility such as Fall Fest, Wines to Wishes and St. John’s Feast Day. It is of high importance that the incumbent in this position knows and is known by parishioners.
8. *Collaborate with staff and lead middle school students in large parish events like All Saints Party, Journey to the Inn, Egg Hunt and Parish Feast Day.
9. *Meet regularly with supervisor and team members. Attend ODM, parish staff and all staff meetings. Attend Archdiocesan events and networking opportunities within your area of ministry for ongoing development and support.
10. *Promote, lead and oversee fiscal responsibility for areas of ministry including Youth 365 fundraiser and youth room renovations.
11. *Clearly communicate to teens, families, and the wider parish community all that happens within your program areas; from promoting events to telling the glory stories. Using Flocknote, Father’s email, bulletin, and social media outlets.
12. *Handle administrative tasks to effectively and efficiently execute programs, retreats, events, and activities such as program schedules, weekly communication emails, permission forms, etc.
13. *Maintain databases and record discipleship efforts as well as update and evaluate effectiveness of ministry components.
14. *Assure adherence to all Safe Environment rules, guidelines, and requirements from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, such as permission forms for offsite events, driver requirements, student curriculum, etc.
15. *Comply with all insurance guidelines for all designated programs, events, and activities.

Ministries

*Middle School Formation and Ministry with Core Team

1. Recruit, equip and form catechists/core team to lead Middle School Formation program on Wednesday evening.
2. Lead with Core Team a weekly formation curriculum for students in grades 6, 7, 8 incorporating parent communication and ministry.
3. Lead Middle School Youth Group once a month.
4. Coordinate D groups for Middle School students.
5. Plan and lead three social events throughout the year.
6. Lead summer Middle School Youth Group, Totus Tuus evening program and Extreme Faith Camp.
7. Create parent ministry for grades 6-8.
8. Lead parents and youth in All in God’s Plan.
9. Collaborate with Coordinator of High School Youth Ministry utilizing High School Core Team executing Middle School Youth Ministry opportunities.

*Middle School Campus Ministry in parish school.

1. Assist middle school teachers in the overall formation of students and religion curriculum for grades 6, 7, 8
2. Work in collaboration with the middle school teachers in the planning and implementation of liturgies like Reconciliation and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and grade level retreats.
3. Relational ministry to students around the school day and school activities.

* Implement goals and objectives of the Order of Christian Initiation of Children program grades 6-12.

1. Oversee initial inquiries and meet with families. Guide families through the process.
2. Coordinate the program.  Lead meetings and provide retreats, practices and celebrations.

Qualifications

1. Must be a practicing Catholic with a sound understanding of Catholic practice, Tradition and Scripture.
2. Demonstrate understanding and acceptance of Catholic doctrine.
3. Experience and education in sacraments and sacramental preparation.
4. Bachelor’s degree in ministry, education or equivalent.
5. Demonstrated skills and interests in this type of work.
6. Experience in communications – email, newsletter, etc.
7. Strong computer, keyboarding and 10-key skills
8. Proficiency in technology: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), ParishSoft database, Flocknote, Google Docs, others.
9. Strong writing skills; proficiency in grammatical skills.
10. Must be able to pass background check.

Mental Demands

1. Ability to plan, organize, and meet deadlines and to manage multiple concurrent tasks.
2. High level of collaboration and organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and with interruptions.
3. Enthusiastic, self-motivated and able to work without supervision, but obtain direction when needed.
4. Maintain positive demeanor in the face of negative influences.
5. Publicly support the mission Saint John the Baptist Parish.
6. Strong interpersonal skills
7. Must be able to keep accurate records
8. Understand the importance of confidentiality
9. Able to search for and utilize information from the Internet

Physical Demands

1. Work an average of 40 hours per week
2. Able to sit for long periods of time
3. Able to lift up to 15 lbs. (office materials, supplies, etc.) using proper techniques

Please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references to Jill Fink, Director of Discipleship, Church of St. John the Baptist, 835 2nd Ave NW, New Brighton, MN 55112. email:finkj@stjohnnyb.org. Fax: 651-633-7404.