Director of Catechesis & Youth Ministry

Director of Catechesis and Youth Ministry

Date:                                                   January 20, 2026

Overall Supervisor:                            Pastor

Direct Reports:                                  Faith Formation support staff, volunteers

Provides work direction to:              Faith Formation support staff, volunteers

Receives work direction from:         Pastor

FLSA:                         Non-exempt

Benefits Eligible:      Yes

Hours:                        Full-time

Schedule:                    The work schedule is flexible and will be determined in consultation with the Pastor. The work schedule will also vary based on parish needs and will require flexibility. The schedule will require convening and running meetings of the parish’s Evangelization Team.

JOB PURPOSE:  To assist the Pastor in cultivating a culture of excellent catechesis that forms people in both the content of the faith and the living mystery of God. This culture will aim to equip the people of Transfiguration with a deep, meaningful understanding of Catholic teaching as contained in the Scriptures and Magisterium. Special attention is given to the youth of the parish and their parents, recognizing the family as the domestic church and parents as the primary educators of their children. A targeted goal of this position is to help every member of Transfiguration to be confident in defending and articulating the faith to both their fellow Catholics and non-Catholics. All activities shall support the mission and philosophy of Transfiguration Church of Oakdale, Minnesota:

To lead all those in the East Metro to Christ, the Source and Summit of our daily and eternal lives.

STATEMENT ON WORKING FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment.  Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner which 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 Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, nor can it embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal.  It is required that this employee be an active, participating Roman Catholic.  It is expected that all employees respect Catholic doctrine and religious practices.

REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note:  The following responsibilities, 1 through 5, are essential responsibilities.

1. Catechesis

• In collaboration with the Pastor and at his direction, select and implement the curriculum for the parish’s Faith Formation program by reviewing materials, supporting and recruiting catechists, and empowering parents to fulfill their role as the primary educators of the faith.
• In collaboration with the Pastor and Director of Evangelization, plan and organize catechetical opportunities that enrich the life of faith and encourage people who are considering becoming Catholic.
• In collaboration with the Pastor, direct and organize the annual Fr. Baer Lecture Series by selecting topics, coordinating speakers, and promoting events.
• Be available to occasionally teach Order of Chistian Initiation of Adults classes.
• Collaborate with Catholic School Principal in supporting an integration the parish’s catechetical vision in the school.
• Oversee, under the director of the Pastor, the sacramental preparation programs and coordinate with both school staff and parish volunteers to ensure all candidates for sacraments are properly prepared.

1. Youth Ministry

• Organize parish events that draw middle school and high school age youth into the life of faith through a mixture of fun activities, time of prayer, and catechetical instruction.
• Develop and maintain an infrastructure that invites high school age youth to become stewards of God’s gifts and to enter into leadership roles for youth ministry under the direction of the Director of Catechesis and Youth Ministry.
• Recruit and train adult volunteers to assist with the proper supervision and administration of youth ministry events.
• Collaborate with youth ministers in other parish’s to find ways in which we can pool resources together and engage in larger events (e.g. Extreme Faith Camp, Steubenville, etc.).
• Recruit adult chaperones as necessary for any off-site events.
• Coordinate two corporal works of mercy events each year that teach youth to support the common good and be visible witnesses of God’s love in the larger community.
• Create a culture in which youth who participate in the parish’s Youth Ministry become missionary disciples and help draw other youth to these events and the life of the Church.

1. Management

• Utilize FlockNote and the parish’s social media accounts to promote the parish’s catechetical offerings.
• In collaboration with the Parish Life Coordinator, ensure all sacramental records are properly recorded and maintained.
• Hold monthly meetings with catechists to maintain good working relations, offer guidance and support, and develop continuous ideas for improvement in our catechetical programming.
• Hold quarterly meetings with adult volunteers in youth ministry to solicit their feedback, offer guidance and support, develop new directions as necessary for youth ministry, and offer them support for their service.
• Ensure that registration are in place and up to date for applicable programs and formation opportunities. Ensure any payments are made and maintain proper documentation of them.
• Provide timely, complete, and succinct communications to those who participate in Faith Formation or Youth Ministry. Be sure to follow all protocols that will involve any communications with a minor.
• Conduct an annual review with the Pastor of Faith Formation programs to evaluate what changes or improvements can and should be made.

1. Administration

• Recruit, train, and provide support to catechists and youth ministry volunteers.
• Ensure that the Essential Three and risk management guidelines and policies are being followed with proper documentation maintained in collaboration with the parish’s Safe Environment Coordinator.
• Under the direction of the Pastor, oversee fundraising events to ensure the Youth Ministry is accessible to a wide range of families and is also financially solvent in its own right. Involve youth in this effort.
• Provide time, thorough, and excellent communication to the parish families to engage them in the opportunities to become more involved in parish life and to bring others into the life of the parish.
• Work with the Pastor and Director of Finance and Operations to develop an annual budget for Faith Formation and Youth Ministry.

1. Personal Growth and Other Responsibilities

• Participate in Archdiocesan programming and other opportunities for professional growth.
• Collaborate with neighboring parishes to find ways in which Transfiguration can participate in the overall good of the Archdiocese.
• Perform other responsibilities identified as needed by the employee and approved or assigned by the Pastor.

The responsibilities listed below are representative of the job and are not inclusive.  Those preceded by an asterisk (*) are essential job functions.

*To be present where needed, ready to work as needed to meet responsibilities.  Includes recognizing when situations require more effort, satisfying responsibilities in a timely manner, providing an example of punctuality and attendance, and generally ensuring all is ready and taken care of. 

*Maintain and improve work knowledge and skills such as understanding requirements and work procedures, purpose of work completed, computer use and general building management.

*Meet all communication requirements including interpersonal skills with Transfiguration employees as well as visitors, guests, and parishioners.  Includes keeping superiors and appropriate others informed.

*Capable of de-escalating difficult or intense interactions with parishioners, visitors, and staff.

*Help create a productive environment where there is harmony, good morale, and cooperative teamwork.  Monitor self-productivity and take corrective action as appropriate.

*Understand the Essential 3 requirements to ensure that the policies are followed in regard to activities and staff under your direction.

*Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality of all work data.

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree required. If degree is not in theology or a related field, equivalent training is required.
2. Experience working in a Catholic organization related to catechesis and youth ministry.

Mental & Physical Demands:

1. Ability to plan, organize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.
2. Possess a clear understanding of the English language.  Able to speak and write effectively.
3. Work 40+ hours per week, including participating in occasional evening and weekend meetings or events.
4. Able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
5. Able to lift up to 50 lbs. (Books, office materials, equipment) using proper techniques.
6. Able to operate keyboard in safe and proficient manner.

Qualifications:

1. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a love for the Catholic faith and passion for bringing others into the life of the faith in the Catholic Church.
2. A commitment to and understanding of the Catholic Church and of the mission and vision of Transfiguration.
3. Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with staff, ministry leaders, volunteers, parishioners, and visitors to implement the Pastor’s vision for evangelization. This includes the ability to manage multiple projects, the ability to think strategically, and to adapt behavior and work in response to new people and new information.
4. Ability to communicate positively and effectively with Transfiguration parishioners, leadership, administration, and the broader community.
5. Effective communication with middle school and high school aged youth and a genuine interest and care for their spiritual good.
6. Possess a high level of initiative and flexibility in completing work with minimal supervision.
7. Successfully complete the Essential Three requirements—Virtus training, background check, and Code of Conduct.
8. Computer skills that include the use of Microsoft products, email, internet-based programs, FlockNote, and ParishSOFT (as well as others that may arise to successfully perform duties).

Please submit resume and reference to Fr. Nate Meyers at frmeyers@transfigurationmn.org; call Fr. Meyers at 651-501-2211 with any questions about the position.