• JOB PURPOSE: To foster an awareness of Christ’s presence in the lives of parish youth by coordinating Catechetical faith formation programs and service experiences for St Thomas Becket Middle School and Confirmation youth. To foster an awareness of Christ’s presence in the lives of parishioners with a special emphasis on youth.
• Recruit and work side by side with parish adult leaders.
• Utilize, coordinate, and implement youth friendly faith, justice and outreach programs and the Confirmation preparation program and youth retreat.

This position will require evening and weekend availability.

*UNIQUE REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain and organize catechetical programs/processes for the Middle School (Grades 6-8) and Confirmation (Grades 9 & 10) program and retreats in keeping with the guidelines of the Archdiocese.
• This position will have the ability to consider a new and/or updated curriculum for 6th, 7th & 8th grade learning.
• Collaborate and communicate with other Faith Formation staff in scheduling, recruiting, and planning programming.
• Plan and organize Wednesday classes and three service opportunities that mix faith, social and music activities to connect with and attract grades 6th -8th grade students to the faith and parish life of St Thomas Becket.
• Design and carry out Service opportunities with other Faith Formation staff.
• Seek out and attend professional training events and be involved with professional associations.
• Collaborate with youth ministers and religious educators at Church of Saint Peter in Mendota, and St. John Neumann in Eagan on Faithful Shepherd’s 8th grade retreat and graduation. (Faithful Shepherd Catholic School is a tri-parish school that is sponsored by St. Thomas Becket, St. Peter’s, and St. John Neumann).
• Recruit, manage and mentor adult and youth volunteers for all programs.
• Collaborate with the Faith Formation staff, the staff, and all parish leadership in shaping the parish’s ministry to, with, by, and for youth.
• Attend weekly parish staff meetings.
• Ensure curriculum is in keeping with the guidelines of the Archdiocese.
• Recruit, manage and mentor adult and youth volunteers for all programs. Will work with other faith formation staff to recruit two adult volunteers (or older teens) per class to conduct the faith formation program and the service projects.
• Provide in-service training and ongoing support to volunteers in basic theology, the methods of catechesis, and in the use of materials to be employed in their teaching.
• Prepare the annual budget with the Finance Manager and oversee expenditures after its approval by the finance committee.
• Plan and organize Justice / Outreach events with special focus on Youth involvement. This service component includes a comprehensive, creative learning plan that includes student preparation, service engagement, and reflection on the experience to engage youth within and outside of the St. Thomas Becket community.
• Develop collaborative work and advisory teams of adult parishioners that will foster and grow our new vision for youth engagement (examples – Faith in Action Council / Justice Outreach committee, Confirmation programming, Confirmation retreat).
• Calendar of Outreach / Justice events and Confirmation programming will be published by August 1st each year.
• Function as staff liaison to the Faith in Action Ministry Council. Promote communication and collaborative events and outreach with other ministry staff and ministry councils.
• Keep youth website updated with current information and photos that are youth focused.
• Review, select, and acquire suitable materials for all programs.
• Organize the annual Confirmation Retreat. This includes designing the retreat, scheduling facilities, recruiting, and training volunteers, etc.
• Collaborate with other staff that involve teens, for example the Lenten Soup Supper with Liturgy Coordinator and Communications Associate.
• Maintain curriculum for the Confirmation program in keeping with the guidelines of the Archdiocese.
• Schedule and plan rituals for Confirmation Candidates including Rite of Enrollment and Rite of Sending.

*COMMUNICATION AND TASKS:

• Attend parish staff meetings; update members regularly on matters pertaining to the catechetical programs.
• Collaborate with other parish staff as directed or needed.
• Collaborate with other faith formation staff to design a cohesive faith formation program for all ages.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with volunteer team leaders and staff.
• Inform parents in a timely manner of program events and policies: registrations, fee/tuition, and policies, parent meetings, enrichment opportunities, etc. in conjunction with other Faith Formation Staff.
• Articulate the philosophy and theology underlying the parish faith formation program.
• Maintain regular contact with the Archdiocesan office to stay informed of its policies and any programs it is offering.
• Develop a comprehensive calendar of all aspects of the catechetical program and coordinate this with the parish’s primary calendar.
• Maintain accurate records related to registration, attendance, or permission slips for possible offsite activities.
• Work with parish staff and volunteer leaders in implementing and following the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and training volunteers.
• Ensure that all volunteers involved with youth have completed the Essential 3 Standards.

Job Qualifications: Skills, Knowledges, and Abilities - Required

• Bachelor’s degree in catholic studies, Education, Justice and Peace Studies or Theology.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Completion and passing of a Criminal Background Check.
• Demonstrated skills and interests in this type of work.
• Three years or more experience in the field of Faith Formation / Justice Education.
• Post Vatican II / Pope Leo understanding of Church.
• Skills for working with preteens, teens, adults, and families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in computer programs / software and technology management/ social media.
• Desire and ability to collaborate with a team.
• Leadership, team building, and recruitment
• Competence in age-appropriate instructional methods and knowledge of subject matter being taught.
• Ability to work well with others and maintain a collegial atmosphere.
• Confidentiality, Integrity, and Honesty.
• Ability to work under pressure and with constant interruptions.
• Ability to plan, organize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to be pleasant and service-oriented even when exposed to negative influences.
• Keep supervisor and others appropriately informed.
• Fulfill total commitments of the faith formation program and other activities of the ministry year.
• Able to work evenings or weekends when necessary; will regularly work Wednesday and some Sunday evenings during the school year.
• Outdoor/indoor supervision of groups of students.
• Lift and move using proper techniques up to 15 pounds.

Qualified applicants should email a cover letter and resume to Kevin Magyar at kevinm@stbeagan.org.