Youth Discipleship Associate

Purpose of Position: To invest in young disciples for Christ by developing and implementing a comprehensive approach to early childhood formation, through first sacraments preparation to youth ministry (in the areas of worship, discipleship, mission, and outreach) while serving as a spiritual leader and role model, with the primary focus on catechetical formation and community building for youth, within the parish.

Responsibilities:

Early Childhood and First Sacraments

• Work with Young Family and Baptism Coordinator to facilitate engagement of parents and families in the life of the parish.
• Oversee Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium and implementation of program for youth ages three and older.
• Serve as needed as facilitator for Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) for children older than seven years old who are seeking Baptism or to enter the Church.

Middle school and high school Discipleship and Confirmation Preparation

• Help plan, develop, and implement a balanced youth ministry in the areas of worship, discipleship, mission, and outreach. Schedule, promote, organize and administrate weekly faith formation events.
• Coordinate Religious Education curriculum for youth (grades 6-12) and recruit volunteers in partnership with the Director of Lifelong Discipleship & Outreach.
• Facilitate engagement with parents of youth in collaboration with other parish staff by integrating them into Lifelong Discipleship offerings.
• Mentor youth in developing their leadership skills and helping them become involved with volunteer and ministry opportunities.
• Coordinate and teach Confirmation sessions and provide leadership for confirmands, sponsors, and parents.
• Facilitate connection and involvement of priests with the process of Confirmation preparation and general youth activities.
• Communicate in a timely manner and as effectively as possible using all available resources (email, website, bulletin, newsletter, bulletin board, etc.). Ensure communication with church staff and leadership, clergy, parents, and the parish as a whole.
• Promote opportunities for summer camps, regional activities, and volunteerism among young people and their families.
• Conduct annual registration and orientation event, receive and document registrations and tuition.
• Provide regular email and individual communications with program families and students.
• Ensure that the Safe Environment policies is observed in all youth ministry settings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Director of Lifelong Discipleship & Outreach

Pay Range: $23-$28/hour; commensurate with experience

Qualifications:

• College degree preferred with two to five years of educational experience.
• Parish work experience preferred, and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills, and able to collaborate effectively in a team-based environment.
• Solid understanding of Catholic Faith, rituals, calendar, and practices required.
• Successfully complete required background checks and safe environment training.
• Proficiency with Spanish language preferred.
• Training, or at least familiarity, with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd methodology preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and communicate well orally and in writing.
• Must be flexible with work schedule and to work for longer periods of time as needed.

Direct Reports:

• Faith Formation and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd volunteers.

Please send Résumé and Cover Letter to Grant O'Neil