Director of Youth Ministry

Description

Job Summary: 

The Director of Youth Ministry (DYM) oversees the middle school and high school parish faith formation programs and works closely with the pastor to ensure that these programs are forming disciples of Jesus Christ.  The DYM also endeavors to evangelize the 6th-12th grade youth within the parish boundaries and invite them into Christ's Church to become his disciples.  The DYM reports to the Director of Faith Formation and Evangelization, supervises the Youth Ministry volunteers, and operates with wide latitude for independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character:

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

Positions employed at St. Helen 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, thereby engaging in ministry for the Church.

Essential Job Duties: 

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church, as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Helen Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.

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

• Pursue professional development in collaboration with clergy and the Diocese of Austin.

• Maintain relationship with Pastor, other parish staff members, Faith Formation staff, and the diocesan office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

• Direct the implementation, ongoing management, and evaluation of parish Faith Formation programs for Youth in 6th-12th grade, including regular faith formation/youth ministry, OCIA, and sacrament preparation.

• Provide leadership and formation to faith formation/youth ministry volunteers.

• Integrate insights from current catechetical literature into program planning.

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate catechists and support volunteers.

• Support knowledge and skills of catechists through ongoing formation tools.

• Adjust program components (space, time, materials, human and physical resources) as needed.

• Order resources (textbooks, Bibles and liturgy materials, sacramental gifts, additions to the library) as needed.

• Communicate with youth, parents, catechists, and parish at large to keep them informed of youth faith formation efforts.

• Other duties as assigned by the Pastor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

• Knowledge of diocesan requirements for formation and catechesis.

• Knowledge or willingness to learn most effective methods for catechesis and evangelization.

• Skill in communicating the Catholic faith and forming disciples. 

• Skill in evangelization and relational ministry.

• Skill in using job-appropriate technology.

• Skill in critical thinking and planning, including the willingness to adapt programs as needed to best respond to the needs of the parish.

• Skill in collaborating with peers.

• Ability to demonstrate professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parish matters. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form. 

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time-management techniques. 

• Ability to work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country

Experience:

• Two (2) years or more in a wage-earning position

Language:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)

• Some ability to converse in Spanish 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/Virtus) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

• The Parish is an at-will employer.

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 

• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

• May be required to use personal vehicle to drive to off-site locations.

• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required.