St. Matthew the Apostle: Youth Minister/Catechist (Elementary/Middle

The Youth Minister/Catechist (Elementary/Middle School) position is accountable to the Pastor and the Director of Evangelization. This position collaborates with the Family of Faith program as a catechist or aide at monthly family gatherings during the school year. This position also collaborates with the Family of Faith program and the parish school to assist in preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. The Youth Minister/Catechist also serves families and children in grades 6-8 providing them opportunities to grow closer to Christ and his Church. Essential goals include increasing middle school youth ministry program participation and coordinating a supportive group of program volunteers.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential job responsibilities; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. All the duties and standards within this job description will be performed according to the established policies, procedures and guidelines outlined in the parish policy and procedures manuals.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Collaborate with the Director of Evangelization to accompany and catechize families and children 3rd-8th grade.

2. Serve as a catechist or aide at sacramental preparation classes (Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation) and Family of Faith monthly gathering meetings.

3. Collaborate with the Director of Evangelization, Sacramental Preparation Coordinator, and Family of Faith and sacramental preparation catechists to develop lesson plans as needed.

4. Assist with administrative duties and basic correspondence for sacramental preparation and the Family of Faith program.

5. Coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of youth ministry, catechesis, and formation for middle school students (grades 6-8) of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish and School, in collaboration with the Director of Evangelization.

6. Recruit and develop middle school youth ministry core team.

7. Recruit parent volunteers for youth ministry events to ensure PGC compliance.

8. Utilize relational ministry within St. Matthew School and Family of Faith families through small groups and bible studies.

9. Participate and share in community, deanery, and diocesan ministry for middle schoolers.

10. Consult Pastor and Director of Evangelization in reviewing materials and designing middle school youth ministry programs. Provide resources upon request.

11. Educate and inform the parish leadership, as well as the parish community, concerning middle school youth ministry and the primary role the community plays in that process.

12. Keep the parish informed of middle school youth ministry activities and goals and advocate for ongoing parish support and involvement.

13. Assist in preparation of and manage the middle school youth ministry budget according to parish and diocesan policies.

14. Maintain membership and participation in appropriate National, Regional, and Diocesan organizations as required.

15. Work in close collaboration with the Director of Evangelization, Sacramental Preparation Coordinator, and other parish programs, and share in the parish’s vision for pastoral ministry.

OTHER POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Complies with federal, state and local safety laws.

2. Maintains a neat and safe work area.

3. Performs other duties as assigned.

4. Monitors compliance of volunteers with safe environment policies.

5. Regular attendance and punctuality is essential for this job.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Required: Compliance with BCI&I background checks and completion of Protecting God's Children program; Roman Catholic in good standing in the Church.

Education: BS or BA required in theology or religious education or other relevant degree. Certification in youth ministry from the Diocese or an accredited national youth ministry program is required.

Experience: 3 to 5 years catechist and/or youth ministry experience, or similar experience, is required (volunteer or paid); familiarity with catechesis and youth ministry principles is preferred; proven administrative skills including communication skills, interpersonal relations, conflict resolution, and collaborative ministry.

Job Related Skills: Project planning and tracking skills, budget tracking skills, along with the ability to multitask, are mandatory for this position. Solid understanding of catechesis and youth ministry principles and practices along with catechesis and youth ministry experience at the parish level are mandatory. Strong writing skills, excellent speaking and teaching skills, along with the ability to speak to a diverse audience from priests to parents to young people, is required. Computer, audio/visual, and video production skills are all necessary in creating catechetical and youth ministry sessions.

Interpersonal Skills: The ability to work with others in a collaborative team environment.

Language skills: Strong oral and written communication skills are required; ability to read and comprehend instructions, write correspondence, and memos.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Working Environment: The ability to maintain all information highly confidential. Regular evening and weekend work hours required.

For further information, please contact .