This ministry position primarily focuses on faith formation for high school students but also shares equal responsibility with the Pastoral Assistant for Middle School in preparing youth for the Sacrament of Confirmation and planning and implementing summer mission trips.
I. PURPOSE
Nurture the faith development of young people through Christ-centered and engaging programs that foster discipleship, community, and service. Collaborate with parish leadership, clergy, and families to provide opportunities for worship, formation, and outreach, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment where youth can deepen their relationship with Christ and live out their Catholic faith.
Ii. Responsibilities
- Demonstrates a strong personal code of ethics, including maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and refraining from actions for personal gain.
- Maintains regular and dependable attendance.
- Attends regular staff meetings and participates in staff planning.
- Submits and approves timecards in a timely manner, as defined by the payroll processor.
- Remains vigilant and alerts the supervisor promptly to any safety or security concerns, documenting incidents in writing when required.
- Upholds Safe Environment policies, both in letter and spirit, for all involved in any ministry. Ensures the completion of background checks and Safe Environment training for volunteers directly involved in any ministry within the scope of this position before they minister to minors and vulnerable adults.
- Reads and signs the Professional Code of Conduct. Priests, deacons, pastoral ministers, administrators, staff, and volunteers in our parishes, religious communities, institutes, schools, agencies, and youth-serving organizations must exemplify Christian values and maintain appropriate conduct both in the workplace and in their personal lives.
- Collaborates with the canonically appointed leader, parish and school staff, and consultative bodies in implementing the mission and vision of the parish family.
- Learn and use specified productivity software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace Apps, facilities scheduling app, facilities work order app, Paycom and ParishStaq.
- Ensure that necessary records and documents are obtained, adequately protected, and maintained in accordance with the Records Retention Policies of the Archdiocese of Seattle.
DUTIES
- Actively recruits, encourages, and supports adult and youth core leadership teams, as well as other volunteers for youth ministry.
- Provides regular training and team-building opportunities.
- Holds regular meetings for planning, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
- Identifies and utilizes valuable resources to help core members be effective and successful.
- Recognizes and celebrates the contributions, gifts, and talents of all personnel involved in youth ministry.
- Utilizes a program for high school students that is Christ-centered, engaging, well-led, community-driven, service-oriented, fun, and sustainable, fostering spiritual growth, mentorship, and meaningful connections.
- Collaborates and coordinates outreach and evangelization efforts for high school students across all cultural communities.
- Fosters the involvement of high school youth in parish life through various activities, promoting intergenerational ministry.
- Plans, organizes, communicates, and implements recurring youth gatherings, retreats, service projects, and social events to nurture faith.
- Works with appropriate staff and clergy to plan, organize, communicate, and implement the Sunday Youth and Family Mass.
- Builds relationships with high school youth and their parents while maintaining appropriate ministerial boundaries through relational ministry (e.g., sending birthday cards, attending school events, scheduling regular check-ins, etc.).
- Communicates planned events and ministry content to parents, recognizing them as the primary educators of the faith. Addresses any concerns about youth with parents and, in consultation with a supervisor, makes appropriate referrals to outside resources or counseling services when needed.
- Together with the Middle School Youth Minister, shares equal responsibility in preparing youth candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Plans, organizes, and implements all aspects of the program, including registration, catechesis, retreats, and the Confirmation Mass.
- Collaborates with and supports parents and sponsors to provide the best possible experience for the candidates.
- Together with the Middle School Youth Minister, shares equal responsibility for planning, coordinating, and implementing annual summer mission trips for youth.
- Supports and empowers parents in coordinating fundraising opportunities, including the Hire-a-Trekker program.
- Organizes team-building opportunities for participants during the preparation period.
- Schedules regular planning meetings with the leadership team.
- Provides opportunities for participants to grow and deepen their understanding of social justice.
- Serves as the liaison to service organizations.
- Plans and coordinates all travel logistics for the mission trip events and attends the mission trip events.
- Other duties
- Creates youth-focused posts for the parish's social media channels and website.
- Assists in preparing the budget related to direct responsibilities, operating within an established budget while monitoring and fully accounting for spending and receipts.
- Maintains current knowledge and skills required to function as a Pastoral Assistant for Youth Ministry by reading relevant materials and attending workshops and conventions. Participates in local, regional, and national professional organizations, as appropriate and approved by the supervisor.
This Opportunity Is For You If
Skills, Knowledge, and/or Abilities
- You’re passionate about sharing the love of Christ with youth in grades 6-12 in an engaging and fun way, and you enjoy working as part of a team to make it happen.
- You’re a people person with fantastic interpersonal skills and a knack for public speaking.
- You know how to lead and inspire a team of volunteers to make a big impact.
- You’ve got strong communication skills, both written and spoken.
- You thrive in an ever-changing environment and are great at juggling multiple tasks with ease.
- You’re comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, even when there’s a bit of chaos or interruptions!
- You’ve got a flexible schedule and are open to evening and weekend work.
- You’re proficient in using Microsoft Office and Google apps.
- You have a creative side and are confident with multimedia presentations and creating engaging printed materials.
- You’ve got reliable transportation to get you where you need to go.
- You’re a team player who’s always looking out for the success of the group.
- You’re self-motivated, organized, and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves to get things done.
- You work well with others and know how to make decisions with great judgment and intuition.
- You’re good at evaluating new media resources and picking the best ones for parish programs.
- Bonus points if you’re bilingual in English and Spanish – but not required!
Education, Training, Experience
- You have a very good understanding of Catholic doctrine and beliefs as presented in the documents of Vatican II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other relevant Church and catechetical documents.
- You are highly comfortable working with youth and have a keen awareness of appropriate boundaries.
- You are at least 21 years of age.
- You have formal training in theology or systematic catechesis.
- You have a minimum of three years of experience in youth ministry.
- A B.A. or M.A. in religious education, theology, youth ministry, or a related field is preferred.
- You are an active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
- You are willing to dedicate yourself to our St. Louise and St, Madeleine Sophie Parish Family by participating in liturgical celebrations, prayer, service, and other parish events as needed.
Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.
Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.
