Saint Joseph Parish in Needham is seeking a full or part-time Coordinator of Youth Ministry (CYM). This is a newly created position to address the ongoing spiritual and social formation needs of high-school age students. The CYM will be on staff with other ministry leaders and report to the Pastor. This person will plan, organize, and run various gatherings of young people for social engagement and faith enrichment, as well as for events such as field trips and service opportunities. The Coordinator of Youth Ministry will play a central role in the mission of the parish by engaging with the youth of St. Joseph Parish.
Qualifications:
• Be a practicing Catholic whose life, worship and beliefs are consistent with the Catholic Church and who has a passion for evangelization.
• Ideally a B.A. in a field related to Theology, Ministry, or Youth Ministry. Will consider any applicant with youth ministry experience and references, regardless of degree.
• Desire to bring teens and their families closer to Christ, who is our savior and our hope.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills that relate well with young people and their parents.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, parish staff, and volunteers.
• Proficient in various technologies including Office 365 and social media platforms.
• Strong communication, organizational skills, and creativity.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1) Youth Ministry Programming
• Help facilitate an encounter and relationship with Jesus Christ for the youth of the parish through the planning and execution of events, hosting small groups, and other discipleship and faith formation activities.
• Identify and develop lay collaborators in the parish (e.g., parents and others with a heart for accompanying young people) to create a core team to support the ministry.
• Develop a plan for youth ministry that may include utilizing existing ministry offerings such as Life Teen, Andrew Ministries, YDisciple, or others.
• Plan, organize, implement, and attend all on-site and off-site programs, events, and trips.
• Provide opportunities for parents to assist and deepen their own faith.
• Provide resources (print, video, web, social media, diocesan events) for effective programming.
• Help youth discover their charisms and place them at the service of their family, the parish, and the world around them. Encourage them to explore serving as lectors, musicians, singers, altar servers, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
• Provide regular updates for parents (newsletters, updates, informational meetings, etc.)
• Create a safe and welcoming environment for youth following all diocesan guidelines and protocols for safeguarding young people.
2) Communication and Administration
• Communicate with students and parents regularly using print and electronic channels, including social media.
• Maintain liaison with diocesan offices including the Office of Evangelization and Discipleship and the Office of Pastoral Support and Child Protection.
• Ensure CORI completion and child protection training of adults in the program.
• Participate in local & regional Faith Formation meetings and trainings at the Archdiocese's pastoral center and other locations.
• Manage program expenses properly and be responsible for the condition and security of buildings used for events.
• Interface with Confirmation Program.
o Note: For the school year 2025-2026, St. Joseph Parish is preparing 8th and 9th grade students to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. For the 2026-2027 school year and beyond, Confirmation will be conferred to 8th grade students each spring. For this coming transition year, the CYM may find opportunities to interact with 9th grade students in the Confirmation program but will not be responsible for it. The scope of responsibilities may be revisited in the future.
