The Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Education and Formation features an expansive coalition of schools that allow our children to develop a sense of purpose and value, receive a higher quality education, join a welcoming community and feel secure in a a dynamic future. We have a rich history, with its establishment 200 years ago by St. Rose Phillppine Duchesne. A coalition of schools serving over 50,000 students (PreK-12) within an 11-county area. The educational experience provided to our students and their families is rooted in a higher calling from God to honor and celebrate the gifts He has given us.
The Director of Youth Ministry for Esto Lux Youth works collaboratively alongside two other evangelization-focused youth ministers as a mission team serving four parishes in south St. Louis County (Assumption, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Francis of Assisi, Queen of All Saints). This team-based model of youth ministry allows duties and responsibilities to be divided according to the charisms of the members. Together, the youth ministers empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, draw them into committed participation in the Catholic Church, and foster their personal and spiritual growth.
An application submitted for this position is an application to be considered for any position within the team.
- Form relationships with area teens in order to lead them to Jesus and draw them closer to one another.
- Create, promote, and execute formational events in a spirit of collaboration with team members and the core team, including but not limited to: life nights, bible studies, open gyms, small group meetings, etc.
- Give talks that support young people’s catechetical, spiritual, and human formation, including witnesses and personal testimonies, inviting them into a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Make connections with the local community, looking for potential candidates to join the core team.
- Organize and facilitate a monthly meeting of the core team, while providing for the ongoing training of new members.
- Provide opportunities for the spiritual development and strengthening of the core team, while ensuring the orientation and formation of new members.
- Create opportunities for teens to participate actively in parish life.
- Create periodic service opportunities for teens within the local community.
- Plan and execute a stable and regular program of middle school ministry, together with the team, on each parish campus.
- Maintain an ongoing knowledge of trends and resources in youth ministry.
- Attend a weekly meeting as a team with the Esto Lux Chaplain to discuss upcoming events and opportunities.
- Facilitate timely and clear communication between parishes, priests, teens, and the youth ministry team.
- Organize and manage fundraising opportunities to support programming.
- Establish and maintain a parent mission team to build out the program structure and ensure program support.
- Connect virtually with teens, including but not limited to: maintaining program social media accounts, creating digital graphics, leading groupme accounts, etc.
- Communicate regularly with parish communication coordinators and bulletin editors to disseminate event details and advertise.
- Provide a welcoming atmosphere, including establishing and executing a process whereby the program welcomes new attendees and collects contact information.
- Coordinate opportunities for team members to visit area high schools, establishing connections and inviting new teens into programming.
- Curate content and curriculum for ongoing youth formation, especially in the form of series and retreats.
- Register, promote, and attend off-campus formational opportunities, including but not limited to: Steubenville Mid-America, Life Teen Leadership Conference (LTLC), Life Teen Summer Camps, fall retreat, mission trips, etc.
- Be available to offer guidance and support for youth and parents as needed.
- Collaborate with the Archdiocesan Office of Youth Ministry to maintain an awareness of Archdiocesan resources, programs and guidelines.
- Other duties as assigned by the Esto Lux Chaplain and participating pastors.
Knowledge & Experience Requirements
- Deep knowledge of the Catholic faith and a desire for ongoing, life-long formation in that faith
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in one of the following: Catholic studies, philosophy, theology, evangelization, or related fields
- One (1) to Three (3) years of experience in youth ministry, either as a core team member or youth minister
- Ability to work fulltime, with frequent evenings for Esto Lux
- Experience with fundraising, event promotion, graphic design, or retreat facilitation preferred
Skills & Attitudes Required for Success in Job
- Active and practicing member of the Catholic faith, with a deep passion for relationship with Jesus Christ
- Top-tier communication skills, both verbally and written
- Personable, outgoing, energetic, welcoming, and professional
- Able to work collaboratively with the other youth ministers, parents, core team members, priests, and parish staffs
- Self-starter that seizes opportunities to advance the mission and strengthen programming
- Able to change course as necessary, respond to opportunity, and stay focused on priorities
Relationships Requirements
- Ability to work well on a team, sharing responsibilities and collaborating effectively
- Ability to work well with, lead, and direct volunteers; able to collaborate with the leadership of the various parish communities in advancing the mission of Esto Lux
The Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Education and Formation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.
Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.
