The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 154 elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.
Implements, develops, and supports initiatives that engage youth in meaningful and transformative faith formation at the national, diocesan, regional, and vicariate levels in alignment with the goals and priorities of the Office of Lifelong Formation, Department of Parish Vitality and Mission, and Renew My Church initiative. Works under the direction of the Director of Lifelong Formation to ensure that youth ministers, catechists and catechetical leaders are supported with appropriate resources and information to engage youth through their ministries and archdiocesan initiatives.
- Works with ministry team to develop and implement a strategy for youth initiatives, including formational elements before, during, and after gatherings.
- Develops initiatives and programming for the faith development of early adolescents (age 11-14), related to and beyond preparation to receive the sacrament of confirmation.
- Works with the Office of Lifelong Formation Team to plan and execute a vision and measurable outcomes for each event, program, or initiative aligned with the goals of the office, department, and Renew My Church initiative.
- Coordinates with Communications, Events, and other Lifelong Formation Teams to complete tasks related to the success of initiatives directed at youth, at the direction of the Director of Lifelong Formation.
- Maintains and disseminates relevant initiative information, including calendar of events, registration information and deadlines, policies and permission forms, and payment invoices related to initiative participation.
- Works closely with the Senior Coordinator for Youth Ministry to develop and implement formation strategies, attending particularly to youth transitioning from childhood into adolescence.
- Develops, writes and edits resources to assist parish ministers in understanding implementing archdiocesan standards and policies relevant to youth ministry, programming and engagement.
- Supports administration and coordination of archdiocesan participation in the semi-annual National Catholic Youth Conference.
- Supports programming and coordination for Holy Fire, the semi-annual archdiocesan middle school youth gathering.
- Develops and helps coordinate programming for Spirit Days and other youth confirmation retreats.
- Coordinates with inter-department colleagues for promotion, participation, and programming in youth-based initiatives.
- Ensures knowledge of and compliance with Archdiocesan policies and regulations related to youth initiative participation.
- Contributes to preparing, proposing, amending, and following the Ministry Team budget at the direction of the Office Director.
- Leads and participates in committees, projects, or initiatives as directed by Office of Lifelong Formation or Department of Parish Vitality and Mission.
- Increases skills and knowledge through continuing education, attending conferences and reading appropriate literature.
- May be given other assignments and projects consistent with the responsibility level of this position.
- Denotes essential functions of this position, in conjunction with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
