Coordinator of Teen Faith Formation

General Position Summary: The Coordinator of Teen Faith Formation provides primary leadership for designing and implementing comprehensive catechetical and evangelization programs for teens 6-12. This role fosters youth's spiritual, social, and moral development, working collaboratively with parents, parish staff, and volunteers to cultivate a vibrant teen faith community. The coordinator ensures that all programs align with the magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church and are rooted in the diocesan guidelines.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Develop and Lead Formation Programs: As approved by the diocese, design and implement catechetical and evangelization programs for teens that focus on doctrine, liturgy and sacraments, moral life, and prayer. Prepare a yearly calendar for the Faith Formation Sessions and Activities.
• Youth Catechesis: This position leads the planning, development, and execution of programs for parish teens, including catechetical components for youth catechumenate, candidate initiation, and sacramental preparation (e.g., Confirmation).
• Parent Formation: Engages and forms parents to actively accompany their teens in their faith journey, emphasizing their role as primary educators of the faith.
• Resource Curation: Provides updated reading and spiritual enrichment materials for teens and their families to support catechetical growth.

Social and Service Opportunities

• Community Building: Plans and implements activities to foster peer relationships and a sense of community among parish teens.
• Service Engagement: Develop service opportunities that encourage teens to engage with parish, diocesan, and broader community needs, fostering a sense of responsibility and social awareness.
• Communication: Keeps teens, parents, and the parish informed about diocesan programs, retreats, and events. Actively manages social media accounts to engage with youth and families.

Leadership Development

• Volunteer Recruitment and Training: Invites, trains, and mentors small group leaders, youth, and adult volunteers, ensuring they are equipped for their roles in catechesis and discipleship.
• Leadership Formation: Empowers teens to take on leadership roles within youth ministry activities, fostering their growth as faith leaders.
• Collaborate with the Parish Evangelist Team to plan and coordinate evangelization.
• Work with the youth minister to coordinate RE/Youth ministry activities.

Administration

• Establishes strong relationships with parents to ensure their active involvement and consent for activities.
• Maintains accurate records of participants and leaders involved in youth programs.
• Prepares and requests the annual budget for teen faith formation programs in collaboration with the Office Mgr.
• Attends staff meetings &contributes to the parish Formation Council, sharing insights & updates on youth programs.
• Engages in professional development through workshops, certifications, and diocesan training programs to enhance personal and program effectiveness.
• Identifies emerging needs and adapts programs to address them effectively.
• Connects with diocesan groups & professional associations to stay informed of best practices & resources.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience:

• Active, practicing Catholic in good standing, with a strong understanding of and commitment to Church teachings.
• BA in Theology/Religious Education or a related educational field and a certificate in ministry or theology from a Catholic institution of higher learning.
• Proficiency in English; bilingual skills in Spanish are highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, crisis intervention, and group facilitation.
• Proven organizational and communication skills (both oral and written).
• Preferred: Certification in evangelization or catechesis working toward Catechetics Theology or related field.
• Completion of the Diocesan Safe Environment program.