Director of Youth Ministry

Title : Director of Youth Ministry

Reports to : Director of Religious Education / Pastor

Location : Our Lady of Light Parish | Fort Myers, FL

Classification : Salaried / Exempt

Overview

The Director of Youth Ministry, under the direction of the Pastor, is responsible for the evangelization, formation, and discipleship of Middle and High School Students as well as young adults in our parish This program is designed to evangelize high school teenagers, bringing the Gospel message into their life experiences and to provide, through program offerings, opportunities that invite participation in the parish, with a connection to the entire Roman Catholic Church. This participation is fostered through the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist, the teachings of the Church, and the experience of loving each teen. Through service opportunities teens will develop leadership abilities and life skills.

Job Responsibilities

• Organize, administer and coordinate all Youth Ministry activities for Senior High School students. These activities include the weekly Friday night evangelistic meetings, Sunday Youth Mass, socials, special events (such as retreats and service projects), and events with other parishes.
• Recruit, train and administer the Youth Ministry Team of adults, to minister high school students and lead the Friday and Sunday Youth Mass per DOV safety requirements for interaction with minors. Work towards the diocesan certification of all catechists.
• Help recruit, train and supervise teen liturgical ministers. This includes lectors, gift bearers, ushers, and ministers of hospitality.
• Promote the program among the families of teens, the entire parish, and the broader civic community.
• Provide opportunities for family involvement in the program, including social, educational, spiritual and counseling / parenting events.
• With the Core Team, establish meaningful, one on one outreach to Catholic teens, per diocesan guidelines.
• Provide referrals for counseling individual teens, and their families.
• Oversee the administration of the program, including submission of an annual schedule and budget, the implementation of the budget, fundraising, facility needs and maintenance.
• Pursue education in current trends in youth ministry and other related professional issues.
• Maintain frequent open communication with the Director of Religious Education with regards to the short term and long range planning needs of the program.
• Obtain approval of Pastor for all off-premises events or special events impacting the broader parish.
• Participate in all mandatory staff and Diocesan meetings, work with parish staff to develop visioning, scheduling, planning, etc.
• Perform any other position related tasks as deemed necessary or assigned by the Pastor such as coordinating with staff and teachers on the needs of special needs students.
• Fulfill administrative requirements of the position such as but not limited to : requesting overtime as needed for special events, providing reports on student participation, turning in expense documentation in a timely manner and requesting funds outside of the budget if necessary.
• Must be a practicing Catholic;
• Masters Degree in Theology, Catechetics or related field required.
• 3-5 years of successful experiences in youth programming, either through employment or voluntary work
• Excellent organizational, leadership and communications skills both written and oral
• Individual will obtain DOV Youth Minister basic certification if not already certified.