Coordinator Youth &amp; Young Adult Ministry Divine Grace Parish (Cranberry, Zelienople, Ellwood City)

December 13, 2023

Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for Divine Grace Parish

Job Overview: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to serve as the Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry within our vibrant and faith-centered community. The ideal candidate will be committed to fostering spiritual growth, creating a supportive community, and guiding the youth and young adults in their journey of faith. This role involves planning and implementing engaging and meaningful programs, events, and activities that encourage youth and young adults to live out the graces of the Sacraments of Initiation and discern their vocation.
The parish has a permanent youth room at Saint Ferdinand along with a large youth and young adult ministry office. There is also a modest youth room in the convent at Holy Redeemer, and the ability to use the gym at Saint Gregory School.
This full-time position is not a 9-5 position. We recognize the need for flexible scheduling in order to create excellence in our ministries for youth and young adults while establishing a healthy work-life balance. For example, if one is leading a retreat that results in a 70 hour week, one has the flexibility of restructuring the following week with less hours. The working schedule will involve many evenings and weekends.
This position reports directly to the pastor and works collaboratively with the Coordinator of Catechetical Ministries.
Responsibilities:

Create a Parish-Wide Youth Ministry Program at All Church Sites
- Assist with the implementation of the Next Generation Parish Initiative underway at Divine Grace Parish
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for young members of the parish at all three church sites
- Foster one-on-one relationships in order that our youth can be mentored, taught, and guided that is age appropriate and genuine
- Plan frequent events directed toward student holistic formation
- Plan annual events such as mission trips, retreats, camps, conferences, etc.
- Assist with the existing annual Appalachia Mission Trip
- Coordinate community service projects
- Build and develop a core team having frequent meetings to effectively plan events, train core team members, delegate meaningful tasks, and evaluate the program
- Communicate a compelling vision of youth in our parish drawing from already proven ministries seen in other parishes throughout the United States that are similar to our parish
- Communicate regularly with parents about the vision for youth ministry, events that align with that vision, and insights into youth spiritual growth
- Frequently invite parents to be involved in youth ministry through a variety of options (prayer support, donations, chaperones, Core Team, etc.)
- Coordinate fundraisers to offset the cost of ministry expenses

Expand the Young Adult Program at Divine Grace Parish and the Faith on Fire Program for Young Adults in the Upper North Hills Area
- Plan frequent events directed toward holistic formation with an emphasis on building community for Divine Grace Parish
- Plan, Promote, and Facilitate frequent young adult ministry gatherings for spiritual growth and vocational discernment such as mission trips, retreats, conferences etc.
- Build and develop a core team having frequent meetings to effectively plan events, train core team members, delegate meaningful tasks, and evaluate the program
- Foster one-on-one relationships with young adults that are appropriate and genuine in order to connect them to the parish community
- Identify and nurture leadership potential among young adults, providing opportunities for them to take on leadership roles within the program

Be Active in the Life of the Parish
- Be a regular presence at middle school faith formation events
- Participate in the confirmation prep process as appropriate
- Have a strong presence at both Saint Gregory School and in all religious education programs
- If a non-parishioner, to worship occasionally at all three churches
- Other duties as identified by the Pastor (assistance at the annual festival, fundraisers, other parish events, etc.)

Collaborate with Staff and Volunteers
- Work closely with the Coordinator of Catechetical Ministries to ensure a comprehensive and engaging religious education program for youth
- Work with the Director of Communications to effectively promote events
- Work with the finance coordinator and bookkeeper in developing budgets and tracking expenses
- Coordinate with other parish ministries to integrate youth into the broader faith community
- Maintain regular communication with youth, parents, and parishioners through various channels, including social media, newsletters, and announcements
- Participate in local diocesan programs of formation and well as other national programs for youth and young adult ministry (i.e. National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Life Teen, Steubenville conferences, etc.)

Qualifications:

Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and in full compliance with the Safe Environment Policy
The ability to sign a copy of the Profession of Faith and the Oath of Fidelity
Bachelor’s degree in theology, religious education, pastoral ministry, or a related field
Previous experience working with youth and young adult ministry either as a volunteer or as a professional
Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Strong knowledge of the principles of Catholic evangelization and catechesis, discipleship, ecclesiology, and the progress of spiritual development
Must have a deep knowledge of the millennial experience and the social challenges confronting youth and young adults who are increasingly identifying with no religious affiliation
The capacity to develop and implement communication strategies for the purpose of evangelization, catechesis, and formation
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Canva, Flocknote, Formsite, digital media, and various social media
Ability to collaborate effectively with volunteers, parents, parish staff, and the clergy team

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Fr. Wehner at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted through January 2024.