TO APPLY, PLEASE CONTACT TRACY CASEY: Tracy.Casey@diobpt.org

Reports to: The Bishop in his role as Member of the Seton Collaborative, or his designee
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time (15 regular hours per week)
 
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The Regional Youth Minister will be responsible for developing a comprehensive regional youth ministry to, with, and for middle school youth in the designated region of the diocese.
 
Utilizing the goals and components outlined in the USCCB’s document Renewing a Vision: A framework for Catholic Youth Ministry and consistent with the guidelines of the Diocese of Bridgeport, this ministry provides for formal catechesis, opportunities for discipleship, and a connection with local faith communities. The ministry shall develop close communication with, and mutual support from families of young people and provides vision and coordination for the parish’s efforts in ministry to young people in middle school (6 through 8 grades).
 
The primary objectives of this ministry are to:

• Model for young people how they put faith into action
• Develop a comprehensive disciple-making ministry to, with, by, and for young people
• Recruit, supervise, advise, and support youth ministry volunteers
• Provide outreach to youth in the areas of advocacy, evangelization, catechesis, justice and service, leadership development, community life, and prayer/worship

 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Development
   1. Recruits a core group of youth and adults and provides for its enrichment.
   2. Develops leadership skills in youth and young adults.
   3. Develops a network for reaching out to youth, particularly to the alienated.
   4. Plans, coordinates, and implements sessions once a month on a Sunday night as well as ad hoc programs.
   5. Develops relationships with parents that are conducive to open communication between parents and youth.
   6. Coordinates with ‘Life-Teen’ for materials and for other program details.

 

2. Recruitment and Training of Leaders
   1. Recruits, trains, assigns, and evaluates the youth leaders. Coordinates participation in diocesan sponsored training programs.
   2. Serves as an advisor and support to youth leaders.
   3. Monitors the efforts of volunteer leaders and evaluates progress.

 

3. Administration
   1. Plans, organizes, and implements programs/experiences which provide a holistic approach in meeting the needs/interests of youth.
   2. Submits to supervisor an annual budget and administers budget throughout the year.
   3. Maintains necessary office and program records, including a log of activities.
   4. Provides opportunities for youth to hear and respond to the Gospel message.
   5. Assists in the preparation of liturgical celebrations for youth.
   6. Submits periodic reports to the pastors detailing programs in youth ministry.
   7. Ensures all Diocese of Bridgeport Safe Environment policies and procedures are complied with.

 

4. Communication
   1. Keeps the parishes informed of the youth ministry activities.
   2. Advises, communicates, and cooperates with other parish leaders and diocesan organizations.
   3. Supervises and coordinates scheduling of youth social activities
   4. Keeps informed through attendance at diocesan, regional and national conferences, regular reading, and membership in youth associations.
   5. Acts as an advocate on behalf of youth before the Church and the community

 

5. Management of Meeting Space (Parish Center or All Saints School)
1. Keeps the space in clean, orderly condition.
2. Makes timely requests to Facility Manager for assistance and support in the completion of item a.
3. Manages the space, including the return of the space to its original condition and the disposal of trash to the dumpsters.

 

6. Other duties as assigned.

 
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in either religious education/theology/secondary education, or national certification in youth ministry, background in theology and educational methodologies with a willingness to move toward credential or degree, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of five years youth ministry experience in a Catholic parish
• Demonstrated vision and ability to plan, develop, coordinate, manage and implement a disciple-making Catholic youth ministry
• Practicing Catholic able to participate in the sacraments of the Church
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, conflict management skills, and computer skills
• Must possess a proven ability to work effectively with youth, adults, diverse communities, and teams of volunteers Microsoft Office/Suite proficient (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio) and experience utilizing project management software
• Client-facing project and budgeting experience
• Engaging teacher/presenter
• Solid problem solving and time management skills
• Able to multitask efficiently and effectively
• Great interpersonal skills, with strong decision-making and leadership capabilities
• Strong attention to detail
• Highly organized with sharp attention to detail
• A strong work ethic and desire to exceed client expectations

 
SPECIFIC NORWALK MINISTRY EXPECTATIONS FOR THE REGIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR

Program Development

1. Plan, coordinates and implement the Life Teen Edge programs sessions once a month on a Sunday night
2. Coordinate with Life Teen for materials and for other program details
3. Coordinate and lead weekly youth group meetings, including prayer, worship, and educational activities- once a month LifeTeen sessions at the four parishes (1st week- St. Thomas, 2nd Week- St. Jerome, 3rd week- St. Philip and 4th week- St. Matthew)
4. Develop and maintain a middle school ministry calendar of activities.
5. Explore the creation of a website highlighting social, service and spiritual opportunities of encounter
6. Plan and execute service events, retreats and other opportunities for middle school youth to deepen their faith and build relationships with one another
7. Work collaboratively with the pastoral staff and volunteers to support the overall mission and vision of the parishes
8. Coordinate the recruitment of a CORE adult leadership team
9. Recruits, trains and works with volunteers, Parish Faith Formation Leaders and Youth Ministers of the local parishes to foster involvement of middle school youth in the life of their parishes and local community.
10. Monitors the efforts of volunteer leaders and evaluates progess, providing training, formation and support

 
Communication

1. Keeps the parishes informed of the middle school regional ministry activities.
2. Advises, communicates and cooperates with other parish leaders and diocesan organizations
3. Acts as an advocate on behalf of middle school youth before the Church and the community
4. Provide quarterly updates about middle school regional ministry to the pastors during their quarterly meetings, as well as parishioners through newsletter or email.
5. Interfaces with the Diocesan Leadership Institute to meet resource needs and stay informed about Diocesan youth events and efforts.
6. Oversee all communication regarding middle regional ministry with both parents and participants via email, social media, etc.

 
Administration

1. Submits to the Pastor/Supervisor and annual budget and administers the budget throughout the year
2. Operates within the established budget, monitors and fully accounts for spending and receipts
3. Assist with long range planning, budgeting, and program assessment.
4. Works with parish safe environments coordinators to ensure that all adults are in full compliance with diocesan safe environment policy.
5. Assists in the preparation of liturgical celebrations for youth.

 
Management of Meeting Space (Facility at All Saints Catholic School)

1. Keeps the space in clean, orderly condition.
2. Makes timely requests to Facility Manager for assistance and support in the completion of item ‘a’.
3. Manages the space, including the return of the space to its original condition and the disposal of trash to the dumpsters.