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Vision
The Director of Youth Evangelization is a faith-filled missionary disciple motivated by the joy of the Gospel. S/he will lead and build upon a nationally ranked faith formation program in our Roman Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Saint Monica utilizes a "small groups" discussion-based approach for young people from pre-k through 6th grade levels. Within their small groups, they will experience the person of Jesus Christ through the sacraments, Scripture, prayer and reflection, and their peers. This approach will lead to an engagement with 7th and 8th graders outside of the faith formation setting as young disciples within the wider parish community.
Through relationship building, our young people will be invited to hand over their lives to Jesus Christ, grow to the fullness of Christian maturity, and be sent on mission to minister to others (Matthew 28:19-20).
Duties & Responsibilities
Faith Formation & Discipleship
- Determine appropriate curriculum for a small group-based religious education approach. Assure integration of program components (i.e. catechesis, prayer, worship, communal sharing).
- Evaluate, choose, and maintain visionary Catholic resource materials for spiritual enrichment and growth in faith for youth.
- Research and discern emerging formational needs for pre-school through Confirmation level (6th grade). Modify and enhance approach as necessary.
- Prepare, implement, and evaluate annual weeklong intensive faith formation experience in June.
- Oversee Sunday Liturgy of the Word for Children program.
- Recruit, train, and provide opportunities for ongoing formation of volunteer catechists.
- Collaborate with the Director of Family Evangelization in leading weekly small group discussions with 6th grade Confirmation candidates (September through April).
- Schedule, collaborate in the preparation of, and attend First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation liturgies.
- Develop, execute, and evaluate retreats for First Communion and Confirmation candidates.
- Provide support to catechists on the formation and preparation of catechumens/candidates up to and including 8th grade ("junior" RCIA program).
- Collaborate with parents/guardians on sacrament preparation through ongoing and consistent communication (meetings, email, phone calls, etc.).
- Develop and implement a strategy for ongoing relationship building with youth grades 7-8 through seasonal opportunities (social, service/outreach, prayer, worship, etc.)
Parish Teams
- Serve as an active member of the Pastoral Team (staff). Attend weekly team meetings and quarterly retreats.
- Collaborate with the Director of Family Evangelization in areas of shared ministry and responsibility (service, faith formation, liturgies, retreats).
Administrative
- Collaborate with the Pastor and Financial Administrator on the development and oversight of the budget for Youth Evangelization.
- Collaborate with the Director of Communications on relevant updates and information via parish media platforms (e.g. weekly bulletin, Flocknote, social media).
- Participate in Archdiocesan/national trainings, meetings, and opportunities for ongoing formation related to catechesis and youth ministry.
- Ensure compliance with guidelines provided by the Archdiocesan Offices of Faith Formation with Youth/Child & Youth Protection.
Qualifications
- A practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
- A bachelor's degree in theology, catechesis, or equivalent (master's degree a plus).
- Experience forming and empowering youth to serve as missionary disciples.
- Experience teaching the Faith, leading mission trips, conducting retreats, and/or a foundation in sacrament prep/liturgies.
- The ability to engage and build relationships with young people, whether in a classroom or in recreational and social environments (athletic events, coffee shops, etc.)
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
Working Conditions
A shared office space (with the Director of Family Evangelization) provided, as well as a communal workspace within the parish office/rectory. The parish education center provides meeting spaces specifically designed to facilitate the small groups approach to faith formation. The education center also is home to two recently renovated youth rooms, one of which also serves as the small group room for 6th grade Confirmation prep.
Physical Requirements
Some light lifting of textbooks and other materials as needed.
Contact
Submit resume and salary requirements to jcarter@saintmonicachurch.org. Interested candidates are also welcome to record and submit a two to three minute video to introduce themselves and why they are interested in this position.
About the Parish
Saint Monica is composed of 1100 registered families (about 3200 people) and is located 23 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Please view our website - www.saintmonicachurch.org - where our Pastor's weekly reflections and parish communications are posted. For additional insights into our culture and vision, please explore the Pastor (Father Charles Zlock)'s personal website: www.frzlock.com.