2.) 6 Atlanta parishes have signed on to implement our new Life Teen Intentional Discipleship in the fall utilizing Life Teen full time missionaries. This outreach focuses on juniors and seniors in High School.

3.) 58 parishes have already signed up for Life Teen’s new College Life parish outreach! This new outreach helps youth leaders to stay in touch and inspire teens who have graduated and are attending college.

4.) Life Teen Mission Base Haiti just completed a full week of outreach to the local community called “Jericho” that featured nightly prayer meetings to standing room only attendance at the Life Teen John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization in Haiti.

5.) Spots are filling up quickly for 2 of our upcoming training conferences. Only 43 spots remain for our Catholic Youth Ministry Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona from June 9-12th featuring Ralph Martin, Bishop Burns, Jackie Francois, Fr. Mike Schmitz and the Ike Ndolo band. Only 40 spots remain for our Life Teen Leadership Training Conference for teen leaders in Atchison, Kansas from June 24-28th featuring Fr. Dan Beeman, The Ike Ndolo Band, Mark Hart, Chris Benzinger, Steve Allgeyer and Archbishop Naumann.  http://lifeteen.com/events/

There have been two times this past month that the word “always” has brought me to tears (which isn’t all that difficult, ask my teens). But seriously, one word doesn’t usually evoke that kind of emotion. Maybe it wasn’t the word itself, but what it stood for.

Talking to one of my juniors after a Life Night recently I thanked her for being there. She responded with a laugh and said, “Betsy, I’m always here.” And it hit me – she is always here. I got to thinking, if it weren’t for the sign in sheet, how many teens would I not realize are there every week? I returned her laugh and said “You know, you’re right and I am grateful” and made sure to chat with her a while before she got picked up.

Last week I ended up at the back of church after helping with the collection and, at the sign of peace, one of our senior teens came running to the back. I asked if she was ok and she said “Yes! Just doing what I always do!” My eyes followed her as she hugged two elderly women from the parish who come to Life Teen Mass each week because they love to see the “faithful energy of the young people”, but sit in the last pew so they “aren’t in the way.” I thought “hmm . . . she always does this, and I didn’t notice.”

In ministry, we can get caught up in the details and making sure everything runs smoothly. In all of that, we can take for granted the parts of our ministry that already are running smoothly – the regularly attending teens, the teens who go out of their way to welcome others, our Core teams . . . you know, the people who are always there, and always being Christ to others.

They say “It’s hard to see the forest through the trees,” but in ministry sometimes we need to let go of the big picture, the forest, and really focus in on the trees, and make sure they know we are always grateful for their existence because without them, there wouldn’t be a forest anyway.

So, to the junior who is always there, thank you. To the senior who always extends Christ’s peace to others, thank you. To my incredible Core team who always brings their A-game, thank you.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Youth Ministry organizes, maintains, and develops Youth programs for Middle and High School Youth. The Director of Youth Ministry will be asked to plan weekly meetings for both age groups and small group Bible studies; lead the fundraising group and retreats on the parish level; collaborate with retreats on the Diocesan level; serve as Parish Contact for our Summer Catechetical Program called Totus Tuus; and foster relationships with teenagers and members of the larger community. The Director must be faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, immersed in the Sacraments, and have the ability to share that lifestyle with the teens. The Director of Youth Ministry must be able to work as an individual while also having the ability to lead a team. Currently, Holy Spirit is home to two high school age youth groups: the Hispanic Youth Group and the English-language Youth Group. The Director will be asked to collaborate with both groups to begin the process of merging the two. Youth Ministry within the Diocese of Cheyenne is typically a collaborative event with retreats, service experiences, mission trips, and pilgrimages. The Director of Youth Ministry will be asked to collaborate with others involved in Ministry throughout the Diocese in order to foster growth within the entire Diocese. The Director will be asked to reach out to the local College Students to help them grow and develop their faith journey as well. The Director will be asked to update the Pastor and staff informing them of upcoming events as well as successful moments and challenges encountered in Ministry during the weekly staff meeting. The Director must have the ability to work nights and weekends as events call for them.

QUALIFICATIONS

1-3 years of experience serving Youth (comparable volunteer experience acceptable) Bachelor degree in theology, catechesis, youth ministry, religious studies, or related field strongly preferred. The ability to use Microsoft Office as well as social media (texting, Facebook, Twitter,etc.) is required. The Director of Youth Ministry must have the ability to work independently with little supervision and possible interruptions.

This position offers full benefits and salary dependent on experience and education.

Summer in youth ministry – it’s flipping sweet. While much of the parish seems to be slowing down and relaxing, summer is when youth ministry hits high gear.

Why? Teens are off of school and looking for things to do! During the school year, we’re competing with everything from homework overload to play and choir to sports and other extracurriculars. Add in some good family time, and Church offerings are often squeezed out. But using the opportunity of summer right can really help your ministry take off.

Here are three ways of making that happen for you:

1. Social events with a purpose.

Sure, having game nights or a movie outside on the side of building (drive in style!), or a softball gathering don’t seem like great ministry on their own. But it’s all in how you approach it. If you are busy being referee and running around not really engaged, you’re wasting the opportunity. But if you’ve got everything set up and ready to go, you can focus on relational ministry. With enough Core there to help keep it running smoothly, you can all really get chances to talk with teens – and build great relationships – and invite teens to offerings that will bring them further in their faith.

2. Making sacraments social.

We started a tradition at my most recent parish – Mass and Lunch. Teens were invited to noon mass every Monday during the summer, and we’d have some sort of lunch for them afterwards, whether it was pizza, tacos, or PB & J parties. It grew into great groups of teens attending mass, building community, and having fun for the afternoon. This could also work with gathering teens for Reconciliation and going to dinner afterwards or something. Get creative to use the freedom of summer to bring teens to Sacraments, and build community by have fun around it.

3. Pool parties.

For some reason, there are more pools per capita up in New York State than in places like Florida and Georgia. So it was always easy to find teens with pools. And we’d get together on Wednesdays at the church for a Bible Study, followed by traveling over to a pre-arranged home for a pool party and fire with s’mores. We tried to rotate it so that families weren’t hosting more than once or twice a summer, but these were nights where teens would love to learn more about their faith and then have fun together.

There are so many different ways to use the freedom teens have in summer to build the ministry community at your parish – and this is just a beginning list. Teens are looking for things to do, and they’re willing to bring friends to events that are fun and without pressure.

What things have you done to bring teens deeper in faith and build community over the summer?

St. Cecilia Parish is seeking a full time youth minister with music ministry skills. The youth minister coordinates the parish Confirmation program, a high school youth group, three weekend retreats during the academic year. This position includes outreach to our parish and school’s junior high young people and our high school youth group. This person is to be an advocate of young people participating fully in the life of our parish family.

• Description The parish seeks an individual with a passion for the Catholic faith who will provide spiritually uplifting leadership to our wonderful middle and high school ministries and work closely with our Director of Youth and Faith Formation in our Confirmation Program. This person will work with teens in Grades 7 – 12, with an emphasis on growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ and outreach that provides opportunities for fellowship, service, and spiritual development. Having experience with Lifeteen, Edge and Oneight will be a definite plus as we are just beginning these fantastic programs at our parish. Must be a practicing Catholic committed to living a life consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. A Degree in Catholic Studies or equivalent in experience. Praise and Worship musical experience helpful but not necessary. For a complete job posting see contact information below!

POSITION TITLE: Youth Minister for Middle and High School PARISH: St. Cecilia
REPORTS TO: Pastoral Associate EFFECTIVE DATE: May 9, 2013
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt Full Time APPROVED:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of middle and high school youth. To empower youth to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in today’s world, and to draw them into responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community. To provide leadership in the design, implementation and evaluation of the parish youth ministry program. To coordinate the spiritual, educational, ministerial and social activities of youth within the parish community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

1. Works with the Director, Pastor, staff members and volunteers to integrate middle and high school youth into active participation in parish life.

2. Responsible for developing and implementing an established parish program for youth that is consistent with the parish mission statement and involves opportunities for spiritual, service, and social activities with emphasis on faith formation. Plans and organizes liturgical celebrations, service projects, retreats, and social functions for the program participants.

3. Coordinates and maintains a calendar of youth program activities with the calendars of the parish, vicariate and archdiocese.

4. Recruits and trains adult volunteers to help with the youth program and to assist as catechists in the faith formation of middle and high school youth. Selects and trains youth as leaders and peer ministers for the youth program. Provides for the faith formation of all volunteers.

5. Prepares and submits an annual youth ministry budget that is consistent with the planned youth program to the Pastor and business manager for approval. Monitors expenditures against the approved budget and organizes fund raising events as needed to help supplement the cost of program activities/events. Maintain records in a timely fashion.

6. Collaborates in developing a structured religious education program. Promotes active youth participation within parish liturgical life. Periodically visit St. Cecilia middle school to invite students to participate in events.

7. Coordinate with the Parochial Vicar on tasks relative to the Sacrament of Confirmation. Coordinate with the parish priests regarding liturgical celebrations, especially those relating to the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Reconciliation for parish youth. Observe national and archdiocesan guidelines regarding youth ministry and religious education policies.

8. Keeps parents informed as to program mission and activities, and invites them to become involved in the program.

9. Networks with youth ministers in vicariate, region and archdiocese to plan combined events and share resources.

10. Participates in Archdiocesan opportunities for developing youth ministry skills. Attends Archdiocesan youth events with parish youth. Tends to personal spiritual growth through prayer life and retreats.

11. Serve as a liason between the young adult ministry and parish staff.

12. Maintains a strict level of confidentiality on all matters relating to parish business.

JOB SCOPE:
Position encounters frequent new and varied work situation. Individual determines own practices and procedures and contributes to the development of new concepts. Position operates independently with minimal supervision. Be able to speak to large groups. Be able to manage crisis situations in a responsible manner.
SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS:
Proven ability in organizational and communications skills and an understanding of adolescent faith development. Must be able to prioritize workload to meet program requirements. Ability to work both independently and as a member of a pastoral team. Must be flexible, creative, and responsible.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Practical experience working with youth. Demonstrated commitment to youth (grades 6-12) and ability to work with them and their families. Certification for Youth Ministry from the Archdiocese or equivalent education preferred. Degree in Religious Education or related field required and two to four years experience with youth programs in a parish preferred. Practicing Catholic required. Bilingual in Spanish preferred. Valid driver’s license required. Current CPR and/or First Aid card preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, run, talk, reach, sit, finger, hear, handle and perform various motions of the hands/wrists. Lifts and moves items up to 20 pounds.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is normally performed in an office, youth room, classroom, liturgical or recreational setting. Employee will be required to attend scheduled evening and weekend meetings and functions. This position requires flexible work scheduling to properly administer the program.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of the physical capabilities that must be met by an employee and the working conditions that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SUPERVISES: Program volunteers

The Web Director is expected to use web technology to help all teams within Life Teen reach new levels of success. This involves maintaining existing websites as well as building new websites, web applications, and mobile applications. The Web Director must work well in groups and be self-motivated and work well under critical deadlines. This position requires occasional travel. This position reports to the Vice President of Communications. Employment for Web Director will begin in June, July, or August 2013.

Responsibilities

In addition to managing LifeTeen.com, provide attentive support to each team within Life Teen

• Online Sales – lifeteen.com/store, MissionDistrictATL.com
• Ministry Development – lifeteen.com/donate
• Events and Camps – lifeteen.com/events, lifeteencamps.com
• Missions – lifeteen.com/missions
• Catechetical Support and Parish Outreach – CatholicYouthMinistry.com
• Manage the building of new websites
• Lead projects that are outsourced to other companies
• Daily website maintenance, updates
• Manage the cloud-based server load
• Occasional IT support
• BONUS: Design web graphics and user interfaces

Experience

• Four-year bachelor’s degree in computer science, web design, web development or equivalent
• Minimum two years experience managing web builds
• Extensive experience with WordPress
• HTML5, CSS, Twitter Bootstrap
• PhoneGap
• Two years experience with Adobe Photoshop
• Bonus – Experience developing and shipping mobile applications
• Bonus – Experience with SalesForce
• BONUS – Managing an online or offline publishing outlet. i.e. blog, podcast, magazine, school newspaper, etc.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate on phone, email, forums, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Proficiency on Apple computer systems
• Strong curiosity for new web trends and technologies

Non-performing requirements:

• An active, practicing Catholic in good standing
• Knowledge of the Catholic faith and Church teaching
• Background in Catholic youth ministry
• Knowledge of Life Teen is a plus but not mandatory

Salary

Commensurable with experience. Plus full health care for medical, dental, and vision.

This position works in collaboration with the pastor to implement a comprehensive Christian formation program for children and youth from Pre-K through high school, to include catechesis, intergenerational and family offerings, sacramental preparation for youth and children and engagement of youth in all activities of the parish. The Coordinator serves on the parish Christian Formation Coordinating Committee, facilitates/leads teams of youth and adults who serve on youth ministry leadership teams, and is a member of the parish staff.

Looking for someone who is able to see religious education as a conduit for building a relationship with Christ. This person needs to be an active Catholic Witness as they take on the responsibility of grades 6-8 Faith Formation Classes, the Formal Confirmation Preparation for 9th grade, Confirmation, as well as Middle and High School Youth Ministry. For more information look at the full job description on our website: www.stcath.org.