DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Director of Youth Ministry (“DYM”)
Job Description: Epiphany Catholic Church is looking for an enthusiastic, fun, patient, and genuine individual to facilitate the spiritual growth and development of youth, providing them with both a voice and the opportunity to grow as disciples of Christ. Candidates must evidence commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, and preference will be given to bilingual applicants (English and Spanish). If you feel called to this ministry but do not quite fill the requirements, please consider applying.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Epiphany youth ministry fosters Catholic values, a personal relationship with Jesus, and social justice by nurturing the hearts of our young people. The ministry is rooted in relationships, as genuine connection and sincere care are essential for our youth to discover and live out their God-given calls. We strive to empower youth to manifest God's presence within our parish community and the world. We aim to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment where youth can develop trusted relationships, explore their Catholic faith, and experience a true sense of belonging. The DYM leads a team of caring adults to engage with young people to offer a warm and comforting presence within our community. We seek meaningful interactions, prayer, community, fun, fellowship, and lasting friendships, which enable our young people to experience Christ in real and transformative ways.
HOURS: This is a full-time position. Working weekends is central to this ministry, and days off are flexible during the week. The position includes sick days, personal days, and vacation time consistent with archdiocese policy.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Parish and Pastoral Staff
1. Share responsibility for and collaborate with pastor and staff to develop, implement and update the parish long-range plan’s vision and goals as they relate to youth ministry.
2. Serve as staff liaison to the Epiphany Youth Council and Youth Ministry Parent Advisory Council.
3. Attend staff meetings, staff retreats, and any Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) or other committee meetings as needed.
4. Attend Epiphany weekend Masses a minimum of twice a month, rotating all three Mass times.
Community Life
1. Plan opportunities for youth to experience Christian community, develop relationships of trust and support, and explore, celebrate, and share their Catholic faith and identity.
2. Develop an outreach plan for connecting disconnected youth, particularly those who feel alienated or excluded.
3. Plan and lead youth group gatherings, ensuring the integration of formation, service, and social opportunities.
4. Collaborate with Youth Ministers of Region 7 and the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Offices.
Pastoral Care
1. Fulfill the long-range planning goal of hospitality directed toward youth that allows full participation in the parish community through an open and compassionate presence that welcomes all youth.
2. Communicate regularly with youth and their families in the parish regarding youth issues and activities, especially utilizing appropriate social media avenues.
3. Coordinate and/or offer pastoral counseling or referrals for youth and their families.
4. Coordinate and/or offer peer-to-peer ministry, including conflict resolution training.
Prayer and Worship
1. Nurture the spiritual lives of youth.
2. Promote Sunday Mass attendance by word and example.
3. Develop and/or coordinate retreats and prayer days for youth.
4. Incorporate prayer and faith sharing into all youth activities.
5. Recruit and encourage youth involvement in parish liturgical ministries.
Justice and Service
1. Develop and/or coordinate opportunities for youth to increase awareness of social justice issues.
2. Coordinate regular service experiences with self-reflection opportunities in collaboration with other parish staff, as well as participate in archdiocesan service opportunities.
4. Incorporate themes of Catholic Social Teaching in youth activities.
Catechesis and Sacramental Preparation
1. Provide formational programming for youth in collaboration with the Director of Faith Formation.
2. Coordinate the Sacrament of Confirmation preparation program for parish youth.
Administration
1. Manage and oversee ministry for youth that is collaborative, working in partnership with pastor, staff, committees, parents, and community.
2. Develop and administer the annual budget for youth ministry.
3. Communicate activities timely in accordance with the parish communications plan, using the most appropriate media.
4. Develop and maintain marketing and communication plans in coordination with the Director of Communications, Business Manager, and the Director of Parish Engagement.
6. Maintain necessary program records, including logs of activities and rosters.
7. Coordinate the scheduling of events using the parish events calendar.
8. Coordinate securing parish facilities for youth meetings and/or activities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
1. Bachelor’s degree in education, spiritual development, theology, or related field of study preferred; or equivalent work/ministry experience.
2. Certificate in Youth Ministry and completion of internship and mentoring programs within the Archdiocese of Louisville is preferred.
3. Participation in continued faith formation and catechetical leadership classes leading to catechist certification is required.
4. Experience in youth ministry is preferred.
5. Experience in supervising volunteers is preferred.
6. Ability to communicate in Spanish is preferred.
7. All candidates are subject to the requirements of Archdiocesan Safe Environment Training and a background check.
To apply, please submit the application materials below to: [email protected] or Pastor, Epiphany Catholic Church, 914 Old Harrods Creek Road, Louisville, KY 40223