Description
Mission
To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the young people of our parish community and our community at large here in Oxnard. A strong youth ministry and confirmation will be (1) invitational, always reaching out to bring more young people to Christ, (2) dynamic, utilizing different methods to reach young people in prayer, community building, faith formation, and strengthening of their Catholic identity, (3) constructive, giving young people the tools and confidence to live out the challenges that Christians face in the world each day, and (4) unifying, helping our young people to be connected to their parish community.
Position Overview
The youth minister at St. Anthony will report directly to the pastor. It is a full-time, non-exempt position. The two primary responsibilities will be the coordinating of the youth group, which is for high school teens only, and coordinating the parish confirmation program. The programs will include weekly opportunities for youth to gather. It will also include retreats, outings and other events offered for high school teens, to be determined at the discretion of the pastor and youth minister. Confirmation is currently a program of 160 teens. Secondary responsibilities include the coordinating of occasional gatherings for middle school age youth, perhaps monthly. Possible secondary responsibility would be oversight of a young adult group, to work as a feeder for young adult ministers for the youth group and confirmation.
Requirements
Requirements
- Must be a practicing Roman Catholic, excited about sharing the Gospel with young people.
- Skill and energy needed to build up the programs after decline from the pandemic.
- Live in such a way as to be consistent with the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Comports himself/herself in a way that would be a good example to young people, and does not promote what is contrary to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Possess a degree from a four year college or university.
- Does not need to be bilingual, but must work to build a rapport and respect for our Spanish speaking community, including learning basic Spanish words to communicate and show solidarity, since many parents of teens in our community are Spanish speakers.
- Submit to a confidential background investigation through the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
- Complete the Virtus Protecting God’s Children Program for Adults and ensure that all volunteers complete and adhere to the guidelines required by the adult Protecting God’s Children training.
- Knowledge of Renewing the Vision, the US Bishops’ document for building a successful youth ministry.
The following would not be required upon hire, but, if not already possessed, would be acquired by applicant within the first 2 years of hire:
- A certificate in Basic Catechist Formation from a diocese.
- A certificate in Youth Ministry Specialization from a diocese.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and grow existing confirmation program.
- Maintain and grow existing youth ministry.
- Maintain vibrant programs open to the needs of all our teens at St. Anthony.
- Coordinate weekly gatherings of Youth.
- Provide retreat opportunities to high school teens, at least 2 per year.
- Coordinate special formation/retreat opportunities for core team members, i.e. participation in SAW, CLI, NCYC or the like.
- Being present to teens and middle school age young people in the community in order to welcome them to what our programs offer.
- Keeps the parish community informed of youth activities and goals by means of Sunday announcements at Masses when needed, as well as bulletin posts and the use of parish social media.
- Coordinate events for middle school age youth.
- Supervises young adult ministry in the parish.
- Develop and prepare appropriate catechetical experiences and lesson plans.
- Recruit, support and facilitate on-going training for youth leaders/adult volunteers.
- Schedule regular weekly office hours and be available and accessible for listening to and counseling teens, while following Virtus protocols.
- Coordinate fundraising, with pastor’s approval, as needed to support the programs’ activities.
- Advises, communicates and cooperates with other parish and diocesan organizations.
- Attends staff meetings.
- Participates in parish governing structures to ensure greater participation of youth in parish life and to bring awareness to the community of the needs of the youth ministry.
- Keeps informed through attendance at diocesean, regional, and national conferences, regular reading and membership in professional associations.
- Is aware of community agencies and resources that interface with youth.
- Communicates with parents with respect, providing information for events with advanced notice.
- Maintains contact with the Archdiocese and Regional Office of Youth Ministry.
- Initiates ways of gathering data on the needs, interests, attitudes, and beliefs of youth and young adults.
- Makes periodic reports to the pastor detailing progress and needs of the program.
Physical Environment
- Ability to lift up to 20lbs.
- Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
- Be able to reach above shoulder level, to stoop, bend, grasp, pull, push and twist to retrieve equipment or materials.
- Utilize computer and/or office equipment.
- Be able to handle exposure to noise levels and temperatures consistent with a classroom environment.
Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.
Information/Application Contact
St. Anthony Catholic Church (Oxnard)
2511 S. C St.
Oxnard, CA 93033
frjoshuadiener@gmail.com