The Leadership System
Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry is available through the United States Catholic Conference,
Washington DC, (800) 235-8722 English: Publication No. 5-004, Spanish: Publication No. 5-005
- The Ministry Coordinator is responsible for ⇒ Facilitating planning ⇒ Administering the program ⇒ Developing a leadership system ⇒ Serving as an advocate and link for young people to the faith community and the wider community (RTV, p. 41)
- The Coordinating team ⇒ Organizes the comprehensive youth ministry ⇒ Plans the overall ministry strategies and programs ⇒ Develops a leadership system ⇒ Identifies the resources of the faith community ⇒ Connects the ministry with the other ministries and programs of the faith community (RTV, p. 41)
- Program Leaders ⇒ Include youth and adults ⇒ Work individually or as part of a team ⇒ Develop, promote, implement and evaluate programs and strategies (RTV, p. 41)
- Support Staff ⇒ Provides assistance to help individual programs ⇒ Provides administrative support to make the overall ministry more effective (RTV, p. 41)
Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry is available through the United States Catholic Conference,
Washington DC, (800) 235-8722 English: Publication No. 5-004, Spanish: Publication No. 5-005
Leaders in Youth Ministry...
- Mobilize the community “Ministry with adolescents mobilizes all of the resources of the faith community in a comprehensive and integrated approach...” (RTV, p. 24).
- Promote cooperation among ministries “Of special importance to effective ministry with adolescents is cooperation among the leaders, ministries, and programs in a faith community as they work together in a common effort…” (RTV, p. 25).
- Integrate youth within parish life “We strongly encourage all ministry leaders and communities to call forth the gifts of all young people and empower them for ministry to their peers and leadership in our faith communities” (RTV, p. 42).
- Involve a wide variety of adults and youth in a wide variety of roles “This approach involves a wide diversity of adult and youth leaders in a variety of roles. Many will be involved in direct ministry with adolescents; others will provide support services and yet others will link the ministry effort to the resources of the broader community” (RTV, p. 40).
Developing a Parish or Inter-Parish Youth Ministry Team
Resources found in this packet are compliments of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (OY&YAM) for the Diocese of Youngstown. While this may be too large of a vision for some smaller parishes, this will work for our larger parishes and for collaborative efforts in deaneries. This packet includes samples of a mission statement and numerous job descriptions. Adapt them as you wish to best serve your faith community.
Remember, all adult leaders must be over the age of 21 and be in complete compliance with the Diocesan Child Protection Policy. On-going formation/Catechist Certification is encouraged of all members of the Church, but is expected of our ministers. Parishes would assist with this as appropriate (i.e. promoting opportunities, coordinating car-pools, covering the costs of half the costs, etc.) Please refer to the Directory for Catechesis for further information.
As people move into leadership roles, it is important for them to become knowledgeable about the Catholic Youth Ministry core documents, starting with Renewing the Vision: A framework for Catholic Youth Ministry © 1997, USCCB. The OY&YAM can assist with these.
Mission Statement
The following represent a sample Catholic youth ministry mission statement and roles (with job descriptions) for the parish to consider in implementing their ministry to, with, by and for young people.
(Name of Catholic Parish) PARISH
Youth Ministry Mission Statement
The (name of Catholic Parish) Youth Ministry is committed to the reality that young people are an important and integral part of our parish community. The youth program seeks to foster maturing in faith of the youth of our parish and the surrounding community.
We affirm the gifts of our youth and we foster opportunities for young people to share their gifts with the larger community. The spiritual and social needs of the youth are to be met with the committed leadership, guidance and support of our parish adults. The adults and youth of our parish are therefore provided with the opportunity to grow together in Christian faith.
Through a variety of programs, events and outreach, we seek to draw young people into responsible participation in the life, work and mission of the parish community.
We believe this ministry is to, with, by, and for young people and is a blessing for the entire community.
Youth Ministry Commission
The Youth Ministry Commission ensures that the pastoral care of young people at (name of Catholic Parish) is rooted in the parish and is seen as integral to the life, work and mission of the parish community. The Commission consists of adults who provide vision, direction, support, and advocacy for the parish’s ministry to young people.
The Youth Ministry Commission has the following critical tasks:
Provide support for the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, the Leadership Team, and adult volunteers involved in youth ministry.
Develop long range planning, budgeting, and program assessment, ensuring that the changing needs of young people are being met.
Advocate for young people and their responsible participation in the life of the parish.
Accountable to the parish Faith Formation Committee, Pastoral Council, and pastor.
Members of the Youth Ministry Commission are responsible for:
Attending the quarterly meetings of the Commission.
Serving on Commission committees as needed.
Being actively involved in the functions of the Commission, such as advocacy, long range planning, budget formation, and support.
Members of the Youth Ministry Commission exhibit the following qualities:
A commitment and love for young people.
A willingness to share their faith in Jesus and their ongoing journey to God with others.
A willingness to further their understanding of comprehensive youth ministry and youth culture.
Members of the Youth Ministry Commission receive the following benefits:
To be a positive influence in the lives of young people.
To impact on the quality of parish youth programs.
To use their gifts and talents in furthering the mission and ministry of (name of Catholic Parish).
Term: Members of the Youth Ministry Commission serve a two- year term starting June 1st and this term in renewable.
Youth Ministry Leadership Team
The Youth Ministry Leadership Team consists of committed youth and adults who provide the vision, direction, planning and implementation of the youth ministry program at (name of Catholic Parish).
The Leadership Team has the following critical tasks:
Handle the planning, implementation and evaluation of the designed program.
Foster the involvement of young people in the life of the parish, including serving on various parish committees and being involved in parish activities.
Members of the YM Leadership Team are responsible for:
Attending the monthly Leadership Team meetings.
Serving on the planning teams for particular Youth Ministry programs or Youth Ministry activities.
Providing support for being present at Youth Ministry programs and activities when possible.
Building a sense of faith community among the Leadership Team and among all the young people involved at (name of Catholic Parish).
Members of the Youth Ministry Leadership Team exhibit the following qualities:
Leadership
Good Ambassador
Visible leadership
Enthusiastic
Be Prepared
Fresh Ideas
Inclusive
In-Charge
A good example
Energetic
Self-Confident
To guide/influence the direction of the program
Term: Youth Ministry Leadership Team members serve from June 1st to the following May 31st and the term is renewable.
Consistent Adult Presence (CAPs)
(Borrowing the term from the Archdiocese of Baltimore)
CAPs are adults who commit to building relationships with our young people by being present on a consistent basis at the scheduled Youth Ministry gatherings. CAPs are not necessarily involved in the planning or implementing of Youth Ministry activities, but they are encouraged to participate in the events.
Because building relationships of mutual trust, respect and understanding is integral to effective youth ministry, CAPs are important in all areas of Youth Ministry. Though CAPs commit to the Youth Ministry regular gatherings, they are invited to participate in the monthly activities, service projects, retreats, and any other activities involving our young people.
CAPs have the following responsibilities:
Be present early on Youth Ministry activities (15 minutes early) in order to greet the young people as they arrive and make them feel welcomed.
Participate in ice-breakers and group building activities.
Participate in the Youth Ministry program when appropriate.
Assist with setting up snacks and providing hospitality.
Talk with the young people prior, during and after the events in order to foster the building of relationships and a sense of community.
To get to know the young people's names.
To stay around at the end of the event to talk with the young people and assist with re-setting the room.
CAPs have the following qualities:
Like being around young people.
Are willing to talk to young people about their day, school, friends and their life
Are able to really listen to young people and encourage them to talk.
Make young people feel welcomed and accepted.
Are willing to create relationships with young people.
CAPs have high visibility and low responsibility for programs and events, but they are the core of our youth ministry.
Term: CAPs serve for one year and the term is renewable.
Support: CAPs are supported by the Coordinator for Youth Ministry and the Activity Leaders.
(Name of Catholic Parish) YOUTH MINISTRY CATECHISTS
Catechists are responsible for planning and implementing a session or mini-course which fosters the religious education and faith formation of our young people.
Catechists have the following responsibilities:
Choose an appropriate topic (in consultation with the Youth Ministry Coordinator).
Decide on the length of the mini-course (1, 2 or 3 sessions).
Plan each session with a balance of presentation, group sharing, group activity and questions/answers.
Design appropriate handouts and activities.
Plan an opening and/or closing prayer.
Plan a simple ice breaker or introduction activity.
Arrange for refreshments.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to set up and greet the young people.
Arrange with the Youth Ministry Coordinator for appropriate publicity.·
Catechists have the following qualities:
Like young people and can enable them to share their faith stories.
Willing and able to share their personal faith story and journey.
Willing and able to present religious education and faith topics in a way that involves young people and relates to their life experiences.
Knows the Church Teachings and is able to present them in an appropriate manner.
Mini-courses can be planned in consultation with the Youth Ministry Coordinator, who has access to a variety of resources, text books and mini-courses. Catechists can work in teams in order to divide the responsibilities of hospitality, session presentations and prayer.
Term: Catechists serve for the duration of their mini-course and the term is renewable for other courses.
Support: Catechists are supported by the Coordinator for Youth Ministry/ Coordinator of Religious Education.
(Name of Catholic Parish) YOUTH MINISTRY Activity Leaders
Activity leaders take responsibility for planning and implementing one of the monthly events held as a part of Youth Ministry. These activities might include socials, sports events, service projects, retreats, special youth liturgies, sports teams, fundraisers, and (arch)diocesan events (Youth Day, Pilgrimage, National Catholic Youth Conference, Service Projects).
Activity leaders have the following responsibilities:
Check calendar dates with the Youth Ministry Coordinator.
Recruit a team of youth and adults at the Youth Ministry activities (if necessary).
Meet with the planning team to review tasks and responsibilities (Create and follow a Youth Ministry Event Planning Form).
Arrange for publicity, permission slips (if an off campus activity), transportation, registration fees (if needed), etc.
Make the necessary contacts with the parish calendar, (arch)diocesan Office of Youth Ministry or other sites as needed.
Follow up with the planning team to assure that all tasks are handled.
Conduct some form of evaluation after the event.
Activity leaders have the following qualities:
Like being with young people.
Ability to plan, implement and evaluate activities.
Ability to work with a planning team.
Ability to enable young people to use their skills, work together, and foster their input and participation.
Ability to communicate with young people.
Ability to really listen to young people.
Term: Activity leaders serve for the length of time needed to plan, implement and evaluate their activity. The term is renewable.
Support: Activity Leaders are supported by the Coordinator for Youth Ministry and the Youth Ministry Planning Team.
Can designate a different person for different activities.
(Name of Catholic Parish) Youth Ministry Fundraising Coordinator
The Coordinator of Fundraising selects, coordinates, and implements various fundraising events to benefit parish Youth Ministry. This person works in conjunction with the Youth Ministry Commission and the Youth Ministry Planning Team. This position raises money for the Youth Ministry budget, reducing the cost of activities for our young people.
Responsibilities:
Select fundraising events throughout the year and present the proposals to the Youth Ministry Commission and Youth Ministry Planning Team for approval and feedback.
Check the dates and times with the Commission, Planning Team, and Parish.
Recruit “workers” for the event from other adults (parents, etc.) and youth.
Arrange publicity (parish bulletin, inserts, flyers, bulletin boards, and pulpit announcements) as appropriate.
Arrange site set-up for the event.
Term: This position has a renewable one year term, beginning each July.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support and should be informed of all details and planning. The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides an event planning sheet as a guide.
(Name of Catholic Parish) Youth Ministry Liturgy Coordinator
The Youth Ministry Liturgy Coordinator works with Youth Ministry members in planning and implementing (annual/quarterly/periodic) Youth Ministry liturgies. This position fosters the involvement of young people in Liturgy, and enables our young people to minister to the parish community.
Responsibilities:
Recruit lectors, greeters, offertory procession, and Eucharistic ministers.
Plan an appropriate presentation of the readings, incorporating drama and a reflection on the readings provided by a young person. Any drama should be rehearsed and any reflection should be reviewed and practiced. Both should be approved by the pastor.
Arrange for any special environment, including banners, posters, props, etc.
Coordinate setting up the church prior to Liturgy (gifts, sanctuary, and environment).
Remind liturgy participants of dates and duties prior to Liturgy.
Term: This is a one year renewable position, beginning each July.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support and the parish Liturgy Committee is available as a resource. The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides a Liturgy Planning Sheet as a guide.
Can be adapted to a Prayer and Spirituality Coordinator for planning experiences other than Mass that allow for teens and adults to worship.
(Name of Catholic Parish) Justice and Service Team Coordinator
The Justice and Service Team Coordinator is responsible for involving the young people of the Parish in service activities and justice education and awareness opportunities.
Responsibilities:
Identify opportunities for service and justice education appropriate for young people.
Present possibilities to the Youth Ministry Commission and Youth Ministry Planning Team and coordinate dates and times with the Youth Ministry Planning Team.
Involve young people in activities sponsored by the parish Justice or Social Ministry Committees where appropriate.
Arrange for service and justice opportunities by making any necessary contacts with outside agencies.
Coordinate publicity, transportation, and the recruitment of young people.
Arrange for permission slips for all off-campus activities.
Recruit a young person to be a co-lead agent for appropriate activities.
Term: This is a renewable, one-year position, beginning each July.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support and diocesan contacts and information.
(Name of Catholic Parish) World Youth Day Fundraising Coordinator
This special position will coordinate fundraising efforts supporting young people participating in the international celebration of World Youth Day. The coordinator works with the Youth Ministry Commission and Youth Ministry Planning Team.
Responsibilities:
Determine a series of fundraising events in coordination with the Commission and Planning Team.
Set and arrange dates and times with the Parish, Commission, and Planning Team.
Recruit “workers” for the event from other adults (parents, etc.) and youth.
Arrange publicity (parish bulletin, inserts, flyers, bulletin boards, and pulpit announcements) as appropriate.
Arrange site set-up for the events.
Term: This position begins September and ends after the celebration of World Youth Day in August.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support and should be informed of all details and planning. The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides an event planning sheet as a guide.
(Name of Catholic Parish) Newsletter Editor
The Editor is responsible for overseeing the process of developing the Youth Ministry Newsletter. The newsletter includes practical information on upcoming events, permission slips, and a three-month calendar. The newsletter also included articles on topics of interest to young people; information on youth issues and concerns; articles on faith issues and topics; and features on Youth Ministry accomplishments.
The Editor has the following responsibilities:
To recruit a newsletter committee from among the young people.
To work with the committee in developing the appropriate articles and calendar information.
To develop a timeline for articles and printing.
To publish a quarterly newsletter that is sent to all the young people in the parish.
To coordinate the printing, collating and mailing of the newsletters OR posting to the secured website/email system/text-blast.
The Editor has the following qualities:
A commitment and love for youth.
A willingness to collaborate and work with the newsletter committee.
Basic writing and computer skills are helpful.
Term: The one-year term is renewable.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support, contacts, and current resources relevant to the newsletter. If online or text-blasts, the diocesan Permission for Direct Contact with Minors is to be completed by parents specifying the Editor.
Can be adapted to general Publicity Coordinator – submitting items for the parish bulletin, website and bulletin boards as well as submitting stories and pictures to newspapers.
Continue to develop similar job descriptions for other leaders such as:
Sports Moderator
Mission Trip Coordinator
NCYC Group Leader
Retreat Coordinator
Small Christian Communities for Teens Coordinator
Prayer Partners (not at activities, but pray for, perhaps even send birthday and Christmas cards to the teens)
Resources found in this packet are compliments of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (OY&YAM) for the Diocese of Youngstown. While this may be too large of a vision for some smaller parishes, this will work for our larger parishes and for collaborative efforts in deaneries. This packet includes samples of a mission statement and numerous job descriptions. Adapt them as you wish to best serve your faith community.
Remember, all adult leaders must be over the age of 21 and be in complete compliance with the Diocesan Child Protection Policy. On-going formation/Catechist Certification is encouraged of all members of the Church, but is expected of our ministers. Parishes would assist with this as appropriate (i.e. promoting opportunities, coordinating car-pools, covering the costs of half the costs, etc.) Please refer to the Directory for Catechesis for further information.
As people move into leadership roles, it is important for them to become knowledgeable about the Catholic Youth Ministry core documents, starting with Renewing the Vision: A framework for Catholic Youth Ministry © 1997, USCCB. The OY&YAM can assist with these.
Mission Statement
The following represent a sample Catholic youth ministry mission statement and roles (with job descriptions) for the parish to consider in implementing their ministry to, with, by and for young people.
(Name of Catholic Parish) PARISH
Youth Ministry Mission Statement
The (name of Catholic Parish) Youth Ministry is committed to the reality that young people are an important and integral part of our parish community. The youth program seeks to foster maturing in faith of the youth of our parish and the surrounding community.
We affirm the gifts of our youth and we foster opportunities for young people to share their gifts with the larger community. The spiritual and social needs of the youth are to be met with the committed leadership, guidance and support of our parish adults. The adults and youth of our parish are therefore provided with the opportunity to grow together in Christian faith.
Through a variety of programs, events and outreach, we seek to draw young people into responsible participation in the life, work and mission of the parish community.
We believe this ministry is to, with, by, and for young people and is a blessing for the entire community.
Youth Ministry Commission
The Youth Ministry Commission ensures that the pastoral care of young people at (name of Catholic Parish) is rooted in the parish and is seen as integral to the life, work and mission of the parish community. The Commission consists of adults who provide vision, direction, support, and advocacy for the parish’s ministry to young people.
The Youth Ministry Commission has the following critical tasks:
Provide support for the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, the Leadership Team, and adult volunteers involved in youth ministry.
Develop long range planning, budgeting, and program assessment, ensuring that the changing needs of young people are being met.
Advocate for young people and their responsible participation in the life of the parish.
Accountable to the parish Faith Formation Committee, Pastoral Council, and pastor.
Members of the Youth Ministry Commission are responsible for:
Attending the quarterly meetings of the Commission.
Serving on Commission committees as needed.
Being actively involved in the functions of the Commission, such as advocacy, long range planning, budget formation, and support.
Members of the Youth Ministry Commission exhibit the following qualities:
A commitment and love for young people.
A willingness to share their faith in Jesus and their ongoing journey to God with others.
A willingness to further their understanding of comprehensive youth ministry and youth culture.
Members of the Youth Ministry Commission receive the following benefits:
To be a positive influence in the lives of young people.
To impact on the quality of parish youth programs.
To use their gifts and talents in furthering the mission and ministry of (name of Catholic Parish).
Term: Members of the Youth Ministry Commission serve a two- year term starting June 1st and this term in renewable.
Youth Ministry Leadership Team
The Youth Ministry Leadership Team consists of committed youth and adults who provide the vision, direction, planning and implementation of the youth ministry program at (name of Catholic Parish).
The Leadership Team has the following critical tasks:
Handle the planning, implementation and evaluation of the designed program.
Foster the involvement of young people in the life of the parish, including serving on various parish committees and being involved in parish activities.
Members of the YM Leadership Team are responsible for:
Attending the monthly Leadership Team meetings.
Serving on the planning teams for particular Youth Ministry programs or Youth Ministry activities.
Providing support for being present at Youth Ministry programs and activities when possible.
Building a sense of faith community among the Leadership Team and among all the young people involved at (name of Catholic Parish).
Members of the Youth Ministry Leadership Team exhibit the following qualities:
Leadership
Good Ambassador
Visible leadership
Enthusiastic
Be Prepared
Fresh Ideas
Inclusive
In-Charge
A good example
Energetic
Self-Confident
To guide/influence the direction of the program
Term: Youth Ministry Leadership Team members serve from June 1st to the following May 31st and the term is renewable.
Consistent Adult Presence (CAPs)
(Borrowing the term from the Archdiocese of Baltimore)
CAPs are adults who commit to building relationships with our young people by being present on a consistent basis at the scheduled Youth Ministry gatherings. CAPs are not necessarily involved in the planning or implementing of Youth Ministry activities, but they are encouraged to participate in the events.
Because building relationships of mutual trust, respect and understanding is integral to effective youth ministry, CAPs are important in all areas of Youth Ministry. Though CAPs commit to the Youth Ministry regular gatherings, they are invited to participate in the monthly activities, service projects, retreats, and any other activities involving our young people.
CAPs have the following responsibilities:
Be present early on Youth Ministry activities (15 minutes early) in order to greet the young people as they arrive and make them feel welcomed.
Participate in ice-breakers and group building activities.
Participate in the Youth Ministry program when appropriate.
Assist with setting up snacks and providing hospitality.
Talk with the young people prior, during and after the events in order to foster the building of relationships and a sense of community.
To get to know the young people's names.
To stay around at the end of the event to talk with the young people and assist with re-setting the room.
CAPs have the following qualities:
Like being around young people.
Are willing to talk to young people about their day, school, friends and their life
Are able to really listen to young people and encourage them to talk.
Make young people feel welcomed and accepted.
Are willing to create relationships with young people.
CAPs have high visibility and low responsibility for programs and events, but they are the core of our youth ministry.
Term: CAPs serve for one year and the term is renewable.
Support: CAPs are supported by the Coordinator for Youth Ministry and the Activity Leaders.
(Name of Catholic Parish) YOUTH MINISTRY CATECHISTS
Catechists are responsible for planning and implementing a session or mini-course which fosters the religious education and faith formation of our young people.
Catechists have the following responsibilities:
Choose an appropriate topic (in consultation with the Youth Ministry Coordinator).
Decide on the length of the mini-course (1, 2 or 3 sessions).
Plan each session with a balance of presentation, group sharing, group activity and questions/answers.
Design appropriate handouts and activities.
Plan an opening and/or closing prayer.
Plan a simple ice breaker or introduction activity.
Arrange for refreshments.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to set up and greet the young people.
Arrange with the Youth Ministry Coordinator for appropriate publicity.·
Catechists have the following qualities:
Like young people and can enable them to share their faith stories.
Willing and able to share their personal faith story and journey.
Willing and able to present religious education and faith topics in a way that involves young people and relates to their life experiences.
Knows the Church Teachings and is able to present them in an appropriate manner.
Mini-courses can be planned in consultation with the Youth Ministry Coordinator, who has access to a variety of resources, text books and mini-courses. Catechists can work in teams in order to divide the responsibilities of hospitality, session presentations and prayer.
Term: Catechists serve for the duration of their mini-course and the term is renewable for other courses.
Support: Catechists are supported by the Coordinator for Youth Ministry/ Coordinator of Religious Education.
(Name of Catholic Parish) YOUTH MINISTRY Activity Leaders
Activity leaders take responsibility for planning and implementing one of the monthly events held as a part of Youth Ministry. These activities might include socials, sports events, service projects, retreats, special youth liturgies, sports teams, fundraisers, and (arch)diocesan events (Youth Day, Pilgrimage, National Catholic Youth Conference, Service Projects).
Activity leaders have the following responsibilities:
Check calendar dates with the Youth Ministry Coordinator.
Recruit a team of youth and adults at the Youth Ministry activities (if necessary).
Meet with the planning team to review tasks and responsibilities (Create and follow a Youth Ministry Event Planning Form).
Arrange for publicity, permission slips (if an off campus activity), transportation, registration fees (if needed), etc.
Make the necessary contacts with the parish calendar, (arch)diocesan Office of Youth Ministry or other sites as needed.
Follow up with the planning team to assure that all tasks are handled.
Conduct some form of evaluation after the event.
Activity leaders have the following qualities:
Like being with young people.
Ability to plan, implement and evaluate activities.
Ability to work with a planning team.
Ability to enable young people to use their skills, work together, and foster their input and participation.
Ability to communicate with young people.
Ability to really listen to young people.
Term: Activity leaders serve for the length of time needed to plan, implement and evaluate their activity. The term is renewable.
Support: Activity Leaders are supported by the Coordinator for Youth Ministry and the Youth Ministry Planning Team.
Can designate a different person for different activities.
(Name of Catholic Parish) Youth Ministry Fundraising Coordinator
The Coordinator of Fundraising selects, coordinates, and implements various fundraising events to benefit parish Youth Ministry. This person works in conjunction with the Youth Ministry Commission and the Youth Ministry Planning Team. This position raises money for the Youth Ministry budget, reducing the cost of activities for our young people.
Responsibilities:
Select fundraising events throughout the year and present the proposals to the Youth Ministry Commission and Youth Ministry Planning Team for approval and feedback.
Check the dates and times with the Commission, Planning Team, and Parish.
Recruit “workers” for the event from other adults (parents, etc.) and youth.
Arrange publicity (parish bulletin, inserts, flyers, bulletin boards, and pulpit announcements) as appropriate.
Arrange site set-up for the event.
Term: This position has a renewable one year term, beginning each July.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support and should be informed of all details and planning. The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides an event planning sheet as a guide.
(Name of Catholic Parish) Youth Ministry Liturgy Coordinator
The Youth Ministry Liturgy Coordinator works with Youth Ministry members in planning and implementing (annual/quarterly/periodic) Youth Ministry liturgies. This position fosters the involvement of young people in Liturgy, and enables our young people to minister to the parish community.
Responsibilities:
Recruit lectors, greeters, offertory procession, and Eucharistic ministers.
Plan an appropriate presentation of the readings, incorporating drama and a reflection on the readings provided by a young person. Any drama should be rehearsed and any reflection should be reviewed and practiced. Both should be approved by the pastor.
Arrange for any special environment, including banners, posters, props, etc.
Coordinate setting up the church prior to Liturgy (gifts, sanctuary, and environment).
Remind liturgy participants of dates and duties prior to Liturgy.
Term: This is a one year renewable position, beginning each July.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support and the parish Liturgy Committee is available as a resource. The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides a Liturgy Planning Sheet as a guide.
Can be adapted to a Prayer and Spirituality Coordinator for planning experiences other than Mass that allow for teens and adults to worship.
(Name of Catholic Parish) Justice and Service Team Coordinator
The Justice and Service Team Coordinator is responsible for involving the young people of the Parish in service activities and justice education and awareness opportunities.
Responsibilities:
Identify opportunities for service and justice education appropriate for young people.
Present possibilities to the Youth Ministry Commission and Youth Ministry Planning Team and coordinate dates and times with the Youth Ministry Planning Team.
Involve young people in activities sponsored by the parish Justice or Social Ministry Committees where appropriate.
Arrange for service and justice opportunities by making any necessary contacts with outside agencies.
Coordinate publicity, transportation, and the recruitment of young people.
Arrange for permission slips for all off-campus activities.
Recruit a young person to be a co-lead agent for appropriate activities.
Term: This is a renewable, one-year position, beginning each July.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support and diocesan contacts and information.
(Name of Catholic Parish) World Youth Day Fundraising Coordinator
This special position will coordinate fundraising efforts supporting young people participating in the international celebration of World Youth Day. The coordinator works with the Youth Ministry Commission and Youth Ministry Planning Team.
Responsibilities:
Determine a series of fundraising events in coordination with the Commission and Planning Team.
Set and arrange dates and times with the Parish, Commission, and Planning Team.
Recruit “workers” for the event from other adults (parents, etc.) and youth.
Arrange publicity (parish bulletin, inserts, flyers, bulletin boards, and pulpit announcements) as appropriate.
Arrange site set-up for the events.
Term: This position begins September and ends after the celebration of World Youth Day in August.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support and should be informed of all details and planning. The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides an event planning sheet as a guide.
(Name of Catholic Parish) Newsletter Editor
The Editor is responsible for overseeing the process of developing the Youth Ministry Newsletter. The newsletter includes practical information on upcoming events, permission slips, and a three-month calendar. The newsletter also included articles on topics of interest to young people; information on youth issues and concerns; articles on faith issues and topics; and features on Youth Ministry accomplishments.
The Editor has the following responsibilities:
To recruit a newsletter committee from among the young people.
To work with the committee in developing the appropriate articles and calendar information.
To develop a timeline for articles and printing.
To publish a quarterly newsletter that is sent to all the young people in the parish.
To coordinate the printing, collating and mailing of the newsletters OR posting to the secured website/email system/text-blast.
The Editor has the following qualities:
A commitment and love for youth.
A willingness to collaborate and work with the newsletter committee.
Basic writing and computer skills are helpful.
Term: The one-year term is renewable.
Support: The Coordinator of Youth Ministry provides support, contacts, and current resources relevant to the newsletter. If online or text-blasts, the diocesan Permission for Direct Contact with Minors is to be completed by parents specifying the Editor.
Can be adapted to general Publicity Coordinator – submitting items for the parish bulletin, website and bulletin boards as well as submitting stories and pictures to newspapers.
Continue to develop similar job descriptions for other leaders such as:
Sports Moderator
Mission Trip Coordinator
NCYC Group Leader
Retreat Coordinator
Small Christian Communities for Teens Coordinator
Prayer Partners (not at activities, but pray for, perhaps even send birthday and Christmas cards to the teens)