Youth Minister

Mission Statement for the Position:

To lead young people into a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, catechesis, sacramental life, service, fellowship, and active participation in the mission of the Church.

Position Summary:

The Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary seeks a dynamic, faithful, and relational Catholic leader to direct and grow the parish's high school faith formation, Confirmation preparation, and youth ministry programs. The Youth Minister serves as the primary pastoral leader for students in grades 6–12, fostering discipleship, Catholic identity, sacramental preparation, service, evangelization, and community engagement.

The successful candidate will create a welcoming environment where young people encounter Jesus Christ, deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, participate fully in parish life, and develop as missionary disciples.

Key Responsibilities:

High School/Middle School Faith Formation

• Plan, coordinate, and lead weekly high school faith formation sessions.
• Develop and implement curriculum consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church and diocesan guidelines.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteer catechists and small-group leaders.
• Maintain accurate attendance, sacramental, and registration records.
• Collaborate with parents as the primary educators of their children in the faith.

Confirmation Preparation

• Coordinate all aspects of the parish Confirmation program.
• Organize retreats, service opportunities, sponsor formation, and parent meetings.
• Ensure candidates meet diocesan and parish requirements for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• Work closely with clergy, staff, and diocesan personnel regarding sacramental preparation.

Youth Group Ministry

• Plan and lead weekly youth group gatherings, including prayer, fellowship, catechesis, and social activities.
• Create opportunities for students to develop authentic friendships rooted in faith.
• Organize retreats, conferences, mission experiences, pilgrimages, and special events.
• Foster a culture of hospitality, inclusion, and evangelization.

Pastoral Leadership

• Build meaningful relationships with youth and their families.
• Provide spiritual mentorship and accompaniment for teens.
• Encourage participation in Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, and parish life.
• Collaborate with clergy, parish staff, school personnel, and ministry leaders.

Service and Outreach

• Coordinate parish youth service projects and outreach initiatives.
• Promote Catholic social teaching through practical service opportunities.
• Encourage youth leadership development and active parish involvement.

Administration

• Develop annual ministry goals, calendars, and budgets.
• Manage program communications through email, social media, website updates, and parish publications.
• Ensure compliance with all diocesan Safe Environment requirements.
• Maintain ministry records and prepare reports as requested.

Minimum Requirements:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Strong commitment to the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.
• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience working with high school youth and volunteers.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as ministry needs require.
• Professional demeanor reflective of the values and mission of the Basilica Shrine of St Mary. 
• Employment is contingent upon passing background and reference checks and meeting all safe environment training requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in youth ministry, catechetics, or pastoral ministry.
• Experience coordinating Confirmation programs.
• Experience with retreat planning and event coordination.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.

Expectations:

• Serve as a visible and active member of the parish community.
• Model Christian discipleship and Catholic values in professional and personal conduct.
• Maintain a consistent presence at youth events, parish functions, and Sunday liturgies.
• Foster strong partnerships with parents and families.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for all participants.
• Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and pastoral sensitivity.
• Participate in diocesan training, workshops, and ongoing professional development.
• Support the mission of the Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary and the Diocese of Raleigh.

Performance Goals:

• Growth in youth participation and engagement.
• Effective preparation of candidates for Confirmation.
• Development and retention of volunteer leaders.
• Increased youth involvement in parish worship, service, and ministry.
• Positive relationships with students, parents, clergy, and parish staff.
• Strong administrative organization and communication.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to occasionally lift/move items up to 25 lbs.