The Associate Director of Faith & Family Life Ministry for Youth oversees the Faith & Family Life for ages 13 to 18 (teen) formation to ensure that the church is working together to make disciples of the next generation. This minister will work closely with the Director of Faith & Family Life to develop a strategy that equips and engages parents as the primary disciplers of their children. The Associate Director of Faith & Family Life Ministry will also recruit, train, coach, and appreciate volunteers/leaders to raise up pastoral family leaders. They will develop relationships with youth and families to support the needs of the family on their journey towards living a life centered on Christ. 

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the Parish (St. Jerome Catholic Church), which the Bishop has entrusted to him.  He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish.  In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people).  He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Jerome Catholic Church help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways, as outlined in the job description.  Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church, as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Jerome Catholic Church in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Pray regularly for each member of the Faith & Family Life staff, Family Leader Volunteers, and each family in your ministry.
• Develop relationships/foundational trust with youth and families through family visits and accompaniment.
• Work with the Pastor, Administrative Manager, Faith & Family Life Director, and Faith & Family Life Staff to ensure coordination and cohesiveness among the various families.
• Provide pastoral care to youth and families during difficult situations or life events. 
• Develop both paid staff and ministry volunteers for an integrated ministry approach.
• Oversees the development of parallel events/gatherings, programs, retreats, seasonal celebrations, and other resources to strengthen the Faith & Family Life catechetical program to recognize how God is working in the whole family of God.
• Oversee the Confirmation Prep and Modules leading to the Confirmation Sacramental teachings and their families in support of the Faith & Family Life Ministry Model, including coordinating a Confirmation retreat and all sacramental record keeping.
• Disciple whole families in their walk with Jesus Christ: helping parents communicate with their teens about the Catholic faith and find community with other people in their same stage of life.
• Establish office hours to overlap with the Director of Faith & Family Life for a minimum of 10 hours per week.
• Recruit volunteer leaders and teachers to fulfill positions needed to support the mission of St. Jerome.
• Recruit and disciple a group of teen leaders within Youth Ministry.
• Observe, evaluate, and affirm Faith & Family Life staff, leaders, and teachers in order to help them understand their strengths and to encourage them in areas where improvement is possible.
• Engage in regular planning meetings for Family Ministers that include training, collaboration, mentoring, and opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Respond to ALL emails/texts from Faith & Family Life Ministry staff within 48 hours of receiving.
• Prepare programming and facilitate youth gatherings 3-4 times a month.
• Prepare and lead an annual youth summer trip.
• Prepare and facilitate an annual off-campus local event for high school youth.
• Prepare and facilitate 2 on-campus events for high school youth.
• Collaborate with parents to manage any conflict situations that may arise.
• Coordinate fundraising events for off-campus trips & events (e.g. yearly Garage Sale)
• Seek feedback from church leaders, church staff, and parish community regarding the purpose, value, and needs of Faith & Family Life.
• Ensures all facets of Youth Ministry staff, leaders, teachers, and volunteers are EIM compliant.
• Create an out-of-office automatic email response if out of office for more than 2 consecutive days to allow contact with another Faith & Family Life Ministry staff.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Faith and Family Life to develop an annual budget for Youth Ministry programming needs.
• Attends parish staff meetings as directed by the Pastor or Administrative Manager.
• Attend parish events as directed by the Pastor or Administrative Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of related full time wage earning experience.

Language:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)

• Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Preferred but not required.

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.

• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

• The Parish is an at-will employer.

• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.  

• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

• May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off-site locations.

• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.