Background St. Thomas the Apostle is a parish with approximately 1,000 families and is situated on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico in the wonderful city of Long Beach, Mississippi. St. Thomas is a parish that has deep roots in the history of the city of Long Beach and our beautiful church is a beacon of hope overlooking the sandy beaches of the Mississippi Sound. Through our youth ministry program, generations of young people have been formed into faithful adult Catholics. Many of these former youth ministry students are now faith-filled adults that continue to serve their parish.
Job Description St. Thomas the Apostle is seeking a dynamic, faith-filled and qualified individual to continue the development and implementation of a comprehensive ministry that engages our youth. The Director of Youth Ministry for St. Thomas the Apostle parish is a full-time position.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain catechetical program using Life Teen resources and other supplemental programming.
Work with, recruit and train adult core members to assist in the implementation of Life Nights and/or Edge Nights.
Develop/Implement a Confirmation sacramental preparation program.
Arrange for a variety of activities, both at the church and away, and work to attract youth to the Church and hold their interest. These include weekly Life/Edge Nights, Life Teen Mass, retreats, Bible studies, mission trips, etc.
Establish relationships with teens outside of weekly Life Nights (lunch at local schools, Bible studies, student leadership groups, etc).
Plan and execute enriching summer trips (Life Teen Camps, Steubenville, training, etc).
Provide opportunities for weekend retreats at least once a year for both middle and high school students.
Prepare an annual youth ministry budget at the start of each new fiscal year and maintain/follow the budget throughout the year.
Maintain documents such as brochures, flyers, permission slips, and Safe Environment documentation.
Plan and organize fundraising opportunities throughout the year to offset program expenses and youth expenses for conferences, retreats, etc.
Utilize effective communications via email, website, bulletin, social media, etc.
Be available for possible extra liturgies and events over the course of the year, including but not limited to Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter at the discretion of the Pastor.
Qualifications The Youth Minister must be living in full, sacramental communion with the Catholic Church. This person should be working towards or possess advanced level religious certification from the Diocese OR a degree in Youth Ministry or Religious Education. Experience in youth ministry is preferred. Experience with Life Teen and Edge programs is also preferred. This person must be competent in visioning, applying age appropriate methods and basic program development as well as exhibit skills in interpersonal communication, collaborative ministry and public speaking.
How to Apply Qualified candidates may submit their resume and cover letter to Mr. Ray Lacy at [email protected] or mail to the Diocese of Biloxi:
Office of Youth Ministry Attn: Mr. Ray Lacy 1790 Popps Ferry Rd. Biloxi, MS 39532
If you have any questions, please contact Ray Lacy at 228-702-2141.