Religious Education - High School

The Director of High School Youth Ministry is charged with providing Faith Formation to high school age students in accordance with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the guidelines of the Diocese of Austin. High School Faith Formation includes religious education, sacramental preparation, service and social events, and spiritual opportunities. The Director of High School Youth Ministry works closely with the Directors of Middle School Youth Ministry and Children’s Faith Formation.

Ministerial Character:

The Pastor is the Visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of Emmaus Catholic Parish 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 employed suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at Emmaus Parish 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 the ministry for the Church.

Essential Job Duties: 

1. Responsibilities

• 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 Emmaus Parish 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 you ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Evaluate curriculum for high school age students in order to plan and execute weekly religious education classes in alignment with diocesan program objectives.
• Recruit and train catechists for religious education classes as well as any additional volunteers.
• Encourage youth to step into leadership positions.
• Provide appropriate leadership training for adults and youth. 
• Plan and execute retreats, social outings, service events, and spiritual opportunities for students and parents.
• Interact with and support youth members at various events (high school football games, etc.),
• Schedule, oversee, and communicate Confirmation preparation. 
• Serve as a liaison with the diocesan office of youth ministry and their programs, services, and resources.
• Provide resources (print, video, diocesan events) for effective programming in accordance with established budget, purchase required materials. 
• Communicate with staff and parents 
• Foster parent participation and involvement in the ongoing faith formation of their children.
• Plan and implement OCIA formation sessions that support the vision and dictates from the Order of Christian Initiation adapted for children, approved for use in the dioceses of the United States.
• Participate in the Rites that take place as part of the process including the Rite of Acceptance, the Rite of Sending to Election, the Rite of Election and the Easter Vigil service. Create ways that those going through the OCIA process feel encouraged and supported by the whole parish.
• Establishes and manages financial budget(s) for assigned department(s).

2. Collaborating with parish staff

• Work with parish staff in planning and implementation to ensure that programs and events support the overall goals for the parish
• Work with the Business Administrator to develop and monitor budgets for programs and events
• Work with Director of Communications and Development to publicize all events, meetings, and outings to the parish per established parish communication protocols
• Work with Facilities Coordinator to schedule all events, meetings, outings per established parish guidelines
• Provide input for new programs or policies
• Participate in all staff-supported parish events and staff meetings

3. Assist with administrative tasks as needed. These may include:

• Answering of office phone calls and exhibiting a true interest in assisting the caller
• Assisting visitors in the office or on campus
• Attend all staff meetings/events as designated by the pastor

 I. POSITION SPECIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

The Director of High School Youth Ministry must:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
• Be a practicing Catholic
• Understand age appropriate teaching methods and activities
• Have excellent organizational and planning skills
• Have strong interpersonal skills
• Be a team player
• Possess problem-solving and decision-making abilities and exhibit leadership capabilities
• Possess strong writing skills
• Exhibit a high level of confidentiality and trustworthiness
• Have the ability to work without close supervision
• Demonstrate knowledge and good judgment in matters of diocesan policy and procedures
• Have strong computer skills and be able to learn additional software programs as needed
• Be available and responsive to the needs of staff, parishioners, and community members
• Be available for some variable hours and on call response after regular business hours to meet the needs of the parish. 
• Other tasks as assigned by the pastor of Chief Operating Officer
• Submit to and pass a background check 
• Establishes and manages financial budget(s) for assigned department(s)

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:

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

Experience:

• Two (2) years in youth ministry or related field
• Two or more years teaching or leading in a high school environment

Language:

• Proficient in conversing, reading, and writing in English
• Proficient in conversing, reading and writing in Spanish preferred but not required

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certification in Youth Ministry
• 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.
• Emmaus 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
• Traveling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging