Youth Minister

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Community Grand Rapids, Michigan Position Type: Full-Time Reports To: Office Manager Position Summary St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Community is seeking a creative, energetic, relational, and faith-filled youth minister to lead and grow our ministry to middle school and high school youth. We are looking for someone who can do more than coordinate a calendar of events. The youth minister will help us build a vibrant youth ministry that young people actually want to be part of—one where teens encounter Jesus Christ, build authentic friendships, discover their gifts, and find a meaningful place within the life of the Catholic Church. The ideal candidate will have a genuine ability to connect with young people, understand the culture and interests of today’s teens, and create programming that is engaging, relevant, and rooted in Catholic teaching. This person will also work closely with parents, volunteers, parish staff, school personnel, and clergy to create a consistent and sustainable approach to youth ministry. Key Responsibilities Youth Ministry Leadership Develop and lead a comprehensive middle school and high school youth ministry program. Create a clear vision and annual plan for youth ministry in collaboration with parish leadership. Develop programs and experiences that address the spiritual, social, emotional, and relational needs of today’s young people. Build a welcoming environment where every young person feels known, valued, and included. Develop opportunities for teens to encounter Christ through prayer, worship, fellowship, service, retreats, small groups, and social activities. Encourage youth to become active participants in parish life and discover their role as members of the Catholic Church. Develop creative strategies to reach teens and families who are not currently participating in parish youth ministry. Build relationships with young people both inside and outside regular parish programming. Utilize social media and other digital platforms appropriately to communicate with and engage youth. Develop programs and events that are attractive to today’s youth while remaining authentically Catholic. Work with parish leadership to create a culture in which young people feel welcome throughout the parish. Faith Formation Provide engaging Catholic faith formation appropriate for middle and high school students. Collaborate with the religious education coordinator on confirmation preparation and other sacramental formation. Incorporate Scripture, Catholic teaching, prayer, discipleship, apologetics, service, and practical application of the faith into youth programming. Help teens understand how their Catholic faith connects to their everyday lives, relationships, school, and future. Identify opportunities for retreats, conferences, mission trips, service experiences, and other formative opportunities. Recruit, train, mentor, and support adult and young adult volunteers. Develop a strong team of volunteers who can build relationships with youth and sustain the ministry. Establish regular communication with parents and provide opportunities for parents to participate in and support youth ministry. Create a culture of collaboration among youth ministry, religious education, school, parish life, and other ministries. Work collaboratively with the religious education coordinator, office manager, pastor, school leadership, communications, parish life, and other ministry leaders. Participate in parish-wide events and initiatives. Help integrate youth into the broader parish community through service, liturgy, hospitality, and intergenerational activities. Coordinate youth participation in parish liturgies and special events when appropriate. Administration Develop and maintain an annual youth ministry calendar and budget. Manage registrations, attendance, communications, permission forms, and other program records. Ensure compliance with diocesan Safe Environment policies and requirements. Maintain appropriate communication and boundaries with minors in accordance with diocesan policies. Evaluate programs regularly and make adjustments based on participation, feedback, and the needs of youth and families. What We’re Looking For We are looking for someone who: Has a passion for Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith and a desire to share that faith with young people. Is energetic, enthusiastic, creative, and willing to try new ideas. Naturally connects with middle school and high school students. Understands contemporary youth culture and knows how to communicate effectively with today’s teens. Is comfortable being present, visible, and involved in the lives of young people. Is a relationship-builder who can earn the trust of teens, parents, volunteers, and parish leadership. Has the initiative to build something new rather than simply maintain what already exists. Is highly collaborative and willing to work across ministry areas. Is organized and capable of turning ideas into well-planned, sustainable programs. Understands that successful youth ministry is built on relationships, not simply events. Qualifications Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. Experience working with middle school and/or high school youth preferred. Previous experience in Catholic youth ministry, religious education, Catholic education, or related ministry preferred. Strong knowledge of and commitment to Catholic teaching. Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to recruit, lead, and develop volunteers. Comfortable using social media, digital communication, and other technology to engage youth and families. Must successfully complete all diocesan Safe Environment requirements. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Single-coverage health care paid 100%, vacation and sick leave, vision and dental available. Work Schedule This position requires flexibility to accommodate the schedules of middle school and high school students and their families. Regular evening and weekend responsibilities should be expected. Job Features Job Category Parishes #J-18808-Ljbffr