Youth and Young Adult Minister

Job Description

Is God calling you to be a minster in the Church? Does the prospect of ministering to and with youth and young adults energize you? If you are good at creating and facilitating opportunities for these age groups to grow and deepen their faith in and through a caring Christian community, read on!

We at the Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Angels at the Franciscan Renewal Center are looking for an experienced and/or pastorally educated Youth and Young Adult Minister who feels called to work within an Initiation Model of Church - one that is life-long, on-going, open to all, person-centered, process-oriented, and follows the sequence of the Church calendar.

Our community which is set on 25 contemplative acres in Paradise Valley, works in close cooperation with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. However, we are not a neighborhood parish, but rather a destination faith community requiring us to be proactive in creating welcoming environment and sense of belonging to those seeking renewal and a living encounter with the Gospel through joyful liturgy, prayer, and service - all through the lens of Franciscan values.

This position requires a missionary heart - someone energized by sharing the Gospel, community-building, and supporting spiritual growth. This is not a role where the end goal is programming or creating satellite groups connected to the Church in name only. This role is ideal for an experienced minister ready to shape and expand ministry by, for and with teens (grades 7-12), their families, and by, for and with young adults through intentional outreach, accompaniment, and faith-filled community.

Our goal is life-long and ongoing faith formation!

With a collaborative, highly tenured staff, strong friar support, and a congregation open to growth, this is a rare opportunity to shape ministry, respond to the Spirit, and leave a lasting impact.

If you're ready to invest your experience in a Franciscan ministry designed for growth in scenic Paradise Valley, AZ - we'd love to hear from you.

YOUTH MINISTRY
• Foster a youth ministry culture that emphasizes and is rooted in full, conscious and active participation in Eucharist, primarily through weekend liturgies.
• Coordinate peer-led weekend retreat experiences for high schoolers with weekly formation follow-up.
• Coordinate a family-based Junior High Youth Ministry centered on Eucharist and the mission work that follows.
• Coordinate an intergenerational summer service trip (minimum age 16).
• Coordinate ongoing service opportunities with a reflection component. Collaborate with Faith in Action Ministries where possible.
• Collaborate with the Liturgy Department to empower and train youth liturgical ministers.
• Collaborate with the Family Minister regarding the transition from Phase 3 to youth ministry.
• Coordinate the OCIT process in collaboration with OCIA.
• Network with other youth ministers in the Diocese of Phoenix and the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province through individual and diocesan/province meetings.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
• Establish authentic relationships with young adults and promote opportunities inviting them to formal catechesis, spiritual growth, and enrichment targeted to this age group.
• Guide and encourage young adults to full, conscience and active participation in the church through weekend liturgies, ministry, service, outreach, and living the Gospel.
• Foster "committed belonging" at OLA by inviting them to participate in the liturgy as liturgical ministers.
• Collaborate with FRC staff to invite young adults to participate in service opportunities, retreats and other programming within OLA, the Franciscan Renewal Center, and the broader community.
• Recruit, train, empower, and supervise young adult ministry volunteer team.
• Collaborate with the Young Adult Ostiaries to welcome new young adults into the OLA faith community.
• Build relationships and network with other young adult ministers in the Diocese of Phoenix through individual and diocesan meetings.
• Maintain and regularly update the Young Adult Ministry online platforms.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Be a "noticer of people," engaging in a ministry of presence at Sunday liturgies primarily through collaboration with Hospitality Ministry.
• Contribute to the vision and direction of the Faith Formation Department, OLA Church Community and the FRC through serving on committee's and active participation in staff meetings and other gatherings.
• Further professional and personal growth by participating in workshops and seminars, especially those related to Catholic youth and young adult ministry.
• Support other ministerial and FRC tasks and responsibilities at the behest of the Director of Faith Formation.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Practicing Roman Catholic, fully committed to the Mission of the Catholic Church and Franciscan values.
• Two or more years' experience in youth ministry or similar role preferred.
• Must be passionate, energized, and excited about youth and young adult ministry.
• Ability to view the work of youth and young adult ministry though a visionary lens that recognizes developmental realities and emphasizes "process" over "program."
• Consistently model a life of discipleship in the Way of Christ, rooted in the Gospel, centered on Eucharist and drawing on the Franciscan tradition.
• Committed to the goals for youth and young adult ministry and the Church as outlined by the USCCB and the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities, juggle multiple tasks at one time and work independently as well as part of a team.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate mature and thoughtful communications, decision making and in responding to issues.
• Ability to build relationships with youth and families and with young adults.
• Openness to being mentored within an Initiation Model of Youth Ministry.
• Strong commitment to the Franciscan Renewal Center mission and to ongoing formation in Franciscan spirituality.
• Ability to able to ascend and descend stairs throughout shift.
• Ability to work on-site 100%
• Ability to work a full-time flexible schedule at least 40 hours per week, including attending Masses and working on Sundays.
• Additional flexibility and availability to work evening and weekend hours when necessary.

PERKS AND BENEFITS
We offer competitive pay and a full benefits package, including:
• Health, life, and disability insurance.
• Vision and basic dental covered 100% by employer.
• 403b retirement plan with employer match.
• 15 days PTO + 9 paid holidays + paid sick time.
• Free tele-doctor visits.
• Paid retreat leave and professional development.
• Staff lunches and events.
• A values and mission-driven workplace where your work truly matters.

JOIN THE FRC TEAM!

About the Employer

The Franciscan Renewal Center is a nonprofit Catholic retreat center and home to Our Lady of the Angels Church, in Paradise Valley, AZ. Founded in 1951 by the Order of Friars Minor, we're committed to our mission of renewing lives through spiritual growth, healing and transformation, and service to others. Our staff and volunteers are passionate about our shared work that provides a peaceful and welcoming experience for all who come here.

Mission services:
• Retreats, meeting and conference space for faith-based and nonprofit organizations
• Joyful worship with Franciscan friars at Our Lady of the Angels Church, and support with faith formation and spiritual education
• Service and outreach programs for the poor and vulnerable
• Counseling, therapy, and support groups