Coordinator of Teen Formation (vicariate 5)

Job Description

TITLE: COORDINATOR OF TEEN FORMATION (VICARIATE 5)
SUPERVISOR: VICAR FORANE (REV. THOMAS SERVATIUS)
FSLA: NON-EXEMPT

MISSION: The Coordinator of Teen Formation serves the Church by accompanying young people and their families in their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, helping them grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. The goal of the Coordinator of Teen Formation is to lead the team of Catechists and Catechetical Leaders, ensuring that Confirmation preparation is not simply a requirement to be completed, but a meaningful experience of formation, encounter and belonging within the Church. They support a model of formation that is relational and accompaniment based, faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and collaborative across the vicariate.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE: A new vision is necessary to provide for a comprehensive faith formation program for 9th and 10th grade students. Through this vision we seek to form young people whom: know they are loved by God, encounter Jesus Christ personally, understand the gift of the Sacrament of Confirmation and take their place in the life and mission of their home parish. This block program will address the need to move from a solely "Class / Didactic" approach to an "Accompaniment" approach of catechesis. It also provides for collaboration between parishes (currently Annunciation, St. John the Evangelist, St. Mary's-Clinton, St. Patrick -St. Anthony, Mary Mother of Our Savior, St. Mary Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament, St. Anthony's Utica, Historic Old St. John's Utica, Holy Trinity Utica, Sacred Heart-St. Mary's/New York Mills and Holy Cross-formerly St, Mark's Utica) sharing personnel, volunteers, and resources. This vicariate-based program is designed to help young people encounter the broader life of the Church beyond a single parish setting. The Coordinator of Teen Formation will have office space in the parish of the Vicar Forane (currently Historic Old St. John's, Utica) and will report to the Vicar Forane administratively. The Vicariate 5 Teen Formation Advisory Board consisting of the pastors of the participating parishes will guide the overarching vision and direction of the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develop Faith Formation Block Schedule for the calendar year (based on the BOCES calendar)
o Submit this plan to the Vicariate Teen Formation Advisory Board for approval
o Meet with Catechetical Leaders and edit schedule if necessary

• Create and/or revise Lesson Plans in concert with a Curriculum Committee (that includes teens) for each of the 3-week or 1-day (4.5 hrs) Block Sessions
o Create and/or revise online "make-ups" for each week of every block
o Develop and implement new strategies to fully integrate prayer and service in the program

• Provide training and support for Catechists and Catechetical Leaders to promote both sound catechesis and relational ministry:
o Present multiple summer training sessions on the overall methodology of this program
• Facilitate parent/teen meetings to share the Block Program addressing the When, Where, Why, and Elements of a Session, and to answer questions.

• Be available to meet with the Vicariate 5 Teen Formation Advisory Board as needed.

• Be present at block sessions throughout the year to help accompany catechists and teens in the program
o Be present at block sessions throughout the year, making multiple visits to each parish to accompany and support catechists and teens in the program.
• Ensure each parish is following the lesson plans and methodology of this program.

• Oversee operations and implementation of the program at each parish.
o Maintain ongoing relationships with each parish's Catechetical Leader and Pastors.
Assist as needed finding and/or training catechists
Be sure they have and understand ALL block resources and lesson plans at least 2 weeks prior to the date needed.
Address any issues at a parish as needed such as absences and make up sessions.
Along with Administrative Assistant, provide necessary data on student attendance & involvement as needed via reports, emails, & conversations

• Support all communication efforts of this program among pastors, catechetical leaders and families.
o Work with Administrative Assistant in fulfilling this responsibility using emails (Flocknote), Websites, and Bulletins and in person/onsite meetings as needed.
o Help families understand expectations for sacramental preparation as indicated by the Diocese.
o Support coordination with Notre Dame Schools where appropriate.

• Collaborate with area youth ministers and support any youth ministry efforts/events.
• Participation in the Catholic Education Roundtable.
• Commit to continuing education and formation for professional development through workshops, conferences and Diocesan meetings.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
• We are seeking a practicing Catholic with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who has a heart for young people and their families
• The ideal candidate will have completed or be willing to complete Formation for Ministry or the equivalent.
• Three or more years' experience in catechetical ministry.
• Strong relational, organizational and collaborative skills are essential.
• Must have current Safe Environment training or must attend the required Initial Safe Environment training within 45 days of employment.

SKILLS:
• Demonstrates leadership in areas of intellectual, spiritual, pastoral and human competencies.
• Demonstrates skills in areas of administration, theology, program development, communication, community building, catechist development and relationship building.
• Knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs as presented in the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other relevant ecclesial documents and publications.
• Proficiency in basic computer programs, especially Google Suite, for administrative and communication purposes.
• Knowledge of current digital/technology tools used in classrooms to enhance and/or assess learning: be familiar with or willing to learn the use of social media tools to enhance the program.

HOURS:
• Up to 25 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
• Planning time for schedules and sessions may be required year-round.
• Hybrid work environment (mixture of on-site and remote work).

HOURLY WAGE: $19 - $28 commensurate with experience

About the Employer

We are a 200 year old, multi-cultural, faith community in the Diocese of Syracuse, NY dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone and serving others as Jesus did.