Becoming a Catholic Youth Ministry Leader

Are you called to be a Catholic coordinator of youth ministry?

It is really wonderful that you are thinking about pursuing a career in youth ministry. Lay ecclesial ministry is a phenomenon that is growing in the church today. So what does a coordinator of youth ministry do? Well perhaps the first question is “who” should a Catholic coordinator of youth ministry be?

Who is a Catholic coordinator of youth ministry?

The first thing necessary is a real sense of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Before Catholic/Christian coordinators of youth ministry do anything, they must be serious about their relationship with God in Jesus Christ. That means an active prayer life, familiarity with scripture, especially the gospels, a real connection to church life including the sacraments, its moral teaching and the realization of their own need for conversion.

Coordinators of youth ministry must love young people too! They should have a real desire to serve young people by helping them experience God's love for them and the communities desire to invite them into the life and mission of the church. Coordinators of youth ministry are evangelizers who live and preach the Gospel with joy and conviction.They serve as a mentor, guide, example, teacher, companion, and friend in the gospel sense of that word. They know how to set and respect boundaries, have a good sense of self, and are not afraid to speak the challenging words young people and, for that matter, adults sometimes need to hear.

They are also passionate about justice and peace as well as fostering church teaching on respecting life at all its stages and circumstances.They realize that it is the parish or the school that is the real youth minister.The whole community does youth ministry-not just one person.

What do coordinators of youth ministry do?

Well in many respects it is a job that never ends since coordinators of youth ministry never stop caring for young people. We are not talking about 24-7 availability. It does mean, however, that we are always ready to reach out to young people and their families, especially their parents with the care and concern of Christ. We do that through:

  • Direct programming—implementing the goals and components of the 1997 Bishops’ document Renewing the Vision, for example, working with a core team of youth and adults to organize programs like retreats, youth group, peer ministry, outings, opportunities for pastoral care, gathered and non-gathered events, etc.
  • Seasonal programming—involving youth in the liturgical life of the parish and its celebrations, for example, youth leading the Stations of the Cross during Lent and youth working with other members of the parish to organize parish outreach or a Christmas social.
  • Leadership development—recruiting youth and adult volunteers, and training them for effective ministry, looking for opportunities and other people to enrich the lives and the faith of young people.
  • Sacramental and/or catechetical programs—facilitating the faith development of youth in the areas of catechesis and preparation for the celebration of the sacraments.
  • Administration—coordinating an efficient office, working in tandem with the pastor and parish staff, especially the director of religious education and/or the principal of the school and staying in contact with the diocesan office of youth ministry.

What sort of education and training is necessary?

The coordinator of youth ministry is a professional. They have a bachelor's degree.They have sought opportunities to serve as a volunteer or intern in parish youth ministry programs. Certification and standards are important to them. They have a background in religious studies or theology and are open to examining the tenets of Catholic youth ministry. The coordinator knows and understands the bishops' documents on youth ministry especially the 1997 USCCB document Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, 1997. They are open to ongoing education, never stop learning and take advantage of professional journals and organizations. On occasion the mature coordinator of youth ministry realizes that they are in over their head on "this one" and seeks the help, support and advice of others in the field.

Finally, the coordinator of youth ministry is a humble servant, one who while wanting to make a living and enjoy life is a living reminder of the person and presence of Christ. Youth ministry is a real adventure. It is a joy, a challenge, a cross and a mission. Talk with coordinators of youth ministry, find out what they do, ask them questions about real life situations. Take the time to pray and reflect about this ministry and the ways that God is calling you to share your gifts with others.You could be called to a noble adventure as a coordinator of youth ministry in the Catholic Church.

Education links are provided to colleges and universities that offer BA and MA degrees as well as certification in theology, religious studies and concentrations in the area of Catholic youth ministry.

Salary Package

The parish will provide compensation commensurate with education and experience, based on (arch)diocesan salary guidelines, plus health care, pension, disability, and professional development. Visit the National Association of Church Personnel Administrators for more information.