Director Of Youth And Young Adult Ministry - St. Rose Of Lima Parish - Gaithersburg Maryland

St. Rose of Lima Parish in Gaithersburg Maryland is hiring a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (this is for grades 7-12 and for young adults)

This is a full time role and will report to the Pastor.

This position will collaborate with the Pastor and parish staff to create a comprehensive pastoral outreach to youth and young adults.

In the spirit of Christus Vivit, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry collaborates with the Pastor and parish staff to create a comprehensive pastoral outreach to youth (Grades 7-12) and young adults (ages 18-39). This ministry invites young people into full participation in the life of the Church through formation, prayer, sacramental preparation, service, leadership, and fellowship.

Efforts are centered on fostering a deep relationship with Christ, active parish involvement, and a vibrant understanding of Catholic faith rooted in sacramental life, evangelization, and discipleship.

Primary Functions of the Position

• Youth Ministry (Grades 7-12):
• Oversees catechesis and sacramental preparation, especially Confirmation.
• Develops and leads youth ministry initiatives that integrate service, prayer, and leadership.
• Engages youth in the broader life of the parish and Archdiocese.
• Young Adult Ministry (Ages 18-39):
• Build community and faith formation opportunities for young adults.
• Encourages engagement in liturgy, small groups, service, and parish leadership.
• Supports young adults in vocational discernment and spiritual growth.

In both areas, this position empowers young people to discover their gifts, live out their baptismal call, and respond to God's unique plan for their lives.

Principal Duties

• Collaborate with the Pastor and parish staff to:
• Develop and implement a vision for youth and young adult formation.
• Identify pastoral needs and respond with creative, Gospel-centered initiatives.
• Encourage intercultural, bilingual engagement (English/Spanish preferred).
• Sacramental Preparation:
• Oversee Confirmation preparation and catechetical planning for Grades 7-12.
• Develop a systematic and intentional plan for adolescent catechesis that utilizes a creative variety of formats, settings, and timeframes.
• Program Development:
• Plan, promote, and lead youth and young adult events including retreats, service projects, social events, small faith groups, and diocesan gatherings.
• Coordinate Sunday morning and Monday evening religious education for 7-12 grades
• Facilitate creative Wednesday evening youth group gatherings for teens to grow in faith and fellowship.
• Plans, develops, and implements a schedule of service/social justice activities for young adults. To include bible studies, Young Adult panels, mixers, and Youth Day, as well as regional and national youth and young adult ministry conferences.
• Organize and coordinate parish involvement in Archdiocesan events.
• Volunteer Engagement:
• Recruit, form, support, and evaluate adult leaders and core teams in the youth ministry program, with emphasis on catechists
• Provide appropriate training (including the verification of compliance with VIRTUS/Child protection) for the adults and young people in leadership positions.
• Pastoral Care & Evangelization:
• Provide accompaniment and mentoring opportunities.
• Provide support and guidance to Youth Teen Leadership Core Team members to develop leadership and evangelization skills.
• Meet new and existing young adult members to determine pastoral and developmental needs.
• Support families and individuals in their faith journeys.
• Administration:
• Manage program budgets.
• Maintain effective communication via email, website, and social media platforms.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in collaborative parish planning.

Qualifications

Knowledge & Skills

• Practicing Catholic with a strong personal faith and commitment to the Church's mission.
• Solid understanding of Catholic theology, scripture, catechesis, and youth/young adult evangelization.
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth, young adults, families, and parishioners.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and pastoral skills.
• Ability to foster a multicultural approach to ministry.
• Digital fluency in managing communications and online outreach (e.g., websites, social media).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Education, or related field required.
• Formal training in youth and/or young adult ministry preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in parish youth or young adult ministry.
• Experience in leading service and evangelization projects.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit and train adult volunteers and form missionary disciples.

Working Conditions

• Frequent evening and weekend hours required for ministry activities.
• Reports directly to the Pastor.
• Participates in regular parish staff meetings and planning sessions.

About the Parish

Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a large, vibrant, multicultural parish in the Archdiocese of Washington. Our mission is to respond to God's mercy by growing disciples through encounter and evangelization. Parishioners are invited to Pray/Grow/Serve - Orar/Crecer/Servir, embracing intercultural encounters, sacramental life, faith formation, service, and stewardship.

Come join us in accompanying young people and young adults who have much to offer the Church and the world.

The salary range for this role is $60,000 to $65,000 with excellent benefits

Please forward your resume and letter of interest to: Fabiana Rieke - frieke@strose.com