Church of St. John Neumann

Shared Ministry Position Description

#957
Ministry
Youth Cluster Catechist
Contribution to Parish Mission Statement
Catechists guide their groups of youth in the formation of their faith. They are integral in carrying out the religious education of our parish's young people.
Description
Help lead your Cluster through discussions and activities. Assist the group with planning and carrying out 1-2 service projects. One and one-half hours per week, late-September through April, Sunday evenings or a time that works best for the Cluster, plus prep time and service projects. Required training for all parents involved with leading the Cluster is 1:30-4:30 on September 23 OR 9:00-12:00 on September 29, catechist’s choice (identical trainings).
Responsibilities 
  • Gather weekly (or in rotation with other parents) with the young people in your Cluster, guiding them in discussions and activities. Prepare fully for each week's session by reviewing materials provided by the program director.
  • Assist small group in choosing and carrying out at least one service project ("CARE Project"). Participate in special large-group sessions (Parent/Teen session, special topic nights, retreats, etc.) with the same focus and commitment as in the regular sessions.
  • Attend training and enrichment workshops as scheduled. Promote involvement in wider youth ministry opportunities. Pray for the youth in your group. Care about and show interest in their lives. Evaluate annually both the overall program an your own involvement.
Qualifications
Firm Catholic faith and willingness/ability to share personal faith stories and experiences. Love and care for teens, willing to build relationships with them. Kind, affirming, open, and approachable. Assertive with rules, expectations, and consequences. Ability to speak comfortably with youth. Desire to encourage, invite, and challenge youth to discover and grow in their faith.

Additional Requirements
Volunteers 13 & older in this ministry are required to attend a Prohibited Behaviors Orientation Class and complete a Background Screening Package.
Time Commitment
Depending on your Cluster's arrangements.
Length of Commitment
One year.
Training
Catechist Training (required of all who will be leading group sessions) is (your choice) 1:30-4:30 on September 23 OR 9:00-12:00 on September 29.
Responsible To
Pat Howard, Director of Youth Catechesis.