Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry - St. Rose of Lima Parish - Gaithersburg Maryland

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 (grades 7–12 and young adults). This full‑time role reports to the Pastor and collaborates with parish staff to create a comprehensive pastoral outreach to youth (Grades 7–12) and young adults (ages 18–39). In the spirit of Christus Vivit, the Director 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.

• 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.

• 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 time frames.
• 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.
  • Plan, develop, and implement a schedule of service/social justice activities for young adults, including 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.

• 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.

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

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in parish youth or young adult ministry.
• Experience…