Youth Minister

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Community
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Office Manager

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Community is seeking a creative, energetic, relational, and faith-filled youth minister to lead and grow our ministry to middle school and high school youth.

We are looking for someone who can do more than coordinate a calendar of events. The youth minister will help us build a vibrant youth ministry that young people actually want to be part of—one where teens encounter Jesus Christ, build authentic friendships, discover their gifts, and find a meaningful place within the life of the Catholic Church.

The ideal candidate will have a genuine ability to connect with young people, understand the culture and interests of today’s teens, and create programming that is engaging, relevant, and rooted in Catholic teaching. This person will also work closely with parents, volunteers, parish staff, school personnel, and clergy to create a consistent and sustainable approach to youth ministry.

• Develop and lead a comprehensive middle school and high school youth ministry program.
• Create a clear vision and annual plan for youth ministry in collaboration with parish leadership.
• Develop programs and experiences that address the spiritual, social, emotional, and relational needs of today’s young people.
• Build a welcoming environment where every young person feels known, valued, and included.
• Develop opportunities for teens to encounter Christ through prayer, worship, fellowship, service, retreats, small groups, and social activities.
• Encourage youth to become active participants in parish life and discover their role as members of the Catholic Church.
• Develop creative strategies to reach teens and families who are not currently participating in parish youth ministry.
• Build relationships with young people both inside and outside regular parish programming.
• Utilize social media and other digital platforms appropriately to communicate with and engage youth.
• Develop programs and events that are attractive to today’s youth while remaining authentically Catholic.
• Work with parish leadership to create a culture in which young people feel welcome throughout the parish.

• Provide engaging Catholic faith formation appropriate for middle and high school students.
• Collaborate with the religious education coordinator on confirmation preparation and other sacramental formation.
• Incorporate Scripture, Catholic teaching, prayer, discipleship, apologetics, service, and practical application of the faith into youth programming.
• Help teens understand how their Catholic faith connects to their everyday lives, relationships, school, and future.
• Identify opportunities for retreats, conferences, mission trips, service experiences, and other formative opportunities.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and support adult and young adult volunteers.
• Develop a strong team of volunteers who can build relationships with youth and sustain the ministry.
• Establish regular communication with parents and provide opportunities for parents to participate in and support youth ministry.
• Create a culture of collaboration among youth ministry, religious education, school, parish life, and other ministries.
• Work collaboratively with the religious education coordinator, office manager, pastor, school leadership, communications, parish life, and other ministry leaders.
• Participate in parish-wide events and initiatives.
• Help integrate youth into the broader parish community through service, liturgy, hospitality, and intergenerational activities.
• Coordinate youth participation in parish liturgies and special events when appropriate.

• Develop and maintain an…