The Youth Minister will focus on relational ministry with high school youth, leading them closer to Christ through weekly bible studies, gatherings, retreats, and mission trips. Key duties include developing a comprehensive youth ministry vision, recruiting and training adult volunteers, and coordinating various youth events and conferences.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree, preferably with a theological or ministerial focus, and demonstrate a passion for sharing the Catholic faith by example. Essential requirements include availability for evenings and Sundays, experience in youth or campus ministry, and completion of mandatory Archdiocesan and State training protocols.
The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles.
The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J.
Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency.
The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries.
The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems.
Its schools have received 96 U.S.
Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.
The Church of St.
Mary (COSM) is seeking a full-time, dynamic, inviting, and enthusiastic youth minister to join the pastoral staff that will report directly to the pastor.
The Church of St.
Mary is a large and active parish that serves approximately 2400 families.
The parish supports a PreK-8th grade school and a Religious Education program.
The youth minister will focus on relational ministry with high school youth and lead them closer to Christ through weekly bible studies, weekly gatherings, retreats, and summer mission trips. Preferred candidate will be responsible for recruiting and training adult volunteers, administrative tasks related to the youth ministry program, and collaborating with the School of St. Mary and Religious Education program.
Responsibilities
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive plan/vision for ministry to Catholic youth.
Lead weekly bible studies and high school youth ministry meetings.
Recruit and train adult volunteers to help form high school youth in the Catholic faith.
Provide monthly ongoing formation opportunities, supervision, and evaluation of adult volunteers working with youth formation.
Engage teens in prayer, community building, faith formation, and strengthening their Catholic identity.
Share and pass on the rich traditions of the Catholic faith and help teens foster a deeper relationship with Jesus, Mary, and the saints through prayer and the sacraments.
Coordinate two Kairos retreats a year for high school juniors and seniors; develop ongoing student leadership for youth retreats that form Christian disciples.
Plan, coordinate, budget, and oversee projects such as retreats, summer trips, local volunteer opportunities, local and national youth conferences, fundraisers, outings, and other events.
Offer regular weekly office hours to be available for listening and pastoral counseling to teens.
Provide appropriate counseling resources and programs for crisis prevention and intervention for youth
Assist with the annual COSM Confirmation retreat.
Attend and participates in Parish Staff meetings and Parish Council meetings as appropriate
Attend and participates in meetings, as appropriate, related to the Deanery, Vicariate, and Archdiocese.
Maintain communication and collaboration with other parishes, high school and college campus ministers, Archdiocesan Vocations’ office, and Archdiocesan Parish Vitality and Mission.
Collaborate with the Director of Religious Education, catechists, and parish schoolteachers to ensure continuity of formation with middle school students into high school youth ministry.
Be aware of and in communication with community agencies and resources that interface the youth.
Maintain and update necessary budget and registration for ministry activities.
Ensure all adult volunteers are following the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Safe Environment protocols.
Report annual statistics of COSM youth ministry as requested for the COSM annual report.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree required; theological or ministerial focus in education preferred.
Passionate about the Catholic faith and excited to share it with students; leads by example.
Available in the evenings and on Sundays.
Experience in youth and/or campus ministry.
Understands and supports the Catholic Church’s teachings, missions, and values.
Energetic; able to lead both large groups (60+ students) and is able to relate to students one-on-one or in small groups (5-15 students).
Clear communication with teens, parents, Associate Pastor, Pastor, adult volunteers, and Parish Staff.
Completion of the Archdiocese of Chicago training for Protecting God’s Children.
Completion of the State of Illinois Mandated Reporter Training.
Working towards the Archdiocese of Chicago Catechist Certification.
Competent in sharing and teaching sound theology as it relates to the mission of the Catholic Church.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Team player with strong presentation skills, decision-making ability, and ability to collaborate.
Strong technical and creative skills for social media and digital marketing/communication to youth.
Report directly to the COSM Pastor. Work closely and collaborate with the COSM Associate Pastor.
This position has an annualized salary range of $50,000-$65,000 An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
Please send cover letters and resumes to
tmunz@churchofstmary.org
Market context
Illinois youth ministry roles need flexible candidates
In Illinois, youth ministry openings at parish and diocesan settings often draw candidates who can combine faith formation with practical scheduling flexibility, especially evenings and Sundays. This role is competitive because employers typically look for a bachelor’s degree, prior youth or campus ministry experience, and a clear commitment to modeling the Catholic faith. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your availability and prepare examples of ministry leadership before applying.
