Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry- Mary Queen of Peace Church

Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church is looking for a Director of Youth and Young Adult
Ministry. This is a full-time position.

As the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the individual is responsible for the leadership
and direction of Middle School (5-6), Jr. High (7-8), and High School (8-12) Youth Ministry
Programs - all under the umbrella of PAX Youth - as well as Young Adult (ages 18-35) Initiatives.

This individual will support and collaborate with the current PAX Youth team members who oversee
praise, worship, Bible studies, and community nights. In addition, this pastoral team member will
develop a dynamic middle school program and offer a fresh, innovative, and sustainable approach to
forming our youth into intentional disciples of Christ.

The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will also implement a comprehensive program of
Christian life development for the 18– to 35-year-old, college, career, single, and married adults
in our community. It is essential that this person be able to connect with young adults on a social
and spiritual level, with the intent of coaching them toward Christ-like maturity. The Director of
Youth and Young Adult Ministry collaborates with other Pastoral Team members in developing and
implementing an engaging and life- giving youth faith formation model as well as ensuring
continuity with the Order of Christian Initiation process.

As Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the individual's behavior is required to be
consistent with culture and cores values of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church:

• Fundamentally Relational: As fundamentally relational beings, made in the image of our
relational God, we engage in relationships by being attentive and present to those we serve and
serve alongside.
• Mission Driven: We put the Lamb of God at the forefront of all that we do, aligning ourselves
to the collective mission of fostering life-changing encounters with Jesus.
• Innovatively Excellent: Ensuring quality and excellence, we transcend expectations by thinking
beyond the norm to meet the needs of today.
• Radically Hospitable: We are committed to radical hospitality, to be a place for doubters and
disciples, for people with deep questions and deep convictions; all have a home here with us.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church
which the Archbishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ's mission present and enduring in the
parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators
(clerics, religious, or laypeople). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various
responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church help to extend the ministry of the
Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this
position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and
thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Job Summary
As the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the individual will be responsible for
continuing and enhancing the current PAX Youth program, which has embraced the Ablaze model of
youth ministry, empowering volunteers to form, lead, and transform youth into intentional disciples
of Jesus Christ. The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry oversees the development and
implementation of the Confirmation Program, including the formation, retreat, liturgical
celebration, and other requirements as deemed by the pastor and Archdiocese. This team member
provides vision, formation, and collaboration for a team of adult and youth volunteers who
currently oversee high school youth ministry; this pastoral team member is also tasked with
building middleschool and junior high programs as well as young adult ministry to expand our mission field. A
comprehensive ministry plan would involve regular gatherings, ministry nights, seasonal events,
retreats, service opportunities, and mission trips for youth, college students, and young adults.

The position reports to the Pastor, collaborates with the clergy, pastoral and administrative
staff, and operates with latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative. The Director
of Youth and Young Adult Ministry must understand the nature and purpose of religious education,
youth formation, and pastoral ministry, while working with the pastor and parish staff, the youth
ministry volunteers, parents, and parishioners. This individual will be expected to demonstrate
good public relations skills, as well as teaching skills.

Essential Duties: (Overarching)
• Support and uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church and the mission of the parish in both
your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in ongoing professional and personal faith
formation.
• Ensure compliance with all Archdiocese of New Orleans policies and procedures including Safe
Environment protocols.
• Participate in parish staff and diocesan meetings and trainings.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability and accessibility.

Essential Duties: (Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry)
• Enhance and build upon the current model of high school (8-12 grade) ministry, with formation,
community building, and leadership formation.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Children's Formation and our Catholic School on
creating a vibrant middle school (5-6) and junior high (7-
8) youth program.
• Collaborate with our Catholic School and the Dean of Christian Formation in the development of
the 5th, 6th, and 7th grade school retreats and other initiatives to enhance parish and school
relationship.

• Oversee a comprehensive preparation program for the sacrament of Confirmation as well as all
necessary coordination for the liturgical celebration of Confirmation.
• Provide appropriate training for the adults and young people in leadership positions.
• Foster the involvement of young people in the life of the parish, including serving in various
ministerial roles, serving on various parish committees, and being involved in parish activities.
• Coordinate the outreach to and evangelization of all young people in the parish.
• Recruit, train, and provide support for Youth Ministry volunteers.
• Collaborate with the Director of Evangelization, Engagement, and Adult Formation on enhancing
our Young Adult Ministry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of ministry of catechesis
• Skill in communicating with diverse audiences both oral and written.
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database
• programs.
• Ability to excel in professional relationships and work effectively with staff, clergy, and
laity.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, carry out multiple tasks, meet deadlines and utilize
effective time management techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in theology,
religious education, pastoral ministry, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in pastoral ministry is preferred.
• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and at least three references to
kbaker@maryqueenofpeace.org. For questions or additional information, please contact our Director
of Parish Operations and Stewardship, Karen Baker, at (985) 202- 0232.
Updated: September 2026