CYAM : Peer Leadership/Job of Parish Contact

Young Adult Ministry Parish Contact
Parishes are encouraged to name a young adult contact person as a way to communicate information within the parish, throughout the region, and within the diocese. The parish contact is not necessarily the appointed parish young adult group leader. A parish may participate in Young Adult Ministry even if the parish does not have a formal group.

Job Summary:

The parish contact for the Diocese's parish-based young adult groups serves a vital role in the Young Adult Ministry's mission. Specifically, the goals of parish groups are:

...parish groups should include social, spiritual, educational, and outreach activities. The groups will be characterized by a sense of welcome and hospitality. Respect for cultural and other differences, peer support, and leadership development based on empowerment of individuals are qualities of this ministry. In addition, the ministry provides opportunity for significant involvement in parish life...

To help achieve these goals, the parish contact must be dedicated to the mission of the diocese, committee, and parish.

Primary Responsibilities:

Act as liaison between parish young adults (if applicable) and regional/diocesan representative by attending regional meetings;
Demonstrate a personal spiritual commitment to strengthen (or create) the Young Adult Ministry at the parish level;
Honor a specific time commitment to serve as parish contact and help find a replacement, if necessary.

Secondary Responsibilities:

Assist parish young adult leader by:

Helping create, coordinate, promote, and attend parish young adult activities;
Maintaining and updating telephone and mailing lists;
Establishing relationships with necessary parish staff to print parish bulletin information, schedule meeting places, get mailing lists, recruit new members, use equipment, and obtain supplies.

Assist regional representative by:

Helping to create, coordinate, promote, and, if possible, attend regional and diocesan young adult activities;
Maintaining and updating telephone and mailing lists.

Helpful Attributes and Qualities:

Leadership skills, such as ability to determine the group's needs, acknowledge and foster talent within the group, delegate tasks and duties, and maintain appropriate communication between group and parish;
Time management and planning skills;
Communication, encouragement, listening, and motivation skills;
Ability to work well with others;
Remain flexible and open to ideas and changes.

Tools and Contacts:

Parish Staff
Sister Diane Guy, Director of Campus and Young Adult Ministry
"How to" Manual
Summer Theologica
Annual Retreats
Annual Young Adult Ministry Convention
Regional Representative Meeting
Young Adult Ministry Committee
Local college campus ministers
National YAM Pastoral
connections
YAM Sunday
Internet capabilities/Web site

Approved by: Young Adult Ministry Committee
Date: May 16, 1996