By Barb Arland-Fye
Iowa City — What constitutes youth ministry? What qualities would equip a diocesan coordinator for youth and young adult ministry to lead and inspire others in that ministry? These questions were the focus of a Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) meeting Jan. 26.
The impetus for the discussion is a job opening for a diocesan coordinator for youth and young adult ministry. Responsibilities include maintaining and carrying out the diocesan vision, and developing and implementing programs that support outreach to youths and young adults. Applications for the position are being accepted through Feb. 15, said Char Maaske, chief financial officer and vice chancellor. Six individuals have submitted resumes to date, she added.
“We talk about how important the youth are to the Church today. I think of this as a very major hire for the diocese,” Bishop Martin Amos told DPC members during their meeting at St. Patrick Parish in Iowa City.
In a brainstorming session during the meeting, DPC members broke into small groups to discuss the position and youth ministry in general. They shared their thoughts about attributes and skills needed by a coordinator for youth and young adult ministry:
• Be able to initiate programs that draw in and relate to youths and that integrate youths into church life as a whole….
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