Youth Ministry Core Team Info & Application

Our mission in Life Teen is to lead teens closer to Christ. We are encouraging Catholic adults to respond to their baptismal call and serve our teens as Core members.

Very simply, a Core member's job is to share Jesus Christ with teens. You don't have to be an expert on Scripture and you don't need to have a theology degree. Your responsibility is to love teens and show them that they are loved by God.

If you would like some more information about Core or if you are interested in joining, fill out the form below or please email Nicole Olea at youthminister@sjvchurch.net
 

FAQ

What is a Core member?
In Life Teen, our Core members are the adult volunteers who lead our teens. We ask our Core to dive in completely each Sunday night, especially in their family group of teens.

How much of a time commitment is it to be a Core member?
As a Life Teen or Edge Core member, you are committing to Sundays from 4:00 - 7:30pm (Give or take) every week. We gather in the Lobby of the Family Support Center to welcome teens as they arrive. We are in the Teen Room for Life Night which ends at 7:40pm.

What does a Life Night look like?
Every Sunday (ideally) we eat dinner before gathering in the Teen Center. Next, we move into worship, the teaching for the night, and small group discussion where teens discuss how the topic of the night applies to their lives. Lastly, we gather together to close the night in prayer.

Do I teach or write lesson plans?
Only if you are called to. The talks are given by the youth ministers or a guest speaker. Your responsibility is to guide conversation afterward in your small group. All small group questions are provided ahead of time.

Do I need to like teens?
Nope, and we will teach you how to love them!

Is there an age requirement?
Yes, in order to volunteer as a Core member you must be 21 years old. Peer minsisters can begin after highschool graduation.

Do I need to have a background check?
Yes. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington requires all of our adult volunteers who volunteer with youth to have a current background check on file (they are good for five years). The Archdiocese also requires VIRTUS training to be completed (which is also good for five years). Contact Kim Stack with questions about Virtus training or background checks at ccd@sjvchurch.net

How long is the commitment?
We ask all of our Core members to commit to the entire school year for consistencey. Of course, you can join later on in the year as long as you can commit to the remainder of the year!

How much do I need to know in the way of Scripture, theology, etc.?
You don't need to come in with any prior knowledge. We will teach you everything that you need to know. All you NEED is a heart that longs to accompany our middle schoolers and highschool teens on their faith journey.

How do you balance this job with the rest of your life? 

We have about one Core meeting a month on top of Life Nights on Sunday night. And a schedule that goes out several months to help you plan.