Los Angeles parish to launch residency program for youth ministers in training
The Parish of St. Matthew in Pacific Palisades, California, is announcing the creation of a Young Adult Residency Program, a one-year professional development program for young adults discerning a call to work with children and youth in a religious setting.
Designed to function as an apprenticeship in youth ministry, the program will offer practical, hands-on experience working with children and youth in parish, school, and camp settings. The program aims to equip the next generation of Youth Ministers, Religious Educators, Camp Directors, and Clergy with the skills and experience necessary to engage and shape the children and youth of the 21st Century.
Residents will first and foremost support the children and youth programs of the parish, including Sunday morning children’s activities, planning of youth retreats, and annual Confirmation classes. In collaboration with St. Matthew’s Parish School, the parish’s elementary and middle school, Residents will help facilitate community service opportunities, assist with student chapel services, and receive student teaching experience. Finally, Residents will receive an immersive experience with St. Matthew’s Day Camp, the parish’s summer camp program, learning valuable skills in camp administration, leadership development, outdoor education, volunteer coordination, and program culture.
The Resident position is full-time, requiring a one-year commitment, with the option to apply for a second year. Each Resident cohort will live in a newly constructed, three-bedroom house on the St. Matthew’s campus and receive a substantial stipend and health insurance. Residency will last from the beginning of August to the end of July.
Applications will open in January, with interviews to be held throughout the spring.
More information is available at www.stmatthews.com/church/residencyprogram.php or via Josh Chamberlain, the Residency Program Coordinator, who can be reached at jchamberlain@stmatthews.com.