STOP: Please read the information below before you apply for staff

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Bishop Hodges Catholic Pastoral Center is a place set aside for helping young people fall in love with Jesus and His Church.  Throughout the summer we provide a variety of programs designed to be high-energy opportunities for young people to encounter Christ in community, adventure, prayer, and service. Vigorous outdoor activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, swimming, camping/backpacking, physical labor, and home repair blend with prayer, scripture/catechism study, and community building to create this encounter.  This summer of ministry is an adventure into serving others and into your relationship with yourself, others, and Jesus Christ.  A caring and challenging atmosphere will push participants and staff to new limits. Please read all of the expectations before signing and returning your application. We want to assemble a team that is consistent with our philosophy.

Summer staff is divided into three groups: Camp Bosco Staff, Manus Christi Staff, and Activity Specialists.  These three groups have unique rolls but share much in common.  Manus Christi and Camp Bosco dates are compatible allowing you to work for one, the other, or both.  Activity staff works all summer.  

Here are the responsibilities of all staff members, in order of importance:

  1. Safety of our participants—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
  2. Be an example and witness of Christ-like love, service, and compassion to everyone you meet in both implicit and explicit ways.
  3. Sound spiritual instruction and example.
  4. Be an example of fun and excitement.
  5. Be punctual and supportive.
  6. Encourage listening and discussion in small group setting.
If you have any questions about your willingness to put your personal freedoms on hold for the needs of the young people, please do not apply. “I am third” is something that we live (Jesus first, others second, I am third). The summer calendar is included. Please carefully review your availability. A summer at the Bishop Hodges Pastoral Center (BHPC) is hard work. We are on call 22 hours a day; we work long days. We focus on spiritual, physical and emotional development of young people.  Staff members have strict duties and strict bed times. The safety of young people is at stake. Wireless phones and computers can be used only during your off times and you may not carry them while on duty. Staff generally has two hours off daily in the late afternoon to conduct personal business. All medication, prescription and nonprescription medication will be collected and dispensed by the assigned team person. Your medication(s) are your private information, but staff may not keep ANY medication outside of first aid area without authorization and documentation.  Any addictions can be problematic during the summer living in community.  The facility is tobacco free and has very limited access to caffeine.  Please discuss any addictions with the director prior to the summer so that things may go smoothly for everyone.  

The Professional Code of Ethics for diocesan Youth Ministry is part of the application for you to review and sign. All hired team will additionally be mailed the Diocese’s policy and procedures concerning sexual misconduct and ethics to sign before employment can begin. 

Our appearance is important. Many activities do not allow piercings to be worn for safety reasons. We assume that, if hired, you will show up for all sessions looking sharp, as if you worked for Disney. Piercings, tattoos, hair colors and other appearance issues are not unacceptable, but should be discussed and noted in your application.  No major changes should be made mid-season.  

In the application, you will have the opportunity to note your skills, talents, and preferences so as to help best fit you with a position. Staff assignments fluctuate frequently and flexibility is a must.  All work assignments are at the discretion of the directors and may change based on the needs of a particular session.

As a staff member, it is paramount to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and important to have a strong Catholic faith foundation, but equally important to respect differences in others beliefs. Lack of personal space, long and exhausting days, and intense communal relationships are realities. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changes in schedules are imperative.  Examples of a typical day for each type of staff, as well as the schedule for this summer’s sessions, are included in the respective sections for you to review before applying, and to keep for your records. Working at the BHPC will be deeply spiritual, fun, and deeply rewarding. If these attributes and expectations appeal to you please apply.

We will be in touch with you as the hiring process continues. Hiring begins January 1st and continues until positions are full.  We look forward to learning more about you through this process and pray that the Holy Spirit guides us in building a great team for this summer. Thank you for your interest in working at the Bishop Hodges Pastoral Center.

In Christ,

Bob Perron                                                        Shawn Madden                                                     Anne Madden
Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry          Director of Bishop Hodges Pastoral Center           Director of Summer                                                                                                                                                      Programming