The Archdiocese of Atlanta now has its first full-time parish youth director. The parish is St. Joseph’s in Athens and the director is Jim Aiello.

The last year has seen a great increase in the number of programs devoted to “youth ministry,” and there is now a wide variety in the kinds of parish and diocesan programs available to youth.

At St. Joseph’s the idea of a youth director was fostered in the minds of parents last spring and they decided to research the possibilities. After a general meeting for all interested parents a task force was formed. The task force visited other churches with youth programs, talked with people in area youth work and reviewed financial studies with the parish finance committee and the parish council.

The next step was to interview applicants for the position. Jim was selected as the person most able to meet the expectations of the parish. The most important attribute of a youth director is that of presence according to Father Michael Woods, pastor. He must be involved in all the youth activities, especially the school of religion.

In a recent meeting with the parish board of education Jim outlined his goals as the youth director at St. Joseph’s. “A youth program should lead the young people to a deeper understanding of what God means in their lives, and of their responsibility to serve in the parish and the community,” he said.

Dr. Walt Kahnle is the director of youth ministry for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He points to the Athens parish as an example of a serious approach to youth ministry. Such a program begins with the experience of the participants, moves to the content of faith and leads to active service, he explains. “Someone in this position can best achieve the ideals which were expressed by the American bishops.”

Already the Athens group has had several meetings under Aiello’s leadership and they are well on their way in the planning of future activities. On December 8 the group will sponsor a program for the elderly of the community. The project will include dinner and entertainment for the guests.

Jim Aiello enjoys the support and confidence of the parish, and his own enthusiasm seems to be unlimited. “The youth director is one who gives the expression of action to the religious education program,” according to Father Woods.