Job Title: Pastoral Associate

Reports To: Pastor

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Pastoral Associate is a professional lay ecclesial minister who collaborates with the pastor and parish staff in carrying out the mission of the Catholic Church. The Pastoral Associate provides leadership in pastoral care, faith formation, evangelization, liturgy, and parish life while fostering the spiritual growth and active participation of parishioners. This position requires a practicing Catholic with a strong commitment to the teachings, mission, and values of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pastoral Leadership

Collaborate with the pastor in developing and implementing the parish's pastoral vision and mission.

Provide pastoral support and spiritual accompaniment to parishioners and ministry leaders.

Coordinate parish ministries to foster active participation and discipleship.

Promote evangelization and stewardship initiatives throughout the parish.

Pastoral Care

Visit the sick, homebound, hospitalized, and elderly parishioners.

Provide support to individuals and families experiencing illness, grief, or crisis.

Coordinate bereavement ministry and assist families in preparing funeral liturgies.

Refer parishioners to appropriate community resources when needed.

Faith Formation

Coordinate and oversee faith formation opportunities for children, youth, and adults.

Assist with preparation for the sacraments, including Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

Recruit, train, and support catechists and ministry volunteers.

Organize retreats, Bible studies, and spiritual enrichment programs.

Liturgy

Assist in planning and coordinating parish liturgies in accordance with Church norms.

Recruit, train, schedule, and support liturgical ministers.

Coordinate seasonal liturgical celebrations and special parish events.

Work collaboratively with clergy, musicians, and liturgy committees.

Parish Administration

Participate in parish leadership and staff meetings.

Develop ministry goals, budgets, and annual plans.

Maintain ministry records and prepare reports as required.

Assist with parish communications, including newsletters, website updates, and social media.

Community Outreach

Coordinate outreach to the poor, marginalized, and those in need.

Foster ecumenical and community relationships where appropriate.

Encourage parish involvement in social justice and charitable initiatives.

Welcome new parishioners and promote hospitality within the parish community.

Skills and Competencies

Strong pastoral and leadership abilities.

Excellent communication and public speaking skills.

Ability to build collaborative relationships with clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners.

Strong organizational and project management skills.

Cultural sensitivity and commitment to serving a diverse parish community.

Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a ministry team.

Working Conditions

Primarily office and parish-based environment.

Regular evening and weekend work for liturgies, meetings, and parish events.

Local travel for parish visits, diocesan meetings, retreats, and training.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required in the position described and may be supplemented or amended as necessary. I have read and understand these job duties and my supervisor has reviewed these requirements with me. In addition, I affirm that I understand my role in the ministry of the church, that I fully support that ministry, and that I will behave in a way that is consistent with the guidance of the Bishop and the greater church. I agree, to be respectful of the Catholic Church and its teachings and to comply with the moral standards of the Roman Catholic Church. I will refrain from any conduct or lifestyle that is in contradiction to Catholic social doctrine or morals including, but not limited to: cohabitation outside of marriage; sexual activity outside of wedlock; same-sex sexual activity; use of abortion; use of surrogate mother; advocacy (defined as presenting or promoting as acceptable) for conduct, lifestyle, positions, policies, programs, causes or movements in contradiction to Catholic social doctrine or morals; and/or flagrant deceit or dishonesty.