Parish Receptionist

Job Description

Position Title: Parish Receptionist
Reports to: Pastor and Chief of Staff
Classification: Non-exempt, Full-time (35 hours per week)
Salary range: $30,000 - $35,000 per year
Benefits: Health Insurance (Medical/Prescription/Vision), Dental Insurance, Basic Life & AD&D Insurance, Pension Plan, Short-Term Disability and Voluntary 403b Plan (Pre-Tax & Roth).

Position Summary
The Parish Receptionist serves as the first point of contact for our vibrant Catholic parish community, handles day-to-day administrative functions, assists clergy, and provides direct support to parishioners seeking pastoral care or assistance. The ideal candidate is a joyful, mission-driven disciple of Christ who embodies true Christian hospitality in a busy parish environment. A flexible and creative team player, he or she willingly steps in wherever needed, remaining calm, compassionate, and organized under pressure, always serving others with kindness, humility, and a welcoming smile.

Specific Duties / Responsibilities
The following specific responsibilities are representative of the duties required in this position. They may be unilaterally but reasonably changed based on the working environment and parish needs.
• Welcome parishioners, visitors, families, and vendors visiting the Parish Center.
• Answer and direct incoming calls and emails in a timely and courteous manner.
• Maintain confidentiality in all pastoral, personnel, and financial matters.
• Manage Mass cards and Mass intentions.
• Assist with funeral planning, coordinating schedules with clergy, funeral homes, music ministers, sacristans, and families.
• Prepare announcements, prayers of the faithful, and special blessings, as needed, for Sunday Masses.
• Manage, inventory, and operate the parish gift shop, including ordering, stocking, and accounting for transactions.
• Maintain records of payments and donations, prepare receipts, and assist with basic bookkeeping support.
• Order office, liturgical, and maintenance supplies as needed.
• Support the pastoral staff with day-to-day administrative tasks and special events.
• Exercise initiative to solve problems and respond to unique situations with grace.
• Serve as the parish's Local Safe Environment Coordinator (LSEC) and liaison with the Archdiocese of Newark's Office of Child & Youth Protection.
• Ensure all staff and adult volunteers who work with or have contact with minors are compliant with Archdiocese regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date and secure safe-environment records, track ongoing compliance and recertification, follow up with individuals who are overdue or incomplete, and submit annual audit reports.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing, faithful to the teachings and mission of the Church.
• Demonstrated commitment to service, hospitality, and pastoral sensitivity.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality, discretion, and trustworthiness.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle difficult or emotional situations calmly, compassionately, and professionally.

Education / Experience
• High school diploma required, associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Coursework in office administration, pastoral ministry, or related fields is a plus.
• Protecting God's Children certification, training in safe-environment compliance and Virtus system management preferred or willingness to complete upon hire.
• Previous parish or nonprofit administrative experience preferred.
• Proficiency with basic office technology and software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) & basic database/Church management systems (e.g., ParishSoft, Virtus, or similar).

Physical Demands
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply
Please send a cover letter expressing your interest in this position, along with your resume and references to:

Deacon John LaDuca, Chief of Staff
Jladuca@saintelizabeths.org

About the Employer

Nourished by the Eucharist, we embrace Christ's call to a life of service and tenderness. As a welcoming and compassionate Roman Catholic community, we strive to reflect Jesus' mercy and loving kindness. Guided by the Gospel, we foster a spirit of faith and generosity that nurtures spiritual growth, unity, and a commitment to serving others, especially those on the peripheries of society, in imitation of our patron, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.