Pastoral Associate

Job Description

St. Paul of the Cross Parish, Pittsburgh PA
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE

JOB SUMMARY
St. Paul of the Cross Parish is seeking a full-time Pastoral Associate to provide strategic leadership, supervision, and spiritual mentorship to the Faith Formation and Evangelization efforts within the parish. The Pastoral Associate collaborates with the Pastor for the pastoral care of the parish community. The role requires a person of deep faith and professional competence who can navigate the delicate balance of administrative leadership and spiritual accompaniment. The Pastoral Associate will build a team of collaborative individuals focusing on the formational and pastoral needs of the parish. The Pastoral Associate must be a self-starter, service-oriented, and joy-filled disciple. Regular weekday hours in addition to weekend and evening presence in the parish will be required.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

OCIA and OCIC: Leading the process for adults looking to join the Catholic Church and children over the age of reason:
Year-Round Inquiry - Move beyond the "school year" calendar to a permanent, welcoming process for seekers.
Sponsor Training - Develop a parish training program for sponsors to ensure they are equipped to be spiritual mentors, not just "buddies."
Liturgical Integration - Work with Pastor to ensure the Rites (Scrutinies, Election) are celebrated with high liturgical standards across all parish sites.
Sacramental
Preparation: Oversee and coordinate formational opportunities and preparation classes for Baptism and Marriage.

Adult Education: Recruit and equip lay leaders to develop and facilitate Bible studies, retreats, discipleship groups, etc. to deepen adult faith and theological understanding.
Evangelization: Drive initiatives for "outreach to the peripheries," and hospitality training for parishioners. Train ushers and greeters to move beyond "handing out bulletins" to becoming "Ministers of Hospitality" who can identify and welcome new faces.
Outreach/Service: Supervise and coordinate pastoral care of the sick including homebound extraordinary ministers of communion, bereavement ministry, and parish social ministry.

SKILLSETS
Strong Leader - Able to cast a vision and think strategically
Collaborative Approach - Able to identify the gifts of others and empower teams to work together
Ministerial Presence - Ability to provide regular presence at parish events, listen well and connect with others
Manage Conflict - Remain calm under pressure and facilitate conflict resolution
Adaptable - Being comfortable when plans change or others express a different way
Maintains Confidentiality - Maintains confidentiality and avoid all forms of gossip

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree in theology or the equivalent. The master's degree program of studies or its equivalent shall include to the greatest extent possible formal courses primarily compatible with Catholic teaching in systematic theology, sacramental theology, moral theology, pastoral theology, liturgy, scripture, spirituality, canon law and social ethics.
Minimum of three years parish ministry experience.
Must be able to fully comply with the Diocese of Pittsburgh Safe Environment Policies.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to:

Father Joseph Uzar
St. Paul of the Cross Parish
400 Hoodridge Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Email: juzar@stpaulofthecross.com

About the Employer

A Roman Catholic Parish in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, serving the communities of Castle Shannon and Mt. Lebanon.