Pastoral Care

Job Description

Position Summary:
We are growing! The Pastoral Care Associate serves the parish's evangelizing mission by accompanying and caring for homebound parishioners through the Ministry of Care, promoting mental health awareness in a way that honors the dignity of the human person, and organizing and facilitating bereavement groups rooted in Christian hope and compassion. This role also serves as a backup to the Funeral Coordinator, offering support to families during times of loss. The position requires experience, deep pastoral sensitivity, and a strong commitment to confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:
Administrative & Operational Support for Ministry of Care
Provide direct administrative support to Ministers of Care, including coordinating schedules, facilitating training, and maintaining regular communication with those serving in this ministry.
Ensure the effective organization of the program, confirming that all ministers and homebound parishioners are properly accounted for and well-served.
Prepare, organize, and maintain accurate lists of homebound parishioners, and ensure that Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion comply with Safe Environment requirements.
Assist with special events, including parish missions and sacramental celebrations, as needed.

Mental Health Ministry
Responsible for scheduling, promoting, and facilitating the following:
Ongoing six-week bereavement support group sessions throughout the year
Biannual parish-wide mental health education opportunities
Maintain and manage a resource library accessible to individuals seeking support.
Develop and share faith-informed communications, including infographics, that promote mental wellness, mindful living, and holistic well-being rooted in Christ-centered values.

Qualifications:
A practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, committed to living out the faith and upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Compassionate heart and the ability to listen.
Strong organizational and administrative skills with high attention to detail.
Proficiency in office software and database management is important.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
Familiarity with Catholic liturgy, sacramental practices, and parish life preferred.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Collaborative mindset with a willingness to support parish missions and ministries.

Work Environment:
Busy Parish office setting. Normal working hours Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Evening and weekend availability will be necessary to support parish programs, bereavement group, ministry needs, and parish wide liturgical events.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to Nanci Lukasik-Smith, Director of Evangelization at nsmith@stcpaz.org.

About the Employer

St. Clare of Assisi is a vibrant and welcoming Catholic community in Surprise, Arizona.

Our mission is to form missionary disciples of Jesus Christ by accompanying individuals and families into deeper communion with God through the Sacred Liturgy, the Sacraments, prayer, and lifelong formation in the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith.