Pastoral Minister

Job Description

TITLE: Pastoral Minister Date: March 2024
SUPERVISOR: Pastor
STATUS: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt (Based on 40 hours per week)

Holy Spirit Parish in Saginaw, a parish of approximately 1000 families, is seeking a Pastoral Minister. This is a full-time twelve-month position with responsibilities in Liturgy and liturgical minister training, RCIA and infant baptism, Christian Service, hospital and homebound ministry, and emergency outreach. We are seeking a faith-filled, practicing Catholic who can work as part of a parish team. A master's degree in theological studies or its equivalent and five years of pastoral ministry experience preferred.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The ministry of the Pastoral Minister relates to all aspects of parish life with designated responsibilities in Christian service, liturgy, faith formation, RCIA, administration, pastoral care, and social justice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Ministry of Administration
Collaborates closely with the pastor and with other members of the parish staff, and on occasion, represents the pastor.
Collaborates in parish administration, assessment of needs, pastoral planning, decision making, implementation, financial management, building maintenance, etc.
Administers/supervises designated parish programs and their staff.
Acts as director of Liturgy Commission, Christian Service Commission, RCIA Team, Baptism Preparation, and assists in the formation of new ministries as needed.
Attends all parish staff meetings.
Interviews new parishioners.
Participates in civic and ecumenical activities.

Ministry of Spiritual Life and Worship
Collaborates with other parish staff in preparation of parish sacramental celebrations.
May lead communal prayer services, including vigils, final commendation and committal services, and ecumenical celebrations.
Preaches when pastorally and canonically appropriate.
Is a visible participant in Sunday masses, parish events, and programs.
Trains and schedules Lay Ministers of Holy Communion.
Trains lectors.
Coordinates Art and Environment Committee.

Ministry of Education
Fosters the faith growth of all members of the parish.
Contributes to the initial and ongoing formation of parish ministers and groups.
Assists in the formation of the entire community in understanding the parish mission.
Collaborates with parish staff in providing child, youth, and adult religious formation.
RCIA leader with team approach.
Coordinates Baptism Preparation and interviews families.
Shares in the responsibility for the communication of Church teaching & Canon Law.

Ministry of Pastoral Services
Assists the pastor in fostering a sense of community within the parish in which all members feel a sense of belonging to each other, the parish, and the larger church.
Participates in the pastoral care of those suffering from illness, grief, or family crises.
Regularly visits those who are hospitalized and visits the homebound as needed.
Coordinates parish food pantry and emergency outreach.
Assists in developing social consciousness among the staff and parishioners, as well as responding to the needs of and advocating for the poor and victimized in the community and beyond.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Knowledge
Has an in-depth grasp of Church teaching, as well as current biblical and pastoral theology.
Is knowledgeable of:
Canon Law and Church history.
Stages of human and faith development.
The liturgical norms of the Church, including those of the Diocese.
Principles of organization, management, and team building.
Principles of communication and pastoral counseling, including referrals, boundaries, and applicable laws.
Principles of collaboration.
Has a well-rounded education in the humanities, arts, and literature.
Is informed about the diocesan administrative guidelines and policies.

Administrative Skills
Is able to make decisions and assume responsibility for delegated tasks.
Can negotiate and manage conflict.
Is able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Is skilled in public relations.
Is able to work with others in a collaborative style.

Pastoral Skills
Can recognize, address, and assist in shaping the parish vision.
Recognizes and respects the cultural and ethnic diversity of the parish and diocese.
Has good pastoral counseling and listening skills.
Is able to preach effectively (when canonically and pastorally appropriate) and lead communal prayer.
Is able to develop and administer programs to meet assessed needs.
Recognizes the need to continually update him/herself through study, personal reading, and attending workshops in order to provide appropriate direction to the pastoral groups.
Has an ability to integrate ministry with prayer and sacramental life.

ACCOUNTABILITY & COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS
Position reports to Pastor
Maintain professional work relationships with parish staff and volunteers
Occasionally represents the Pastor
Works closely with Parish Pastoral Council

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Education: Have completed in-depth theological and religious studies; a master's degree or its equivalent being preferred, with a particular emphasis on the pastoral minister's area of interest and giftedness.

Experience: Have a variety of ministerial experience; 5 years pastoral ministry preferred.

Interpersonal Skills: Have an active faith life, be an active participant in the work of the Catholic Church and be able to partake in the full sacramental life of the church.

Language skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, write short correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively communicate with business partners/agents, parishioners, staff, and other employees of the Diocese.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Hours of Work: Typical work schedule is during normal business hours; evening and weekend availability as needed.
Nature of Work: Work environment is primarily in an office setting where the employee is required to do extensive computer work.
Employee is expected to walk, talk, reach, stand, sit, hear, and use repetitive motion of hands and feet, and may be required to lift up-to 15 lbs.
Valid Driver's License is required.
Regular, reliable attendance is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Attend the Diocese of Saginaw Safe Environment training for new hire employees within the first 30 days of hire.
Successful completion of criminal background check; pre-employment physical and drug screening may also be required.
Must be an individual who possesses a basic understanding of the teaching and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and has a sound working knowledge of the Catholic faith and Church hierarchy.

About the Employer

The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw was established on February 26, 1938 by Pope Pius XI. Its territory included 16 counties, carved out the Diocese of Grand Rapids and the Archdiocese of Detroit, in Michigan's "thumb and index finger."

Today, the Saginaw diocese covers 11 counties in eastern mid-Michigan within the Roman Catholic Province of Detroit: Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola.

The diocese encompasses 6,955-square-miles of land and is home to an estimated 132,000 Catholics, according to the 2000 Census.