Cemetery Sexton

Job Description

Holy Cross Catholic Parish in the Middleton - Cross Plains area is seeking a Cemetery Sexton to oversee the day-to-day operations and care of our five parish cemeteries. This important ministry provides an opportunity to serve families during significant moments of their lives while helping ensure our cemeteries remain dignified, prayerful places that reflect the Catholic Church's belief in the dignity of every human person and the hope of the Resurrection.

About the Position

The Cemetery Sexton coordinates cemetery operations, including burial arrangements, grave sales, cemetery records, grounds maintenance, inventory planning, and capital needs. The Sexton works closely with the pastor, parish staff, funeral directors, vendors, maintenance personnel, the Cemetery Advisory Committee, and parishioners.

The position oversees the following Holy Cross Parish cemeteries:
• St. Bernard Cemetery
• St. Francis Cemetery & Columbarium
• St. Mary Cemetery & Rosary Garden
• St. Martin Cemetery
• St. Peter Cemetery

Key Responsibilities

Burial & Funeral Coordination
• Coordinate grave preparation, opening and closing of graves and niches, and graveside needs.
• Work with families, funeral directors, clergy, excavators, and parish staff to ensure burials are carried out respectfully and efficiently.
• Provide backup support for columbarium inurnment services.

Cemetery Administration

• Manage grave sales and related documentation.
• Maintain accurate and permanent burial records, cemetery maps, ownership information, payments, and inventory.
• Coordinate ownership transfers and verify required documentation.
• Work with monument companies and verify columbarium engraving.

Grounds & Maintenance

• Partner with parish maintenance staff to ensure cemetery grounds are well maintained.
• Oversee lawn care, trees and shrubs, snow removal, fences, water sources, and irrigation systems.
• Develop and maintain cemetery decoration policies and oversee biannual cemetery clean-up efforts.
Planning & Financial Stewardship
• Monitor remaining cemetery inventory and provide annual projections regarding cemetery capacity.
• Identify anticipated capital needs involving roads, fences, trees, structures, and headstones.
• Support appropriate management of cemetery operating and perpetual care funds.
• Collaborate with parish leadership and vendors on cemetery expansion and improvement needs.
Policies & Committee Support
• Work with the Pastor, Cemetery Advisory Committee, and vendors to review and recommend updates to policies, procedures, fees, workflows, and promotional materials.
• Attend Cemetery Committee meetings and prepare reports as requested.
• Help implement committee recommendations and establish priorities for maintenance and improvement projects.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be compassionate, organized, dependable, and comfortable balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on outdoor work. Strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with families experiencing grief are essential.

Required qualifications include:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and walk uneven terrain.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to support and uphold the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.
Preferred qualifications include:
• Experience coordinating contractors, vendors, or maintenance schedules.
• Customer service experience, particularly in sensitive or pastoral situations.
• Experience with records, maps, databases, or documentation.
• Supervisory or volunteer management experience.
• Knowledge of cemetery law and regulations.
• Experience in facilities management, horticulture, landscaping, business administration, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Catholic funeral rites and burial practices.
Schedule & Compensation
• Approximately 24 hours per week
• At least 16 regular office hours each week, with the remaining hours dedicated to cemetery operations and site visits.
• Some evenings, weekends, holidays, and additional hours may be required due to funerals and other parish needs.
• Regular travel between Holy Cross Parish's five cemeteries is required.
• Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and responsibilities.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate must complete a criminal background check and the Diocese of Madison's safe environment training. A commitment to growing as a Christian missionary disciple and to the core values of humility, excellence, and agape love is expected.

About the Employer

We, the people of St. Francis Xavier Parish, are a Catholic faith community inspired by the Gospel values of compassion and love.

We strive to build a Christian community that involves all members by committing ourselves to serve God and community: Through vibrant liturgical life, on-going religious formation, hospitality, and efforts to help those in need.