Pastoral Associate

Job Description

The Pastoral Associate will serve as a full-time member of the pastoral team, reporting to the Senior Pastoral Associate. This role will be particularly concerned with the faith lives of families - especially those with young children, as well as with the community life of the collaborative. This role will have a strong focus on evangelization and engagement, with the goal of leading others to a deeper relationship with Christ and a more generous service of our neighbor - which includes inviting home those who are rarely at Mass.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS
I. Outreach to and engagement of families (particularly those with young children) especially in the areas of: (1) Baptism preparation at Our Lady's, (2) Pray & Play for ages 0-6 (3) Support of Religious Education for Grades K-5, and (4) Creation of new opportunities for these groups of people to gather together and engage with their faith.
II. Hospitality and community-building including a lead role in the planning and execution of social events (such as Sunday morning coffee, Stations of the Cross, Fish Fry Fundraiser, Annual Picnic, etc., which are essential parts of the community's life together) and a shared role in social media outreach efforts and creative thinking about new ways of engagement. This role would also be the point person for Social Justice ministries.
III. Pastoral and administrative tasks required by the regular ministry of the Collaborative including collaboration amongst the pastoral staff, including funeral and liturgical ministry.
IV. Implementing the vision: The Pastoral Associate plays an integral role in helping the ministries of the collaborative be shaped by the vision in the pastoral plan. (For a short summary of the vision, please see below.)

OUR COLLABORATIVE PASTORAL VISION: (1) Enhancing excellence in all aspects of the Sunday Liturgy. (2) Nurturing a personal relationship with Christ. (3) Evangelization by being an "outward-looking church" (Pope Francis). (4) Care for the most vulnerable among us.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• A BA/BS degree (MA a plus) in theology, ministry, or the equivalent
• A personal relationship with Jesus and participation in the sacramental life of the Church
• Excited about engaging the gifts of all the baptized for the Mission of the Church
• Relates well with others
• Hospitable and compassionate
• A strong work ethic
• Good organizational skills

SALARY, BENEFITS AND TIME OFF: We offer a generous package of salary and benefits.

ABOUT THE PARISHES AND COLLABORATIVE: Sacred Heart and Our Lady Help of Christians Collaborative is a large collaborative of two parishes, each with their own distinct charism. We are located in Newton, MA, a desirable suburban community located immediately west of Boston. Learn more about the Sacred Heart and Our Lady's Collaborative at sholnewton.org.

About the Employer

Encounter Christ, Respond in Love, and Share the Good News