Parish Secretary

Job Summary:

The Secretary provides support to the pastor and associate pastor. Duties include general clerical, receptionist and project-based work. S(he) projects a positive, professional, but nurturing image through in-person and phone interaction.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St. John Catholic Church – San Marcos which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. John Catholic Church – San Marcos help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Job Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. John Catholic Church – San Marcos in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Prepare correspondence, reports and materials for publications and presentations.
• Maintain clergy calendar, scheduling appointments as allowed.
• Screen/direct calls to all clergy and staff.
• Assist deacons in scheduling appointments for counseling, both marriage and annulment.
• Screen all inquiries about marriage preparation, scheduling weddings, appointments with clergy.
• Update marriage guidelines and other information sheets given to engaged couples.
• Maintain church and chapel calendars to control conflicts of events within sanctuaries.
• Maintain history of parish.
• Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Coordinator for the parish.
• Maintain hard copy and electronic filing system.
• Create, transcribe and distribute meeting schedules, agendas and minutes as needed.
• Perform general clerical duties including but not limited to photocopying, faxing, mailing, and filing.
• Create and distribute pulpit announcements.
• Create and distribute weekly clergy calendar.
• Assist clergy, Parish Office Manager and Pastoral Council in developing and distributing parish policies.
• Maintain parish and diocesan policy books, updating as required.
• Insure availability of adequate copies of parish policies, sacramental guidelines, marriage and annulment forms.
• Create, update and distribute staff phone lists and parish activities and contact sheets as necessary.
• Assist in scheduling funerals, quinceañeras, weddings and other activities.
• Assist with planning and coordination of various parish events including confirmations, ordinations, receptions, etc.
• Other related duties as assigned by the pastor, parish business administrator, or their designee.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Exceptional reading and writing skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows.
• Knowledge of telephone protocol.
• Must have strong organizational, communications (written and voice) and interpersonal skills.
• Must be sensitive to the needs of the parish community.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• High School Diploma or GED acceptable to Texas Education Agency.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of related full time wage earning experience.

Language:

• Bilingual English - Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off-site locations.
• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.