Pastoral Associate

Description

Position Summary

St. James is looking for a part-time Pastoral Associate / Synodal Parish Director. St. James is a parish with a rich history of living the Catholic Social Teachings at the corner of 39th and Troost in Kansas City, MO. We have a very active community comprising approximately 200 families spread over 72 zip codes in the metro area. Many of our members have years of experience volunteering or working for the Catholic Church.

St. James is looking for a leader to take us into the next phase of our parish life. This is a bold move since no Catholic Church in our diocese uses this leadership model. We want to make Pope Francis’ call to be a “Synodal Church” a reality at St. James.

Parish Mission

Mission and Vision: We, the people of the St. James community in faith, commit ourselves to building the Reign of God for all people, serving especially our neighbors in Midtown Kansas City.

Parish Vision

St. James Parish will be a vital Catholic Christian presence at the crossroads of Kansas City, meeting the spiritual needs of our members and impacting both the midtown neighborhood and the larger community. We will be a growing and diverse community where worship and sacramental life are joyful and vibrant, where people are empowered to live the Gospels, and where the needs of everyone are lovingly and humbly addressed.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SYNODAL PARISH DIRECTOR

• Be passionate about leading the parish from a lay-led parish to a community-led, synodal parish.
• Identify gifts in each parishioner and invite them to use their gifts to fulfill the parish mission.
• Engage all parishioners in the decision-making process on significant parish topics.
• Provide training and support to parishioners at all levels of the parish ministry.
• Represent the interest of the parish to the diocese and broader community.

Parish Development / Communication

• Ensure, coordinate, and oversee parish schedule/calendar of all functions, events, and activities through regular communications and meetings with community members, staff, and committees.
• Work with the Leadership Team, parish ministries, and committees to provide necessary support.
• Coordinate and support written and electronic parish communications to ensure all messages' quality, consistency, and appropriateness.
• Develop a communication strategy to promote all aspects of St. James Parish.

Pastoral Coordination & Outreach

• Foster and coordinate a strong volunteer program.
• Ensure coordination and supervision of all parish staff and volunteers.
• Offer a welcoming and listening presence for visitors, parishioners, guests, and anyone who seeks help from the parish.
• Channel requests for aid to appropriate community members or resources.
• Ensure the needs of the diverse parishioner groups are met.
• Serve as liaison to Troost39 Thrift Store, Bishop Sullivan Center, and other organizations and initiatives in the midtown neighborhood.

Sacramental / Liturgy Preparation

• Ensure and support effective Sunday liturgy with other Parish Staff members, Parish Liturgy Committee, and parishioners.
• Serve as a focal point for coordinating special liturgical and sacramental events for the parish.
• Support and coordinate with Parish Staff members and volunteers to provide sacramental preparation to parishioners.

Financial

• Provide support in financial expenditures, decisions, and fund allocations after consultation with the Parish Bookkeeper, Finance Committee, and Pastor/Parochial Administrator.
• Coordinate with the Parish Finance Committee and diocesan guidelines to ensure security and transparency of all financial aspects of the parish.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Experience in parish operations, supervision/management, and ministry preferred.
• Community organizing experience or a willingness to obtain the proper training to fulfill the leader’s responsibilities.
• Practicing Catholic with ethical standards, personal integrity, and conduct consistent with the morals and teachings of the Catholic Church.

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person trainings prior to hire.