Pastoral Associate

The Pastoral Associate collaborates with the Pastor and parish staff to support the pastoral, ministerial, and evangelizing mission of the parish. This role is designed to expand the parish’s capacity for ministry by coordinating volunteers, supporting existing programs, and helping develop new pastoral initiatives as the parish continues to grow.

The Pastoral Associate is a generalist—someone who can move comfortably across multiple areas of parish life, helping ensure ministries are healthy, well-supported, and pastorally responsive.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St Paul Chong Hasang 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 Paul Chong Hasang 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. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church 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.

1. Ministry Coordination & Development

• Support and coordinate parish ministries (liturgical, formation, outreach, pastoral care, and service)
• Serve as a liaison to volunteer leaders (DRE, Youth Minister, Choir Director, ministry coordinators)
• Help identify gaps in parish life and assist in developing new ministries or initiatives.
• Recruit, train, and accompany volunteers in collaboration with the Pastor and Deacon
• Ensure ministries are aligned with the parish mission and pastoral priorities.

2. Faith Formation Support

• Assist with planning and oversight of faith formation programs (children, youth, adults)
• Support catechists and volunteer leaders through communication, organization, and pastoral presence.
• Help develop adult faith formation opportunities (small groups, studies, seasonal offerings)
• Coordinate sacramental preparation logistics as delegated (e.g., Baptism, Marriage prep support)

3. Pastoral Care & Parish Life

• Participate in pastoral outreach to parishioners (homebound coordination, bereavement support, follow-up with new parishioners)
• Help foster a welcoming, connected parish culture.
• Assist with parish events, retreats, and community-building initiatives.
• Support follow-up and accompaniment of parishioners seeking deeper involvement.

4. Evangelization & Engagement

• Assist with new parishioner welcome and integration.
• Help develop pathways for parishioners to move from attendance to active discipleship.
• Support communication efforts related to ministry participation (announcements, bulletins, coordination with parish office)
• Collaborate on initiatives that invite inactive or returning Catholics into parish life.

5. Administration & Collaboration

• Participate in staff meetings and pastoral planning.
• Assist with scheduling, communication, and coordination across ministries.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation for assigned areas.
• Collaborate closely with clergy and volunteers to reduce administrative burden on Pastor and Deacon

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge

Theological & Doctrinal Knowledge

· Comprehensive understanding of Catholic theology, especially ecclesiology, sacramental theology, and moral theology

· Familiarity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church

· Working knowledge of Code of Canon Law

· Understanding of documents from Vatican II

· Knowledge of Church documents on lay ministry (e.g., Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord)

Liturgical Knowledge

· Understanding of liturgical norms and seasons

· Familiarity with the General Instruction of the Roman Missal

· Knowledge of sacramental preparation processes (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, RCIA/OCIA)

Pastoral & Parish Knowledge

· Parish administration structures

· Safe environment policies and diocesan guidelines

· Understanding of parish demographics and community needs

2. Skills

Communication Skills

· Public speaking (reflections, announcements, catechetical sessions)

· Pastoral counseling and active listening

· Conflict resolution and mediation

· Written communication (bulletins, newsletters, reports)

Leadership & Collaboration

· Volunteer recruitment and coordination.

· Team collaboration with clergy, staff, and ministry leaders

· Program development and evaluation.

· Strategic planning and parish visioning

Catechetical & Formation Skills

· Faith formation for children, youth, and adults

· Facilitating sacramental preparation programs

· Leading Bible studies and small faith-sharing groups

Pastoral Care Skills

· Hospital and home visitation

· Grief Ministry and Bereavement Support

· Crisis response within parish community

· Referral to professional counseling when appropriate

3. Abilities

Spiritual & Ministerial Abilities

• Ability to witness authentically to Catholic faith.
• Maintain a strong personal prayer life and sacramental participation.
• Exercise pastoral sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Integrate theology into practical pastoral situations.

Cultural & Interpersonal Abilities

• Intercultural competence
• Ability to minister to diverse populations.
• Sensitivity to marginalized or vulnerable persons

Organizational Abilities

• Time management and multitasking
• Administrative oversight
• Budget awareness (if applicable)
• Event planning and coordination

Minimum Qualifications:

Required

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a love for parish life
• Bachelor’s degree (theology, pastoral ministry, or related field preferred)
• Experience working in parish ministry or a similar pastoral setting.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Comfortable managing multiple responsibilities with flexibility and initiative

Preferred

• Graduate coursework or degree in theology, pastoral ministry, or religious education
• Experience coordinating volunteers or ministries.
• Familiarity with Catholic faith formation models and parish structures

Personal Qualities

• Pastoral heart and approachability
• Strong communicator and relationship-builder
• Self-starter who sees needs and responds creatively.
• Spiritually grounded with a prayerful disposition
• Comfortable with ambiguity and evolving responsibilities

Language:

· English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)

· Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Preferred but not required.

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.