Pastoral Care Coordinator

The Pastoral Care Coordinator oversees and supports the parish’s pastoral outreach, with a focus on compassionate care for the Sick and Homebound, leading this ministry. The coordinator is responsible for the recruitment, training, and ongoing support of volunteers who serve in this ministry, fostering a spirit of genuine Christian service and compassion within the parish community.

Qualifications

• Fervent disciple of Christ, member in good standing of the Catholic Church.
• Strong understanding of Catholic teaching, traditions, and sacramental life, with a particular sensitivity to the pastoral needs of the sick, elderl y, grieving, and homebound. Knowledge of the related rites of the Roman liturgy (e.g. Order of the Anointing of the Sick and of their Pastoral Care) and of USCCB Directives (e.g. Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities )
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to show compassion, empathy, and discretion in sensitive situations.
• Ability to facilitate group meetings, lead prayer, and provide comfort in emotionally difficult circumstances.
• Strong organizational skills to manage schedules and maintain accurate records.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for home, hospital, and nursing home visits.

Accountability

The Pastoral Care Coordinator reports directly to the pastor. Performance reviews will be conducted in accordance with diocesan guidelines.

The Pastoral Care Coordinator position averages less than 10 hours per week. Occasional evenings and weekends are also expected.

Specific Responsibilities:

The particular responsibilities will include, but are not exclusively limited to the following:

Pastoral Care

• Recruits and trains volunteers for hospital, homebound and nursing home ministry, in accordance with diocesan and parish guidelines. Assists them with all the resources necessary in carrying out the ministry (prayer booklets/cards, Holy Communion pyxes, etc).
• Updates the parish guidelines and procedures for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick and Homebound and communicates them to the volunteers. Stays abreast of developments in diocesan policies and guidelines, and implements them as directed by the Pastor.
• Communicates with administrative staff from hospitals, homebound and nursing home ministry to collaborate and keep up to date on information.
• Keeps track of those visited by each minister at the hospital, homebound, or nursing homes, and reports anyone who needs the Sacraments to the pastor or, in his absence, another available priest.
• Maintains an updated list of all those being served and keeps their records updated in Realm, if parishioners. Communicates with family members as needed and their parishes, especially in the proximity of someone’s passing or shortly after.
• Maintains an updated prayer list for the parish bulletin; adds or subtracts as needed.
• Fills in as a substitute minister if a regular parishioner is unavailable. This includes weekends and holidays.
• Coordinates all aspects regarding Masses or other liturgical services at various elderly care homes and communicates any changes in schedule with appropriate personnel. Works with the pastor or other priests/deacons involved in this ministry volunteers, as needed.
• Sends cards or makes phone calls to all homebound parishioners on a regular basis.
• Works with local home health agencies as needed.
• Be with the family to pray with them as their loved one is passing.
• Availability to lead a prayer vigil or Rosary for the deceased, in the absence of parish volunteer or Pastor.

Bereavement & Grief Support

• Oversees volunteers who will help aid in sending cards and messages to the family two weeks, two months, six months, nine months, and on the anniversary of the person’s death.
• Coordinates and facilitates the annual All Souls special Mass for all the deceased of the parish within the prior year, sending invitations, confirming attendance, recruiting volunteers for the liturgy.
• Maintains touch points with grieving parishioners.
• Other forms of bereavement support as needed.

Please send a resume, cover letter, and the Diocese of Grand Rapids Employment Application (found here ) to:
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
Meghan Brennan, Parish Manager
mbrennan

Job Category Parishes