Parish Secretary

 Job Summary:

The Parish Secretary (PS) is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the parish office, providing administrative services for the Pastor and Parish Business Administrator (PBA), coordinating parish communications, scheduling the use of parish facilities, and maintaining appropriate records and documentation of all parish activities. This position reports directly to the PBA and operates with minimal latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church 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 Peter the Apostle Catholic Church 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 Peter the Apostle 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. 

· Supervise the day-to-day operations of the parish office, including direct supervision of office volunteers.

· Assist in coordinating sacramental preparation programs and liturgies for baptism, marriage, and funerals.

· Ensure that all sacramental records for the parish are accurate and up-to-date.

· Coordinate all parish communications including, but not limited to, weekly parish bulletin, parish website, bulletin boards, welcome packets for new parishioners, Ministry Platform Connects, etc.

· Coordinate the Parish Calendar including the scheduling of all activities and the use of all parish facilities.

· Prepare liturgy sheets (i.e. commentary, General Intercessions, Announcements, Children’s Bulletins, etc.) for all weekly liturgies and Holy Days of obligation.

· Plan and coordinate parish fundraising and social activities in cooperation with the Pastor and PBA.

· Maintain and monitor the use of petty cash for office use.

· Maintain accurate records and safekeeping of all monies received by the office other than collections taken at Mass.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed namely:

· Skill in using office equipment (e.g. copiers, fax machine, telephone system, laminating machine, postage meter, etc.)

· Skill in using computers and related software applications (e.g. word processing software, spreadsheets, email (outlook), databases, Canva, square, etc.).

· Must have good interpersonal skills.

· Must have the ability to learn new software programs as needed.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church staff, clergy, peers, and laity.

· Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

· Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality.

· Ability to maintain respect at all times.

· Ability to work with and lead a highly diverse membership base.

· Ability to work outside normal business hours including holidays and weekends

· Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings: 

· High School Diploma or GED acceptable to Texas Education Agency

Experience:

· Two (2) years or more wage earning, related work experience

Language:

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

Catholic Requirement:

· Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

· Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period. 

· Valid Texas driver’s license

Working Conditions:

· All employees of St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the Church.

· St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church is an at-will employer, which means employment may be terminated by the employee or employer with or without notice at any time.

· All buildings and vehicles owned by St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church are tobacco free.

· Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

· Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.

· Will be required to adhere to established codes and conduct standards, including but not limited to EIM standards of conduct in the workplace and outside of the workplace.

· May be required to use personal vehicles to drive to other parishes or other off-site locations.

· Traveling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging.

· Will be required to conform personal and professional activities to be consistent with and supportive of the mission, purpose, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.