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Catholic Lay Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain

Zanesville, OH ยท On-site

... for Catholic Healthcare Services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES 1. Provides professional spiritual care to ... and lay representatives. 9. Consistently demonstrates a team approach within the department and ...

... for Catholic Healthcare Services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES 1. Provides professional spiritual care to ... and lay representatives. 9. Consistently demonstrates a team approach within the department and ...

If needed, provides support and on-site supervision of the Eucharistic Lay Minister program (A Chaplain of the Catholic faith also performs this function). Individuals may not perform all of these ...

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Catholic Lay Chaplain information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do catholic lay chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for catholic lay chaplain in the United States is $63,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Catholic Lay Chaplain?

A Catholic Lay Chaplain is a layperson, meaning a non-ordained member of the Catholic Church, who provides spiritual care and support to individuals in settings such as hospitals, prisons, schools, or the military. Lay chaplains are trained to offer pastoral counseling, lead prayer services, and facilitate sacraments when possible, under the guidance of ordained clergy. They play a vital role in supporting the faith and emotional well-being of those they serve, especially in environments where access to a priest may be limited.

What are some common challenges Catholic Lay Chaplains face when supporting diverse populations in institutional settings?

Catholic Lay Chaplains often work in hospitals, prisons, or schools, where they encounter people from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds. A common challenge is providing spiritual care that respects Catholic traditions while also being sensitive to the beliefs and needs of non-Catholic individuals. Lay Chaplains must practice active listening, compassion, and cultural competence, often collaborating with other faith leaders and healthcare or institutional staff to ensure holistic support for everyone. Continuous professional development and interfaith training can help address these challenges and foster more effective ministry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Catholic Lay Chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catholic Lay Chaplain, you generally need a background in theology or pastoral studies, knowledge of Catholic doctrine, and diocesan endorsement or approval. Familiarity with pastoral care resources, liturgical planning tools, and sometimes certification such as the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) is valuable. Compassion, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for providing spiritual support, facilitating religious services, and meeting the emotional and spiritual needs of diverse individuals in healthcare, educational, or community settings.
More about Catholic Lay Chaplain jobs
Infographic showing various Catholic Lay Chaplain job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Roman Catholic Chaplain (Lay Person or Ordained)

Roman Catholic Chaplain (Lay Person or Ordained)

Holy Name

Teaneck, NJ โ€ข On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description
Chaplain
Welcome to Holy Name, a medical center where innovation is not just a goal - it's a commitment. Here, medical excellence thrives, allowing hope to reign supreme and leaving no room for fear. At our hospital, every patient is cared for with undivided attention - because healing every soul is our sole focus.
Holy Name is New Jersey's only independent Catholic health system, comprising a 361-bed acute care hospital, a renowned cancer center, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a residential hospice, a prestigious nursing school, and an extensive physician network. Healing at Holy Name goes beyond medicine and technology - it is infused with faith, conviction, compassion, and a commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals through a variety of residency and educational programs. Our mission to provide care for the body, mind, and soul spans education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and overall wellness. This is at the core of who we are and what we do, and we've done it this way across generations, every single day, for nearly 100 years. Every innovation, medical breakthrough, and groundbreaking treatment is powered by some of the best minds in medicine, ensuring nothing is left on the table or the road to recovery.
A Brief Overview
The Pastoral Lay Chaplain is a member of Holy Name Medical Center's Interdisciplinary team and delivers pastoral services to all patients, families, and staff employees.
What you will do
  • Works in collaboration with the Pastoral Care Director and Priest/Chaplain
  • Regularly visits and communicates with patients of all faiths and documents visits on patient's medical records
  • Maintains ethical and cultural sensitivity
  • Provides appropriate prayer experience to patients and staff as needed
  • Makes good use of time, adheres to schedule
  • Assists patients and families with advanced directives or living wills as requested
  • Fulfills other assignments as needed

Education Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Theology or related field required
  • Master's Degree with Theology specialization preferred

Experience Qualifications
  • 1-3 years Related experience required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to lead and coordinate Interfaith prayer with patients family members and/or staff as appropriate
  • Ability to articulate the ethical and religious directives for Catholic Health Care Services

Licenses and Certifications
  • Certification by an appropriate clinical pastoral agency within 3 years preferred

At Holy Name, we believe in rewarding every team member with more than a paycheck-we invest in your future and well-being. Full-time and part-time employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and quality of life. We offer low-cost medical coverage with generous employer contributions, dental and vision plans, discounted prescriptions, and access to on-site child care. Additional benefits include 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, legal and voluntary coverage options, life insurance, and free on-site parking. If you are hired at Holy Name, your final base compensation will be determined based on factors such as employment status (Full/Part-Time or Per Diem) skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors - we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider any internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Pay Range: $25.00/hour - $30.00/hour
Holy Name is a mission-driven facility whose quality standards and philosophy are rooted in the principles of its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. Those principles are exercised daily by the Medical Center's dedicated and talented staff members. Holy Name is an Equal Opportunity Employer.