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Catholic Lay Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 7, 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.
Chaplain I - St. Charles Hospital - PRN

Chaplain I - St. Charles Hospital - PRN

Bon Secours Mercy Health

Oregon, OH • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Bon Secours Mercy Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 463 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 869 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Mercy Health!

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

0.01

Work Shift:

All Work Shifts (United States of America)

Mercy Health

Intro paragraph

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

Chaplain I - St. Charles Hospital

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Mission or Director of Spiritual Care, the Chaplain I ministers to patients, families, and staff around religious and spiritual needs. As an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, the chaplain provides spiritual care and emotional support within the context of illness, crisis, loss, and death. The chaplain is committed to the Mission and models its core values.

Essential Functions:

  • Recognizes the sacramental needs of the Catholic population.
  • Provide for religious and ritual needs of diverse faith groups.
  • Minister to a diverse population in a non-proselytizing manner and provide basic emotional and spiritual support to patients, visitors, our community, and fellow associates.
  • Provide constructive pastoral presence by employing pastoral skills including active listening and the ability to communicate in a calm, non-anxious manner.
  • Provide spiritual support to end-of-life situations and crisis' (Code Blue, Death, Trauma, etc.).
  • 24/7 call with expectations for holidays/weekends

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree (required), preferably in a related field such as Religious or Theological Studies
  • Master's degree in a related field (preferred)

Required Licensing & Certifications:

  • Commitment to complete one (1) of CPE within first year of employment (required)
  • One (1) unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) completed (preferred)

Experience:

  • Experience as a Chaplain in a healthcare setting. (preferred)
  • Completion of lay ministry or in the ordination process. (Required)
  • Documentation of faith community endorsement by official representative(s) reflecting good standing in accordance with the requirements of his/her own faith/spiritual tradition to be involved in hospital ministry. (Required)

Skills & Abilities:

  • Ability to be present to others in their illness or crisis
  • Ability to provide pastoral support within the context of the patient's culture, values and belief system
  • Active listening
  • Apply Ethical Practices
  • Clinical Pastoral Care
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Crisis counseling
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Demonstrate Empathy
  • Flexibility
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Healthcare Ethics
  • Human Relations
  • Interfaith Dialogue
  • Ministering to diverse populations
  • Organization Skills
  • Pastoral Care
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Pastoral Ministries
  • Pastoral Theology
  • Planning
  • Presentation Skills
  • Public Relations
  • Relationship building
  • Religious Studies
  • Spiritual Care
  • Spiritual Care Assessments
  • Spiritual Support
  • Teamwork
  • Theological Reflection
  • Verbal Communication
  • Written Communication

Training:

  • Complete 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) within first year of employment (required)

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Misson that matters. We support your well-being - personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer
Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HAS/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

Department:

Pastoral Care - Mercy St. Charles

It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health- Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours - Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com.


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