Catholic Pastoral Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Director of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care is responsible for the development and implementation of a continuum of Mission Integration initiatives and pastoral services and programs aimed at raising the identification of and association with the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago as a faith based Catholic Ministry by meeting the spiritual and religious needs of the residents, their families, and staff. In this role, the incumbent represents the Catholic mission perspective and leads various education and formation efforts on mission, values, and ethics.  The Director of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care is a member of the community’s Leadership Team, convenes the community Ethics’ Committee and is the chair of the Mission Team.   Consistent with education and experience, this individual is able to offer religious, spiritual and emotional support to those being served. They also work in collaboration with the faith communities of the surrounding area, as well as those of the residents, clients, families, and staff to meet these needs through prayer, reflection, services, and other programming. This position requires the ability to establish positive working relationships with staff and volunteers. The Director of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care demonstrates the Mission and Values of the organization in all interactions.

Essential Functions, Key Duties, & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, education, and support to the community in matters pertaining to Mission, Values and Pastoral Care.
• Plan, develop, organize, direct, and evaluate the Mission Integration/ Pastoral Care department which includes budget development and management, department invoices and tracking of income and expenses.
• Serve as Pastoral Minister/Chaplain of the community; providing pastoral care and serving as a pastoral presence at times of physical and emotional crisis/trauma and decision-making.
• Provide an initial visit to all residents and spiritual assessment as needed for residents.
• Make visits to residents as appropriate.
• Organize religious services and Spiritual Wellness programs that meets the needs of the resident population which includes the scheduling of priests and ministers to lead services.
• Provide leadership, education, and support to the community in matters pertaining to Pastoral Care, Catholic Health Care Ministry, Ethics, and the practical integration of the faith perspectives in community operations.
• Provide education and application to the community on the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services which provide the Catholic moral perspective on relevant issues.
• Serve as active participant of community committees (as designated) and the FM system MIPC directors.
• Implement all Living Joyfully initiatives that are assigned to MIPC.
• Ensure implementation of a Mission orientation program and ongoing education programs to ensure all individuals are educated on the Mission and Values of FM, as well as works collaboratively with other functional areas in the identification of ways to foster the mission through strategies and initiatives with mission-focused programs for associates and residents.
• Provide departmental reports, benchmarks, statistics, and other analysis as required.
• Facilitate with Spiritual Life/Worship Committee to provide appropriate religious services for the population served.
• Serve as a representative of the Pastoral Care function to local pastors, congregations and community groups and develop relevant programs in accordance with lay ministry training as needed.
• Serve as a link to the Community Ministers Association and the Catholic Cluster to stay informed concerning Community Faith issues and opportunities.
• Facilitate continued connections with residents’ personal faith communities.
• Develop and live a vision of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care that supports the values and mission of Franciscan Ministries, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.
• Lead, coordinate, orientate, educate, and manage pastoral volunteer program.
• Coordinate funeral and bereavement ministry.
• Serve as community point person for Community Benefit reporting.
• Facilitate opportunities for growth and spiritual enrichment including but not limited to; Bible studies, caregiver and grief support, ecumenical dialogue, theological discussion groups, lectures in world religions, comparative religion, religious philosophy, programs on the spirituality of aging, seminars using guided imagery, meditation and music for stress relief and relaxation.
• Manage all facets of daily mass (during all liturgical seasons) including scheduling priests, coordinating the mass, and ensuring there are lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and music (if necessary).
• Ensure that sacramental items are laundered/dry cleaned.
• Maintain the chapel environment in accordance with the various seasons/feasts of the Church liturgical year.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and procedures and any updates.

Position Requirements

Education: Graduate degree in religious studies, mission leadership, or related field required; certification by pastoral agency preferred.

Licenses/Certifications: 1 Unit of CPE preferred.

Experience: 3 to 5+ years of experience as a long-term pastoral minister/chaplain as well as knowledge of and support for the Ethical and Religious Directive for Catholic Healthcare Services.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Travel: N/A

Mission and Values

• Supports, upholds, maintains, and promotes the Mission, Values and Philosophy of Franciscan Ministries.

#LivingJoyfully