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Parish Secretary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The parish secretary serves as the primary administrative support for St. Ann Catholic Church, acting as the first point of contact for parishioners and visitors. This role ensures the ...

Job Summary The parish secretary serves as the primary administrative support for St. Ann Catholic Church, acting as the first point of contact for parishioners and visitors. This role ensures the ...

Job Summary The parish secretary serves as the primary administrative support for St. Ann Catholic Church, acting as the first point of contact for parishioners and visitors. This role ensures the ...

Parish Secretary Status: Part time Exemption Status : Non-exempt Salary Grade : 21 Department/Location: Holy Cross / Morenci, AZ Primary Function: Under the direction of the Office Manager and/or ...

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Parish Secretary information

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$24.5K

$45.9K

$63K

How much do parish secretary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for parish secretary in the United States is $45,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Parish Secretaries face in balancing administrative duties with parishioner interactions?

Parish Secretaries often juggle a variety of tasks, from managing schedules and maintaining records to responding to parishioner inquiries. A common challenge is effectively prioritizing administrative work while remaining approachable and available to parishioners who may need assistance or support. Time management and strong interpersonal skills are crucial, as the role requires balancing confidential work, event coordination, and daily interruptions. Many Parish Secretaries find that clear communication with clergy and volunteers helps manage expectations and keeps parish operations running smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Parish Secretary, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parish Secretary, you need strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office management, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite, church management systems, and basic bookkeeping is often required. Excellent interpersonal skills, discretion, and the ability to multitask help foster a welcoming environment and maintain confidentiality. These skills are crucial to ensuring efficient parish operations, supporting clergy and parishioners, and upholding the trust of the church community.

What is the highest paying secretary job?

The highest paying secretary roles are often executive secretaries or executive assistants to high-level executives, with salaries exceeding $80,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced organizational skills, experience, and proficiency with office management tools like Microsoft Office or specialized scheduling software.

How much should I pay my secretary?

The salary for a parish secretary typically ranges from $25,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and responsibilities. Compensation may also include benefits such as paid time off and health insurance, and familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office is often required.

What does a parish secretary do?

A parish secretary manages administrative tasks for a church or parish, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, preparing correspondence, and assisting with event planning. They often use office software and may handle financial transactions or data entry. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Parish Secretary vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectParish SecretaryAdministrative Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer clerical certificationsHigh school diploma; administrative or office certifications optional
Work EnvironmentReligious settings, churches, parishesVarious industries, corporate offices, organizations
Employer & IndustryReligious institutions, churchesBusinesses, government agencies, nonprofits
Common TasksManaging church records, scheduling, communication with parishionersScheduling, correspondence, data entry, general office support

The Parish Secretary primarily supports religious organizations with clerical tasks specific to church operations, while the Administrative Assistant provides broader office support across various industries. Both roles require strong organizational skills and clerical experience, but the Parish Secretary's duties are more focused on church-related activities.

What qualifications do I need to be a secretary?

Parish secretaries typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office. Some positions may require previous administrative experience or familiarity with church or community office procedures.

What are Parish Secretaries?

Parish Secretaries are administrative professionals who support the day-to-day operations of a church parish. Their responsibilities often include managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, maintaining church records, preparing bulletins, and providing information to parishioners. They serve as a key point of contact between clergy, parish staff, and the community, ensuring smooth communication and organization. Parish Secretaries may also handle financial tasks, event planning, and help coordinate volunteers as needed.
More about Parish Secretary jobs
What cities are hiring for Parish Secretary jobs? Cities with the most Parish Secretary job openings:
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Infographic showing various Parish Secretary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,945 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Parish Secretary - St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

The mission of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is to spread the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.  In the faithful pursuit of this mission, the Archdiocese is seeking a Parish Secretary for St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church The Parish Secretary reports to and performs general support for the Pastor to include: typing, establishing/maintaining database for mailing lists and reports, managing telephone calls, maintain office calendar, maintain weekly parish bulletin, handling correspondence and document preparation, scheduling meetings and events, manage office inventory/purchasing and other office duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Answer the office phone during business hours.
  • Records clear and accurate messages
  • Handles routine questions about policies
  • Greets visitors
  • Provides secretarial and clerical services to the Pastor
  • Prepares regular and bulk mailing
  • Screens incoming mail
  • Distributes mail and other related material
  • Maintains filing system
  • Manages office inventory of general supplies
  • Provides recordkeeping services for the office
  • Maintains records for the office (e.g. directory, mailing list, events calendar, check requests, etc.)
  • Manages parish database
  • Coordinates and schedules volunteers in the office.
  • Manage parish website and social media outlets
  • Oversees parish bulletin
  • Opens and closes the office

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Must be a practicing Catholic, High School diploma required, 3 to 5 years’ administrative experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Type 50+ wpm. Candidates must have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing as well as excellent organizational and people skills. Advanced skills in MS Office (Word, Excel) and common social media platforms required and knowledge of CMS (Church Management Solutions) software a plus.

Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please send resumes to: stthomasapostle.dc@adw.org

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