ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Roman Catholic Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

All JobsRoman Catholic JobsRoman Catholic Jobs in Tennessee

Roman Catholic information

See Tennessee salary details

$14.1K

$43.5K

$86.3K

How much do roman catholic jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for roman catholic in Tennessee is $43,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,289.00 and $48,448.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Roman Catholic?

Roman Catholics are members of the Roman Catholic Church, the largest Christian denomination in the world. They follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as interpreted by the Church, which is led by the Pope in Vatican City. Roman Catholics participate in sacraments, attend Mass, and adhere to doctrines and traditions that have developed over centuries. Their faith emphasizes community, charity, and the importance of both scripture and tradition in spiritual life.

What are some common challenges faced by Roman Catholic priests in their daily ministry?

Roman Catholic priests often balance multiple responsibilities, such as leading worship services, providing pastoral care, administering sacraments, and managing parish administration. A common challenge is meeting the diverse spiritual and practical needs of parishioners within limited time and resources. Priests also collaborate with parish staff, volunteers, and the wider diocesan community, which requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Maintaining personal well-being while serving others is essential, as the demands of the role can be emotionally and physically taxing.

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

To thrive as a Roman Catholic priest, you need a strong foundation in theology, pastoral care, and liturgical practice, typically supported by seminary education and ordination. Familiarity with church management systems, liturgical texts, and sacramental procedures is essential. Compassion, active listening, and strong communication skills help priests effectively serve parishioners and lead their communities. These competencies are vital for providing spiritual guidance, fostering community, and ensuring effective ministry within the Church.

What is the difference between Roman Catholic vs Protestant Clergy?

AspectRoman CatholicProtestant Clergy
CredentialsOrdination by Catholic Church, theological education at Catholic seminariesVaries; often includes theological training, sometimes seminary, but less standardized
Work EnvironmentChurch services, community outreach, church administration within Catholic parishesChurch services, community engagement, often more flexible in practices
Industry UsagePrimarily within Catholic institutions worldwideAcross various Protestant denominations and independent churches

The main difference between Roman Catholic and Protestant clergy lies in their credentials, training, and church practices. Roman Catholic clergy are ordained through a standardized process within the Catholic Church, emphasizing tradition and hierarchy. Protestant clergy have diverse training paths and practices, reflecting the variety of Protestant denominations. Both serve as spiritual leaders, but their roles and qualifications differ based on their church's doctrines and organizational structure.

What are popular job titles related to Roman Catholic jobs in Tennessee?

For Roman Catholic jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Roman Catholic jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Roman Catholic jobs in Tennessee are:

Roman Catholic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Roman Catholic job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,528 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Director of Legal Services

Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville

Nashville, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description

Summary

The Director of Legal Services provides comprehensive civil legal counsel and oversight to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville and its related entities, including parishes, schools, and affiliated ministries. This position supports the diocesan mission by ensuring sound legal stewardship, minimizing risk, and promoting lawful, ethical conduct across all levels of diocesan operations.


The Director of Legal Services manages legal matters including contract negotiation, property law, employment issues, civil-canonical coordination, and litigation support. The role requires close collaboration with chancery leadership, diocesan departments, external counsel, and Church personnel.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Counsel and Contract Administration

  • Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, leases, MOUs, and service agreements for diocesan entities, ensuring alignment with civil law, diocesan policy, and canonical obligations.
  • Manages contract lifecycle processes, including approvals, renewals, and records retention protocols.

Governance and Compliance

  • Supports incorporation, governance documentation, and board operations for diocesan institutions and separately incorporated entities.
  • Ensures compliance with state and federal laws affecting tax-exempt status, charitable solicitations, employment, and data/privacy obligations.
  • Advises on legal matters with canonical implications in collaboration with the Chancellor and diocesan Canonical Counsel.

Real Estate and Property Law

  • Provides legal support for property acquisition, disposition, leasing, and land use.
  • Ensures transactions are properly documented and comply with both civil and canonical requirements.

Risk Management and Litigation Support

  • Assists with legal incident response, internal investigations, and diocesan risk mitigation efforts in coordination with the Office of Risk Management.
  • Serves as internal liaison with external counsel on litigation, insurance claims, subpoenas, and administrative matters.

Policy Development and Training

  • Collaborates with chancery offices to develop and update diocesan legal and operational policies.
  • Designs and conducts training for diocesan staff, pastors, school leaders, and ministry heads on legal topics relevant to Church administration.

Legal Support to Parishes, Schools, and Ministries

  • Serves as a consultative legal resource to pastors, principals, and administrators regarding a range of civil legal issues including volunteers, intellectual property, transportation, and vendor engagement.

Requirements

Education and Experience

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school approved by the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners. 
  • Active license to practice law in the State of Tennessee.
  • Minimum five (5) years of legal experience, with demonstrated work in areas such as nonprofit law, education, real estate, governance, or employment law. 
  • Experience working with or advising religious institutions or tax-exempt organizations preferred. 
  • Practicing Catholic in good standing preferred; must demonstrate commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.

Other Skills

  • Exceptional legal research, drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple legal matters with discretion, efficiency, and attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate with clergy, lay leadership, and external legal professionals.
  • Understanding of canon law and its relationship to civil law is strongly preferred.

Apply