POSITION SUMMARY:
The Parish Memorial & Pastoral Support Coordinator is a part-time, non-exempt position serving the parish community across three integrated ministry areas: stewardship of the Memorial Garden, executive administrative support for the Pastor, and compassionate coordination of funeral and memorial liturgies. This role requires a person of faith who is organized, pastorally sensitive, and committed to accompanying individuals and families with care, dignity, and professionalism during times of loss and transition.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (and other duties as assigned):
List the essential job duties that are specific to the position.
Memorial Garden Administration
- Maintain accurate records of inurnments, niche assignments, interment agreements, and memorial garden usage.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries regarding memorial garden availability, policies, and procedures.
- Coordinate with families to schedule niche placements, inurnments, and memorial services within the garden.
- Prepare, update, and manage all administrative forms, contracts, and documentation related to memorial garden use.
- Maintain a master log of reserved, occupied, and available niches or plots.
- Coordinate routine care and maintenance of the memorial garden with grounds staff or volunteers.
- Ensure the memorial garden remains a dignified, prayerful environment consistent with Catholic tradition.
Executive Administrative Support to the Pastor
- Manage the Pastor’s calendar, including scheduling appointments, meetings, and parish engagements.
- Screen and respond to phone calls, emails, and correspondence on behalf of the Pastor as directed.
- Prepare correspondence, memos, reports, and draft communications for review and signature.
- Coordinate logistics for parish meetings, events, and Pastor-led initiatives.
- Maintain confidential files and records with discretion and professionalism.
- Liaise with parish staff, ministry leaders, and parishioners on behalf of the Pastor.
- Track action items, follow-ups, and deadlines related to pastoral and administrative projects.
- Assist with preparation of materials for parish staff meetings, Parish Leadership Team (PLT), and parish councils.
Funeral & Memorial Liturgy Coordination
- Serve as the primary parish contact for families planning funeral Masses, memorial services, and inurnment rites.
- Meet with families to gather information and guide them through available liturgical options in accordance with Catholic norms.
- Coordinate scheduling of funeral and memorial liturgies with the Pastor, clergy, parish calendar, and funeral homes.
- Prepare worship aids and liturgical materials for services.
- Coordinate with music ministry, office staff, and liturgical ministers to ensure smooth execution of services.
- Communicate service details to all involved ministers and volunteers.
- Ensure the church, chapel, and/or memorial garden are properly prepared prior to each service.
- Maintain accurate records of all funeral and memorial services for parish archives.
- Provide appropriate pastoral follow-up and care to families following services.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, especially in pastoral and sensitive situations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
- Demonstrated discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Compassionate presence and emotional maturity when working with grieving families.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) or equivalent.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required for funeral and memorial services.
THIS POSITION SUPERVISES:
None.
QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM THE JOB SUCCESSFULLY:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Education and/or Experience:
Minimum of two (2) years of administrative, parish ministry coordination, or related experience. Prior experience in a parish, diocese, or Catholic institution strongly preferred.
Language Skills:
Ability to read, write, and speak English effectively. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with parish management or memorial garden software (e.g., ParishSoft, Plotbox) preferred.
Physical Demands:
Ability to work in an office environment and perform occasional outdoor work in the memorial garden. Ability to lift light materials and move throughout parish facilities as needed.
Other Requirements:
Candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church. Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with parish staff, clergy, volunteers, and parishioners. Successful completion of Diocesan background screening and VIRTUS Safe Environment training. Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work required.
Pay Rate: $24.00 to $30.00 per hour
Part-Time: Approximately 20–25 hours per week
