Parish Secretary/Receptionist

Description

Job Summary: 

The Parish Secretary/Receptionist is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the parish office, providing administrative services for the Pastor, coordinating parish communications, scheduling the use of parish facilities, and maintaining appropriate records and documentation of all parish activities. This position reports directly to the Pastor and operates with minimal latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character:

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St. Ferdinand and Good Shepherd mission which the Bishop has entrusted to him.  He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish.  In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people).  He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Ferdinand and Good Shepherd help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description.  Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Job Duties: 

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Ferdinand and Good Shepherd in both your professional and personal life.

• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities.

• Supervise the day-to-day operations of the parish office, including direct supervision of office volunteers.

• Assist in coordinating sacramental preparation programs and liturgies for baptism, marriage, and quinceaneras.

• Ensure that all sacramental records for the parish are accurate and up-to-date.

• Coordinate all parish communications including, but not limited to, bulletin boards, welcome of new parishioners, Ministry Platform, etc.

• Coordinate the Parish Calendar including the scheduling of all activities and the use of all parish facilities in conjunction with the Parish Business Administrator.

• Plan and coordinate parish fundraising and social activities in cooperation with the Pastor and volunteers.

• Answer phone calls and assist visitors in the office. 

• Prepare and send required sacramental documents to the Diocese of Austin or other parishes in conjunction with the Parish Business Administrator.

• Collaborate with the parish EIM Coordinator as needed to ensure compliancy of staff and volunteers.

• Other duties as assigned by the Pastor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in using office equipment (e.g. copiers, fax machine, telephone system, laminating machine, etc.).

• Skill in using computers and related software applications (e.g. word processing software, spreadsheets, email, databases, Publisher, etc.).

• Must have good interpersonal skills.

• Must have the ability to learn new software programs as needed.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with St. Ferdinand and Good Shepherd staff, clergy, peers, and laity.

• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

• Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to maintain respect at all times.

• Ability to work with and lead a highly diverse membership base.

• Ability to work outside normal business hours including holidays and weekends if needed.

• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• High School Diploma or GED acceptable to the Texas Education Agency.

Experience:

• Two (2) years or more wage-earning work experience.

Language:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing) required.

• Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing) required.

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.

• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM/Virtus) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

• The Parish is an at-will employer.

• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.  

• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

• May be required to use personal vehicle to drive to off-site locations.

• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required.