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Pastoral Associate Job Description
All ministry is rooted in Jesus and evolves as a response to the Baptismal call to service in the Church. Some persons are further called by God via the Church to pastoral ministry. Some persons in pastoral ministry are defined as pastoral associates. A pastoral associate is a qualified pastoral minister who shares in the leadership of the parish in association with the canonical pastor.
Functions
As an integral member of the parish team/staff the pastoral associate promotes Gospel values and fosters growth in faith-filled disciples and holiness. This person provided leadership, facilitates and enables others in ministry, and offers direct pastoral care and community building as needed. The pastoral associate functions in a manner analogous to the parochial vicar (associate pastor):
As a team/staff member who share in a broad range of responsibilities based on the needs of the parish community and the talent of the other staff members.
or
As a team/staff member involved in a combination of designated responsibilities in worship, education service, stewardship and evangelization, justice and peace. (See addendum below)
Qualifications
Education
It is expected that the pastoral associate will have a Master's Degree with focus in pastoral ministry such as M.Div.or M.A. in pastoral studies, etc. or equivalency (see addendum) and will be committed to continuing formation.
Experience
It is expected that the pastoral associate will have at least three years parish pastoral experience in which leadership, supervisory initiative, and adaptability to pastoral situations have been demonstrated.
Certification
Level four pastoral minister certification in Family Life Ministry, Liturgical Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, or Christian Service/Social Ministry.
Terms of Employment and Evaluation
The pastoral associate is hired by and is accountable to the canonical pastor with whom there should be ongoing dialogue regarding expectations, activities and concerns (see addendum). The responsibilities and evaluative procedures in a particular parish community should be clearly stated and included in a written agreement. The pastoral associate will be compensated according to the criteria established by the archdiocese.
Addendum I: Functions of the Pastoral Associate
Worship and Spiritual Life
Worship is the center of the life of the parish. Because the pastoral associate relates pastorally to the whole parish, it is important that this person have a ministry of presence at parish events, and a significant and continuing leadership role in the liturgical life of the community. This role may include scriptural preaching, in keeping with the canonical norms. Where pastoral associates have prepared people for the sacrament, they should have a role in the rites associated with them.
The pastoral associate may preside at prayer and liturgy. In addition, a pastoral associate may serve as a spiritual director and may plan and direct days of reflection and retreats.
If qualified, the pastoral associate may serve as an advocate for the annulment process. The pastoral associate may participate in ecumenical activities, and act as a liaison with other denominations.
Education and Catechesis
- Pastoral associates may be involved in sacramental preparation and catechetics.
- Pastoral associates assist in fostering the faith growth of all members of the parish.
- Pastoral associates may serve in the area of Family Life Ministry.
Evangelization, Stewardship, Justice and Peace
Pastoral associates may take leadership in the areas of evangelization, stewardship, justice and peace.
Christian Service
Pastoral associates may be involved in christian service through coordinating care for the physical and emotional needs of people. Pastoral associates share in ministry to those who are sick, shut-in, bereaved or in some form of crises.
Administration
Pastoral associates may assist in personnel issues and overseeing facilities and the administration of finances. Pastoral associates may have responsibility for both budget and staff in the areas of parish life they oversee. They may also relate to Parish Pastoral Councils, Vicariate Pastoral Councils and to the archdiocese.
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