Pastoral Care: Ministry of Care & Mental Health in Surprise, Arizona at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish Surprise

Position Summary:
The Pastoral Care Associate serves the parish’s evangelizing mission by accompanying and caring for homebound parishioners through the Ministry of Care, promoting mental health awareness in a way that honors the dignity of the human person, and organizing and facilitating bereavement groups rooted in Christian hope and compassion. This role also serves as a backup to the Funeral Coordinator, offering support to families during times of loss. The position requires experience, deep pastoral sensitivity, and a strong commitment to confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative & Operational Support for Ministry of Care

• Provide direct administrative support to Ministers of Care, including coordinating schedules, facilitating training, and maintaining regular communication with those serving in this ministry.
• Ensure the effective organization of the program, confirming that all ministers and homebound parishioners are properly accounted for and well-served.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain accurate lists of homebound parishioners, and ensure that Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion comply with Safe Environment requirements.
• Assist with special events, including parish missions and sacramental celebrations, as needed.

Mental Health Ministry

• Responsible for scheduling, promoting, and facilitating the following:
• Ongoing six-week bereavement support group sessions throughout the year
• Biannual parish-wide mental health education opportunities
• Maintain and manage a resource library accessible to individuals seeking support.
• Develop and share faith-informed communications, including infographics, that promote mental wellness, mindful living, and holistic well-being rooted in Christ-centered values.

Qualifications:

• A practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, committed to living out the faith and upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Compassionate heart and the ability to listen.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills with high attention to detail.
• Proficiency in office software and database management is important.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Familiarity with Catholic liturgy, sacramental practices, and parish life preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Collaborative mindset with a willingness to support parish missions and ministries.

Work Environment:

Busy Parish office setting. Normal working hours Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Evening and weekend availability will be necessary to support parish programs, bereavement group, ministry needs, and parish wide liturgical events.