Parish Life Coordinators / Directors

Parish Life Coordinators and Parish Directors are appointed by the diocesan bishop and acts as a delegate of the supervising priest in all pastoral and administrative matters not reserved to the supervising priest by the bishop.

This person must be prepared professionally with a degree or acceptable equivalent, in the judgment of the bishop, in theology, scripture, pastoral ministry, religious education, administration, morality, spirituality, liturgy or Canon Law.  A period of internship as a Pastoral Associate under a priest supervisor of two years duration, or its equivalent in the judgment of the bishop, is required.                 
 
The internship should include the following professional experience:

A.  Assisting at liturgical functions.
B.  Conducting services of the Word.
C.  Conducting Communion Services
D.  Ministering to the sick, dying and bereaved.
E.  Participating in administrative services.
F.  Participating in planning and implementing programs such as educational, social service and ecumenical ministries.

In addition, this person should be prudent, well organized and effective in dealing with other parish employees, pastoral ministers and the public. 

A.  Administrative

• Functions as President of the Parish Council.
• Oversees parish finances and fund raising activities.
• Maintains parish records and files.
• Prepares parish bulletin and other communications.
• Supervises all parish employees and provides for their evaluation.
• Carries out other appropriate duties as assigned by the supervising priest.
• Assures that the supervising priest is adequately informed of major plans, concerns and general operations of the parish.

B.  Liturgical

• Performs all parish sacramental preparations.
• Plans for all liturgies and liturgical seasons.
• Assists at wakes and funerals.
• Trains and supervises all lay ministers.
• Cooperates in ecumenical programs and projects.

C. Pastoral

• Visits nursing homes, hospitals and shut-ins.
• Provides counseling and spiritual leadership.
• Provides for religious education programs.
• Facilitates parish response to local social justice needs.
• Provides activities to strengthen community life.

In collaboration with the supervising priest:
A. Establish parish calendar so that sacrament opportunities are provided.
B. Plan ways and means for supervising priest to establish a personal relationship with recipients of sacraments.
C. Finalize plans for all liturgies at which the supervising priest or a priest sacramental minister will preside.
D. Determine the frequency of and justifying circumstances for conducting community lead liturgies.
E. Discuss the monthly parish income statement and balance sheet.
F. Perform any other pertinent duties as assigned by the pastor.