In some ways, finding Catholic part-time work may be easier than finding a full-time opportunity. Churches may not have the budget for a full-time position, but they’ll often be able to budget for a part-time employee. When looking for Catholic part-time work, you also have the luxury of considering in-office, hybrid, and remote opportunities that fit your schedule and needs.

I. Just like looking for full-time jobs

Approach this just like you would a full-time job search: start with the basics. That looks like starting with a Catholic job board or diocesan job board for many. Catholic Professionals Part-Time Work is a great list to start with. You can also search local Diocesan Websites to see if they have job postings.

If you want to branch out from aggregate or diocesan job boards, dive deeper into brands and companies that you like. Organizations like Life Teen or Our Sunday Visitor, along with many others, will have their own dedicated job boards.

Secular sites will sometimes have Catholic postings on them as well. Gig works sites occasionally offer part-time faith-based opportunities. They’re not plentiful, but they do exist! If nothing else, they may help you get a feel for what kind of Catholic part-time work you’d like to do.

II. Make it happen yourself

Just because a need isn’t advertised doesn’t mean there isn’t a need. Maybe nobody has noticed a flaw, or no one has had the time to post a job to address the need. Take the initiative and offer your services! Do you design and maintain websites? Your parish probably could use your help. They may be reluctant to have a full-time web designer on staff but could be swayed into a part-time offer. Any skill can be leveraged into a part-time position if a need is displayed. Review your developing resume and see what skills could be offered. Photographers, writers, janitors; even certain ministry jobs can be done on a part-time basis. Sometimes the part-time Catholic job you want doesn’t exist, so you have to create it yourself!

Maybe you don’t have a specific hard skill to offer; that’s okay. Do you have experience you can leverage? Perhaps you’re a former tax broker. Your Church might not want to hire part-time tax help, but maybe they’ll be open to a part-time financial consultant. Use what you have, and don’t be afraid to ask, even if you aren’t sure you’re the perfect fit. Having someone work slightly out of their comfort zone is better than having no one filling the need.

III. It doesn’t hurt to ask

You’ve got lots of skills. Maybe you just don’t see a fit for your skills. In that case, don’t be afraid to ask. If you’re looking to work for a parish, ask someone on the staff if they have any needs. This will be especially helpful if they know you well. They may be able to point you in a direction you wouldn’t have even considered a fit for your skillset.

If you’re looking to work for a non-profit, Catholic brand, or Catholic company, send them a message! Just because you don’t see anything that’s a fit for you right now doesn’t mean they’ll never need you. Get your resume out there, so it’s on file when a need arises. Reaching out never hurts. There might be a position they haven’t yet advertised for that fits your skills and wants.

Social and professional groups are another great way to find a part-time position. If you’re a member of the Knights of Columbus, Young Catholic Professionals, or any other charitable or professional Catholic organization, you have a resource right there. Ask around and get the word out that you’re looking for a Catholic part-time job. If nothing else, you probably know somebody who knows somebody.

IV. Local Catholic nonprofits

When in doubt, your local Catholic school likely needs some help. While this won’t apply to every Catholic school, many are looking for part-time teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals, janitors, or other staff members. Yes, it isn’t a fit for everyone, but it could be something worth your time.

If academia isn’t your forte, try expanding your search. Homeless shelters, thrift stores, cemeteries, or even your local Catholic Charities chapter can often use some part-time help. Much the same as your local parish, they may not have it in the budget for a full-time employee, but they’ll appreciate a dedicated part-time worker. Catholic Charities or something similar is a great fit for someone with office and administrative skills looking for Catholic part-time work.

V. Freelance 

There’s just nothing around? How about freelancing? Yes, it’s not exactly like a part-time job, but it’s pretty similar. You can fit it around a full-time job, another part-time job, or staying at home. If you have any artistic or editing talent, this is a great way to showcase that. If you’re someone with business acumen, try putting your services out there as a Catholic business consultant. There are many great ministries out there looking to get off the ground who could use your talents. Whatever talents you have, Catholic freelancing is a great way to leverage them for the glory of God.

VI. Be open

Maybe there isn’t something that you necessarily want to do, but there’s something that needs to be done. In humility, consider something out of your field if you feel that you could do the job well enough to apply. Sure, you may not get it, but they may also be appreciative of someone willing to come in and learn. It could also vary your skillset.

Pray and discern. You may not have the same zeal to pick up a part-time position as a full-time one, especially if it’s something out of your wheelhouse. Taking a new part-time job may not be as life-altering, but it’s still worth bringing it to God. Through prayer and humility, you may open the doors needed for your next Catholic part-time job.

About the Author:

Joe Coleman is a freelance writer, editor, and audio production consultant. He holds a BA in Philosophy from Loyola Marymount University (and actually uses it from time to time). A former fellow at KNOM Catholic Radio in Western Alaska, he got his start as an on-air host, producer, and news writer. Currently, you can find him in Southern California writing about national parks, outdoor gear, and the role of Catholics in the business world.

Search here for Catholic job postings, or Catholic Professionals you can hire.

The post How to Find Catholic Part-Time Work appeared first on Catholic Professionals.

As accompaniment to your own prayer and discernment in job-hunting, here are five Catholic job questions you may considering asking before getting hired.

1. What Does The Company Support?

My brother-in-law used to work for a non-profit that funneled people’s donations to the different charities of their choice. One day he was asked to process a payment to Planned Parenthood. Uncomfortable with being a link in that supply chain, he left soon after. 

We can’t always afford to get into the minutia of working for companies that never seem to stop supporting things which go against our faith, but some stick out more than others. Consider how your work is supporting other organizations beyond the one that sends the paycheck. Will you be asked to directly aid in that support? Inform yourself about how the company you are joining might undermine our faith through their dollars; and listen to your conscience.

2. What Will You Be Asked to Do? 

During the interview process – or even after you’ve been offered a job – try to discover the sorts of activities you will be required to perform as part of your duties. A position might seem morally neutral, but many companies will ask their employees to do or show things that support causes contradictory to our Catholic beliefs. 

For example, will you need to wear a gay pride shirt during the month of June? What about help at a pro-choice fundraiser? Will you be asked to sign something that you disagree with? An example from the past is the national controversy surrounding the bakers who refuse to make same-sex wedding cakes. How would you react if you were that baker? Things that might seem like no big deal to another employee could signal something more serious for you. Exterior support of an anti-Catholic cause – whether or not your heart is in on it – could be scandalous to others. Refusing to support it, on the other hand, can be a stepping stone to sainthood. Just look at St. Thomas More!

3. Will The Work Environment Be Healthy? 

My husband worked construction after dropping out of seminary. Sometimes he’ll bring up the environment of that work and how, little by little, it began to negatively affect him. Your co-workers, your workspace, the language that you hear day-in and day-out; these are all factors to take seriously, especially if you’re choosing between multiple career options.

Work is work and it won’t always be fun, but most people have the luxury of choosing an environment that is at least a little more compatible with their morals. If the job you’re getting into is one that encourages licentious behavior or a continuous taking of the Lord’s name in vain, you might consider taking an alternate route. On the other hand, are your coworkers people who seem to care about others? Is it a professional environment that takes itself seriously? Can you find ways to grow as a person there, rather than fighting to just keep your head above water? It doesn’t have to be a Christian company to have a healthy environment.

4. Will I Find Fulfillment in My Work?

Of these Catholic job questions, this one on human fulfillment is one of the most important to get right! The Church even gave us St. Joseph (whose life offers some practical advice for work) as the patron saint of workers! God gives each of us different gifts and skills that we can use in the workplace, and the dignity of work can’t be understated.

Depending on our stage and calling in life, the fruit that our labor bears may look different. To a father, providing for his family is the most important factor to consider. He may dream of church work, but if it doesn’t pay enough then he may have to look elsewhere. Conversely, a single person may have the freedom to take a lower paying job that does follow their dream career. Neither of these are more or less important than the other; they both allow them to follow God’s calling in their lives.

Understanding the difference between prioritizing a mission (such as family) and becoming a cog in corporate machines is key to this discernment. As a father, are you working so hard that you barely see your wife and children? Perhaps God is asking you to look elsewhere. Or is your career pursuit coming at a similar cost? Look at how to balance work and the rest of your life, and above all how to put Christ at the center.

5. Where is God Leading Me? 

I have heard stories of good people making seemingly illogical, cross-country moves for jobs that come out of nowhere. People close to them shake their heads in wonder and question their motives or even their sanity. Their explanation? “God is leading us there.” 

Whether it is a doctor quitting his practice to move his entire family to mission work in another country, or a girl abandoning a California dream for the sake of a husband and children, sometimes the most obvious option isn’t the best one. Or maybe it is. Listen to that still, small voice – you can even utilize Ignatian discernment – and take a step forward. God uses all of our choices for good if we ask Him to! 

Conclusion:

No matter what age you are or what position you are contemplating, knowing the Catholic job questions to ask before taking a new position will aid in finding a good fit for you. Whether this is your temporary employment or a big step towards a forever career, God is with you!

About the Author

Ella Matthews is an actress and writer who graduated with a Communications Media degree from a film school in California. She loves tea, books and dresses and lives with her husband in Indiana. They are expecting their first child in January!

Search here for Catholic job postings, or Catholic Professionals you can hire.

The post 5 Catholic Job Questions to Ask Before Getting Hired appeared first on Catholic Professionals.

Watch for the Warning Signs of Ministry Burnout

There are many potential signs of burnout, and they vary depending on the person. But if you notice any of these “symptoms,” it might be time to take a step back and consider how you’re taking care of yourself:

• Being unusually negative about work or colleagues.
• Dreading going to work in the morning and being excessively excited to leave at the end of the day.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Headaches or backaches.
• Being easily irritated by the people you work with.
• Feeling like your work doesn’t have an impact.
• Having lower than normal energy.
• Day-dreaming of finding a new job.

Respond to the Signs

If you think you’re heading toward ministry burnout in your church job, try to figure out why. Do you have more work than available time to finish it? Are you working longer hours than you’d like? Do you have a difficult boss or co-worker? Is someone asking too much (or not enough) of you?

Being Social

Once you’ve figured out the cause of your ministry burnout, make a plan to deal with it. It’s a good idea to talk to someone you trust, such as a significant other, family member or friend. They may have some helpful advice, but even if they don’t, it can be helpful just to remind yourself that you have someone who cares about and supports you.

Becoming friends with your co-workers can also help. Office friendships make work more enjoyable, and having someone in the parish office whom you can trust can help you find help if your work load becomes too demanding. Take advantage of working in a Catholic workplace, and see if anyone wants to join you for a rosary once a week (or even once a day). Praying together is a great way to become closer as colleagues while making time during your day for God.

Managing Your Work Load

If the cause of your ministry burnout has to do with what — or how much — you’re doing at work, talk to your boss. Find out if there’s anything he or she can do to help manage or lighten your load. If your boss isn’t supportive, find someone else at the parish you can talk to.

Learn new time management techniques to help you balance your schedule. Whether it’s a paper planner or a digital calendar, to-do lists, or something more formal and extensive, having a method that works for you will help you prioritize your tasks and finish them successfully.

Managing the Stress of Ministry Burnout

Stress management is also important, particularly in a church job, where you might be overworked, underpaid … and totally committed. Effective forms of managing stress include exercise, eating healthy foods, learning to say no, and a regular (and sufficient) sleep schedule. If you’ve tried these methods and are still struggling with stress, it’s almost always a good idea to talk to a therapist.

Give Prayer its Priority to Avoid Ministry Burnout

Meditation is a popular form of stress management and ministry burnout prevention. For Catholics, though, it goes deeper; meditative, contemplative prayer can help you with your stress levels, but, most importantly, it will bring you closer to God. Keep your rosary at your desk, and schedule one or two breaks during the day to go outside, take a walk and talk to Mary. Ask for God’s help; after all, you started this work to serve Him, so pray that He will sustain you in it.

Saint Walter of Pontoise

There’s a patron saint of job stress whom you can turn to: St. Walter of Pontoise. He earned a prestigious position as an abbot of a monastery, but all he wanted in life was silent contemplation. His continuous attempts to live such a life were thwarted, and after the pope himself told him to stop those attempts, he accepted his public vocation. Anytime you feel the urge to run for the hills (assuming it’s not a genuine call to a contemplative religious life), take a deep breath, ask St. Walter for his intercession and keep on going.

Look to Divine Mercy

One simple prayer that’s easy to say in the hustle and bustle of a stressful day is, “Jesus, I trust in you.” This one-liner is part of the image of divine mercy Christ gave to St. Faustina Kowalska, the young Polish nun to whom He appeared in the early 20th century. Sometimes, just telling God you trust Him can help you actually build that trust and put your stress in His hands. (If it’s not … give it time. It will.)

Your desire to serve in a church job is good. Treasure it. Honor it. Get ahead of any stress, and ask for help when you need it (there’s no shame in asking another person for support — quite the contrary, as it builds humility and community). Pray without ceasing, and remember that those of us who don’t work for the Church are grateful for those of you who do!

About the Author

Taryn Oesch DeLong is an editor and writer in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband and works in digital media. Passionate about supporting women in work, in life, and in health, she is the managing editor of Catholic Women in Business, assistant editor and contributing writer at FemCatholic, a contributor to Live Today Well Co., and an almost-certified fertility awareness educator. When she’s not helping writers craft stories and writing her own nonfiction and fiction, you’ll find Taryn reading Jane Austen and drinking a cup of Earl Grey tea, playing the flute or the piano, or volunteering. You can follow Taryn on Instagram and Twitter @tarynmdelong, on Facebook, or on her blog.

The post Ministry Burnout – 3 Steps to Stay Strong while Working for the Church appeared first on Catholic Professionals.

1. Hone Your Professional Development by Reading

It sounds basic, but reading is a great form of professional development. Whether it’s brushing up on your theology, finding inspiration from Church leaders, or learning new technical or leadership skills, you can find just about anything in your local library or bookstore.

Take a little more time when reading these books than you do when you’re reading your favorite novelist. If you’ve purchased the book, grab a pencil and take notes in the margins. Underline your favorite tips or insights, and bookmark them to return to later. A reading journal is also a good way to keep track of what your learning, and give you access to it later.

You might even start a book club at your church for the other staff and interested volunteers. That way, you can learn from each other’s experiences and perceptions of the book–plus, the simple act of talking about a book will help you remember what you’ve read.

2. Take an Online Course

There’s a lot to love about the instant access of information online, but it can also be overwhelming to search a keyword or phrase and find thousands of hits. Fortunately, the internet can also help you find free professional development courses, and many of these providers only charge you if you want a certificate that proves you took the course. If you’re just taking it for your own development and don’t need validation, they’re often completely free!

Here are a few things to look for in an online course to make sure you get the best bang for your … time, if not your buck:

• The instructor: Make sure the instructor has some form of qualification, whether it’s an advanced degree, teaching experience at an accredited institution, or experience as a leader in the Church or in your field.
• The provider: What company or organization is offering the course? Does it have a relationship with any accredited universities? Are there good reviews for it online? How does it make its money?
• The course outline: Most providers will outline the course on their website. Make sure it covers topics that you’re interested in and that will help you build relevant skills.

3. Join a Professional Development Association

Professional associations, made up of people who work for the Church or in your field, can be a great way to learn–and even find a new job when it’s time to move on.

If you manage your church’s stewardship program, for instance, check out the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Do you lead the music ministry? Try the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Are you the parish secretary? See if the American Society of Administrative Professionals has a local chapter.

When you go to your first meeting, make it a goal to introduce yourself to at least three new people. Exchange email addresses, or connect with them on LinkedIn afterward. Find out if your chapter offers any educational events, like workshops or speakers. Consider getting involved as a volunteer. There are many ways you can learn new skills and advance your career by joining a professional association.

4. Find a Magazine or Journal

Many professions publish magazines or journals. In addition to subscribing to your diocese’s magazine, look for magazines that publish professional development content that’s relevant to parish employees or people who work in your field. For example, Catechist Magazine is published for Catholic catechetical leaders and catechists, while Accounting Today, a secular publication, might give you some good information if you’re the parish finance manager.

While most magazines still offer a print subscription, many also publish a limited number of free articles on their websites. Sign up for their email newsletter or an RSS feed, and you’ll be notified every time they publish something new.

5. Share Your Professional Development with Others

Finally, when you learn something helpful or exciting, multiply the impact of that knowledge by sharing with your colleagues! Whether it’s through a staff meeting at your parish or through your connections in the diocese or a professional association, teaching others will not only help you sharpen your own skills but also enable you to give back to your community. As they told you in elementary school, knowledge is power; sharing that power with other church leaders will make your parish and the entire Body of Christ a better place to work, live and pray.

About the Author

Taryn Oesch DeLong is an editor and writer in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband and works in digital media. Passionate about supporting women in work, in life, and in health, she is the managing editor of Catholic Women in Business, assistant editor and contributing writer at FemCatholic, a contributor to Live Today Well Co., and an almost-certified fertility awareness educator. When she’s not helping writers craft stories and writing her own nonfiction and fiction, you’ll find Taryn reading Jane Austen and drinking a cup of Earl Grey tea, playing the flute or the piano, or volunteering. You can follow Taryn on Instagram and Twitter @tarynmdelong, on Facebook, or on her blog.

Search here for Catholic job postings, or Catholic Professionals you can hire.

The post 5 Professional Development Hacks on a Church Budget appeared first on Catholic Professionals.

Admit it.

You’re sitting in your office cubicle daydreaming again, aren’t you? You want to build your Catholic resume or portfolio, but simply don’t know where to start.

Your job was rewarding at first. HR did a great job selling you on the company’s mission and the internal opportunities for growth. The pay is good, and the benefits are great. But lately everything’s been feeling mundane, even… meaningless.

You want to do something that really matters, something with eternal significance.

You daydream about bringing souls to Christ — working full-time for His Church and putting your skills and talents at the service of the Gospel. But you have a problem…

You’ve never worked in Catholic ministry.

Heck! You’ve never even volunteered to read at Sunday Mass.

Or maybe you’re concerned because you have no formal education in Catholic theology, catechesis, ministry, evangelization, or apologetics.

In other words, there’s nothing particularly “Catholic” on your resume or in your portfolio. You’ve been looking around at all the opportunities for ministry in your diocese, but you can’t help but wonder: “Why would anyone want to hire me for a ministry job? My current skillset doesn’t fit any of these job descriptions.”

If this sounds familiar, “Be not afraid” (sorry—John Paul II pun…)…

Here are five helpful tips you can use to build your Catholic resume or portfolio before you quit your day-job:

1. What skills are on your current resume or portfolio?

The first helpful tip you can use to build your Catholic resume or portfolio is pretty simple. Determine your skillset!

You have a definite skillset.

Whether you realize it or not, your current skillset can be put to use in the service of the Gospel. The Church needs you… and your skillset! So sit down, write out your skills, and brainstorm how you intend to use them in the service of the Gospel.

Are you good at building websites? As we’ve seen recently with the beatification of Carlo Acutis, the Church needs men and women who are capable of building attractive websites that folks want to come back to again and again.

Is digital marketing your thing? Great! The Church needs marketers and content creators who are adept at creating compelling content for evangelizing on the “digital continent.”

Do you work in sales or corporate coaching? The Church needs men and women like you; capable of creating stunning presentations, building compelling cases, and making persuasive arguments in favor of Catholicism.

The truth is, it doesn’t matter what your current skillset is. The Church needs you and your abilities. So write down what it is that you’ve been trained to do, and start thinking of ways you can use your skills in the service of the Church.

2. Figure out your talents

In his First Letter to Corinthians, Saint Paul says:

“There are many different gifts, but it is always the same Spirit … The particular manifestation of the Spirit granted to each one is to be used for the general good” (1Cor. 12:4, 7).

He then goes on to say that, as the body as a whole needs its various parts, so too does the Church need her members to use their various God-given gifts and talents for the sake of spreading the Gospel.

Ask yourself: “What talents has God given me?”

Are you musically inclined? Or maybe you have a gift for the written word. Do you “come alive” when you’re speaking in front of a large crowd? Or maybe one-on-one coaching is more your thing.

You have a talent. Most likely you have several talents. And you can use each talent to build up the Body of Christ. Find out what your talents are. And if you struggle to figure it out (*ahem* you’re not alone), ask a couple close friends or relatives what they think your talent is.

3. Volunteering can build your Catholic experience

Worried that you have no direct experience working in ministry or in a Church-related role? Not a problem!

Your parish may need RCIA sponsors who are available and knowledgeable enough to answer an RCIA candidate’s questions. Or maybe your parish priest could use some extra help ministering to the Youth Group, even if there is already a full-time Youth Minister employed by the parish.

Does your parish have a blog? Why not volunteer to write weekly or monthly articles?

Ask around. There are more than enough opportunities for you to volunteer and put your unique skills and talents to work, while at the same time building up that Catholic resume or portfolio you’ve been working on.

One great way to get involved as a volunteer is to join your local St. Paul Street Evangelization team!

4. Add Catholic education to your resume or portfolio

Who among us hasn’t been put off by the “Master’s Degree in Theology and three years of experience as a catechist or youth minister” requirement for that Director of Religious Education job you know you’d be perfect for!

You’re already working on building your experience by volunteering your time as a catechist, sponsor, street evangelist, or youth minister. Now, thanks to the internet, you have multiple ways to fulfill that education “requirement.”

If you need formal education, there are some amazing Catholic schools that offer Master’s degrees in theology, ministry, or catechetics 100% online! Franciscan University of Steubenville, Catholic Distance University, and the Augustine Institute are three of the best schools out there offering online degrees in theology.

But if you just need to brush up on your knowledge of the Faith, and want a certificate to show for it, there are some great options out there. The St. Paul Evangelization Institute and Catholic Answers School of Apologetics are two great places where you can solidify your knowledge of Catholicism, while also earning a certificate to post on your LinkedIn profile and brag about on your resume.

5. A final word to help you build your Catholic resume or portfolio

Building up your Catholic resume or portfolio is great and all. But there’s one thing you can do right now that will launch you into full-time Church-work faster than that perfect resume or portfolio ever could.

Networking!

Get out there and meet some people, especially the “key players.” Spend time getting to know your parish priest. Go to your local “Theology on Tap” events. Join or start a parish or diocesan book study program.

Get out there and meet people. After all, ministry and evangelization aren’t so much about what you know. They’re all about bringing the Gospel to people.

And if you’re already putting some of the above advice into practice, then you’re well on your way to launching your Church career.

Philip Rolfes is a freelance direct response copywriter, connecting people with the missions they’re passionate about.

Search here for Catholic job postings, or Catholic Professionals you can hire.

The post Build Your Catholic Resume or Portfolio in 5 Easy Steps appeared first on Catholic Professionals.

Getting hired in ministry can be one of the most challenging steps in a career. Parishes, schools, and organizations, seek to further their mission and serve their members. But at the same time they have to be very careful about who they hire. I don’t envy those who do the hiring, but I’ll be the first to admit that I see more challenges for those who seek employment in ministry. With that said, here are Ten Tips For Getting Hired in Ministry.

1. To get hired in ministry, you need to be upfront

Be clear and honest with your potential employer about your financial needs. It’s easy to get so passionate about ministry or so desperate for employment that we settle for less. And while doing so isn’t inherently bad, it can become a problem later. If you can’t afford to pay your rent or your salary doesn’t cover your student loan payments, the stress in your personal life will prevent you from being present to the needs of those being served by the ministry. If you’re a parent and your potential employer isn’t interested in paying for your child’s necessary health insurance (I speak from experience on this one), the opportunity is not worth your time. So be clear about your needs. 

2. Don’t be intimidated

Often, successful ministry people (especially those in the public eye) appear like celebrities. And instead of learning from them, we see them as unapproachable, and we practically idolize them. Instead of seeing Christ working through these people, we see them. We need to celebrate the ministry successes of others, not envy them. You too are capable of doing something incredible! Find inspiration from those who came before us. Saints like St. Therese of Lisieux

3. You Are Interviewing Them Too

I’ve been there. Interviewing for a position, hoping desperately to get the job. And then one of the worst possible things happened; I was offered the position and I accepted it. In retrospect I realized I should have asked more questions. It became clear that I should have been myself more in the interview. But once I was hired, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I was in the wrong place. That led to a bumpy transition for all involved. Come prepared with questions to help ensure that it’s the right place for you.

4. Pray, Pray, and Pray Some More

Pray for guidance and pray that God’s will be done. Many of us in ministry spend too much time focusing on our plans. Ministry is not supposed to be self-serving. But for too many of us it becomes exactly that. Focus on God’s plans.

In his youth, my father was a competitive swimmer, a swim coach, and a pool manager. This was a big part of his life. And throughout his life he drew parallels to swimming and pretty much anything else. In his wisdom he would say, “You can’t save someone else from drowning until you learn to swim yourself.” And he was right. Nowhere is this truer than in ministry. We cannot give what we don’t have. And what we need to give comes only from God.

So instead of running a retreat, attend one. Before organizing an evening of Adoration, visit the Blessed Sacrament, and before sending in your résumé, pray your favorite prayer (I suggest the Divine Mercy Chaplet). 

5. Be Persistent, But Not a Pest

Reach out to potential employers. And always make sure to follow up with them. Even if they say, “we’ll be in touch” or “we’ll let you know”, reach out to them. Following up with a potential employer demonstrates to them that you have a strong interest in the position and practice taking initiative.

Don’t go overboard. The last thing you want to come off as a disruption to their other responsibilities.  

6. Make contacts to get hired in Ministry

You will find this tip in any “business 101” discussion. But out of necessity, ministry often finds itself managed like a business. And all ministry work is inherently relational anyway. So make contacts. Now don’t confuse relationships with some form of nepotism (although that happens sometimes). Getting to know people intimately will enable you to trust each other. You can do this through online social networks like Linkedin.com or Facebook, but nothing beats face-to-face connections.

7. Be Patient

There are a lot of qualified and unqualified people serving in ministry, and even more looking for opportunities. And those who are in a position to higher you are under enormous pressure to get it right. This pressure may cause them to overlook qualified candidates. Or they may simply be drawn to another candidate. Resist discouragement. Remind yourself before every interview, every email, every application, and every teleconference that all things are to happen on God’s time.
As for self-starters it typically takes a successful small business at least two years to be profitable. So if you are a freelancer or you are starting your own ministry, keep in mind that the money might not come in as quickly as you hoped.

8. Recognize a Difficult Truth

For most of us who dedicate ourselves to ministry, we have a preconceived notion about what our ministry will be like. We have goals and we have talents to share. So we construct a scenario in our minds and build expectations around that. A difficult truth for those seeking ministry work is that whatever position or opportunity you get, it will not match what you have in your mind. In most cases you’re coming into an established system that will demand flexibility on your part. This is true for parish employees, diocesan employees, freelancers, and even people who are starting their own ministry.

9. (When Possible) Don’t Turn Down Volunteer Opportunities

Ministry work is supposed to mirror the work of Christ. And Christ sought out those most in need.

And fill that resume! You can be the most talented speaker, musician, writer or retreat leader, but nothing makes you more appealing as a candidate than experience. And the easiest way to get experience is as a volunteer. Volunteer opportunities are out there. Some will be boring, but each time you volunteer you will learn something that will help you in the future.  

Now, this comes with and important exception. Never commit yourself to a volunteer opportunity if you can’t fulfill the commitment. Inability to fulfill commitments will hurt you in any professional field.

10. Stop Competing, Start Cooperating

Of all the challenges facing people who serve in ministry is the attitude of competition. We become jealous when someone else gets the paid gig.  We feel like our talents aren’t recognized, and we begin competing with one another for resources and opportunities. This divisive approach doesn’t help build God’s kingdom.  Instead of competing with one another, we should be focusing on cooperating with God’s will.

Trust God’s Plan

Throughout my years in ministry, I have been passed over for positions many times and hired for both long term employment or one time events many times. Early in my ministry career, I found myself engulfed in self-pity when a position went to someone else. But one of the high-points of my career was when I didn’t get hired as the Campus Minister at an all-male high school. Two weeks later I was offered a job that was a much better fit!  And the person they hired instead was definitely the right person for the job.

Humility and Service

One of the dirty little secrets of the Church is the struggle of competition. Too often, Catholic parishes, schools, and organizations find themselves desperate for resources and members. Which often results in a I’ve personally witnessed a Pastor defend their parish’s “border” with a determination rivaled only by those who defended the need for the Berlin Wall. This pastor went so far as to turn dismiss a young family’s interest in the parish because they lived within the boundaries of another parish as established by the Archdiocese. As people who feel called to work in ministry, we are susceptible to these same temptations. We must work to avoid turning ministry into business, while still acknowledging that running a ministry can sometimes mirror the structure of the modern business.

There are many challenges and considerations when seeking to get hired for a ministry job.  Don’t let these obstacles discourage you. In times of discouragement, we should all turn to Sacred Scripture and the lives of the Saints.  If you haven’t read the Book of Job, make sure to check it out.

References:

Chron.com: Average time to reach Profitability for a Start-Up

USSB: The Bible

Catholic.org: Saints

CareerKey.org: Choose a Career

Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

– Tim Lucchesi is the Director of Chaste Love Ministry. But more importantly, he is a Beloved son of God, a husband to an amazing woman and the father of two children: the most beautiful little girl and a precious baby son. Tim loves cheesecake and sees every superhero movie that he can. After six years in parish and regional youth ministry, Tim felt called to create Chaste Love, because everyone deserves healthy relationships. Follow him on Twitter @tim_lucchesi and Instagram @timlucchesi

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Importantly, discernment is only needed when you’re deciding between two good decisions; after all, you don’t need discernment to decide between a good decision and a sinful decision. (It may be a difficult decision to make – but you know what to do.) So, for instance, if you have a job selling software for a tech company and are considering taking a job at a different tech company, assuming neither company is doing anything immoral, you can use discernment to make that decision.

Good Spirits and Bad Spirits

St. Ignatius said that the thoughts that occur to us while we are making a decision come from good spirits and “bad spirits.” He believed that the good spirits come from God and His angels, and the bad spirits come from “the evil angel.” Both good and bad spirits can cause either spiritual consolation or spiritual desolation, which can bring us closer to or take us further away from God. The key to discernment is to understand where the consolation or desolation is coming from.

For example, if you are generally living a prayerful life that follows Church teachings, and then you experience spiritual desolation, you can bet that desolation does not come from God – after all, He doesn’t want to sway you from the good life you are living. On the other hand, if you are living a life that’s apart from God, and you experience spiritual desolation, that’s definitely coming from God.

How to Use Ignatian Discernment

The first key to using Ignatian discernment is practice. Like any skill, you can’t just start using it and expect it to work overnight. So, start practicing Ignatian discernment before you have to make any big career decisions. Use it for the small, even silly decisions. Should you take a vacation this year? Or ask your boss for a raise? Maybe work remotely next week? Which task should you prioritize today?

There are a few Ignatian practices to help you build this discernment muscle. One is the Examen, a daily, five-step meditation that includes gratitude, prayer, reflection and planning for the next day. Another is the “colloquy,” which is a type of prayer that involves intimate conversation with God (or Mary, or a saint). As with anything in the Catholic life, having a solid prayer life is the foundation of successful discernment.

Once you are ready to make a big decision – let’s say, whether or not to quit your job – it’s important (and difficult!) to try to create some distance between yourself and the consequences of the decision. This distance doesn’t mean you don’t care about those consequences; it just means that you try to leave your natural biases and emotions to the side so you can examine the decision as clearly as possible. With this detachment, writes Loyola Press editor Vinita Hampton Wright, your “decision-making process can become more well-rounded and holistic.”

In other words, if you’re angry at your boss, try to put that anger aside for the moment. If you were not angry, what would be the reasons you’d want to quit your job? Do you have to take a new step to move further toward your career goals? Or maybe you need to freelance to have more flexibility at home? Perhaps you need more money to support yourself or a family? These questions are easier to answer without the anger that could cause you to make a rash decision.

6 Tips for Ignatian Discernment in Career Decisions

That’s easier said than done, of course. Here are a few tips to make it easier:

• Take time. Unless you have a hard deadline on your decision, don’t make it in haste. It might feel good in the moment to rush into your boss’ office and quit, but you will probably regret it later. Time time to pray, discern and talk over the decision with people you trust.
• Be alone. Talking with others is good. Talking with God is better. Whether it’s alone in your bedroom or at adoration, silence is often necessary to hear those good spirits.
• Be honest – with yourself and with God. What do you actually want from your career, and what are you afraid might happen if you do or don’t make a certain choice? Sometimes, verbalizing our goals and our fears in prayer or conversation is the only way we can identify them for ourselves.
• Tell God, “Thy will be done” – and then ask for the strength to accept it.
• Commit. Once you make the decision, don’t waver, and don’t go back (unless something comes up that confirms that you actually made a bad decision).
• Evaluate. “Discernment is ongoing,” writes author Joe Paprocki, D.Min. Evaluating the results of your decision will not only help you continue on or alter your course but also strengthen your discernment muscle.

The Suscipe

Asking for God’s will to be done is hard. It takes faith that His will is, in fact, best.  It means silencing that voice in the back (or maybe the front) of your mind that says, “But what if His will is something I don’t want?”

St. Ignatius had a prayer for that: the Suscipe. It might be difficult at first, but after practice, it can bring comfort. After all, if God’s in charge … do we need to worry?

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

Taryn Oesch is the owner of Everyday Roses Editorial, LLC, where she writes and speaks for Catholic women. Her role models are all named Teresa, and she keeps discovering new ways they influence her work and her life. An active member of the Raleigh Catholic Young Adults community, Taryn is also a contributing writer to FemCatholic and managing editor of Catholic Women in Business.

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Upon reflection, however, I’ve realized that many of my skills have actually developed from secular or seemingly unrelated experiences that I’ve been able to repurpose for ministry use.

If you have the opportunity to participate in professional development specifically for Catholics in your field, I highly recommend it! However, potential Catholic employers are also often interested to see the skills and professional development you bring from your previous experiences, even in secular fields, and how that outside perspective could benefit their ministry.  These will be hugely helpful when it comes time to write your resume.

Professional development opportunities also give you tangible experiences to discuss at a job interview. Many common interview questions invite an applicant to illustrate ways that they have used particular skills or reacted in past situations, and professional development not only proves dedication to your work, but also provides these concrete examples you can use in an interview.

So what professional development opportunities should Catholic professionals be on the lookout for? Here are some unique ways to gain Catholic professional development.

1. Brush up on your marketing skills

It’s no secret that communication skills are one of the top factors that recruiters consider when screening candidates for a position – in fact, it’s one of Forbes’ seven most universal job skills.

One of the reasons communication is so valuable is because it is the root of marketing, the work that convinces someone to take an action on a product or service. Employees who can communicate well help forward this mission, even if they aren’t part of the marketing or communications team.

So why is marketing a helpful skill for Catholic professionals? Just replace that product or service with Jesus, and you’ve got yourself evangelization.

I would argue that every Catholic organization can find its root in evangelization. Thus, as a Catholic professional, marketing skills prove you can use evangelize not only about the prospective ministry, but also about Christ. That alone can set you ahead of the rest of the pack.

Unique marketing professional development opportunities:

• Volunteer to run the social media account for your parish or a favorite company.
• Subscribe to newsletters or podcasts about email marketing that will help you keep up on the latest spam laws.
• Try to convince a friend to take action about a product or service, even if you receive no financial gain from it.

2. Plan an event for Catholic Professional Development

I have yet to be part of a Catholic ministry that has not required some level of event planning prowess.

Luckily, it is a widely versatile skill that is easy to learn and put into practice. That’s probably why it was one of the top 10 skills hiring managers appreciated in new hires in 2018, according to LinkedIn’s 2018 guide for getting hired.

Being able to discuss your past experiences in event planning allows you to practically and succinctly illustrate many of your “soft skills”: time management, organization, teamwork, ability to conceptualize ideas and plan for the long term, and creativity.

Don’t worry if you only have secular event planning skills: you can still use that experience to leverage a Catholic job opportunity. Attention to detail, keeping calm under pressure, and remembering to plug in the microphone are skills relevant across fields.

Unique event planning professional development opportunities:

• Present a parish event idea to your pastor and volunteer to organize it.
• Become a speaker or presenter at an upcoming conference, and keep a record of how you prepared for it.
• Coordinate a networking event in your area to meet fellow Catholic professionals (and potential employers).

3. Build your business acumen

Oftentimes, churches and Catholic organizations will shy away from business practices. It seems to contradict serving others, but that method simply isn’t sustainable.

Whether you have a background in finance, office management, entrepreneurship, or even design, bring those skills up at an interview! Many churches and Catholic organizations are beginning to realize how essential business management skills are to successfully fulfill their mission. Thus, Catholic hiring managers are specifically seeking candidates who can bring those skills, while keeping in mind that personal gain is not the goal.

If business hasn’t been your forte in the past, but you’re looking to grow in this area, there are so many opportunities for you to grow your skills!

Unique business professional development opportunities:

• Shadow a small business owner for a day and see what it is like to be an entrepreneur.
• Check out your local Chamber of Commerce; they may have training for aspiring business professionals.
• Put your business skills to work for practical experience! Volunteer to prepare taxes for the elderly and disadvantaged.  Conduct a business plan for your local crisis pregnancy center, or organize a community fundraiser.

5. Join a professional organization

I cannot emphasize enough how valuable professional groups have been to my development as a Catholic professional.

Joining Catholic professional groups, particularly online Facebook groups, have helped me stay on top of current trends, learn new skills, and constantly challenge me to keep growing in my field.

More importantly, however, it has allowed me to be inspired by so many wonderful people doing great things for Christ.

Being part of a professional organization, either in person or online, tells a Catholic hiring manager that you take your continued education seriously. It also illustrates that you know other experts in your field who you can bounce ideas off of.

Unique professional development groups for Catholics

• Young Catholic Professionals
• Catholics Online
• Legatus
• Catholic Creatives
• Catholic Writers Guild

6. Educate yourself on Catholicism

Working for a Catholic organization does not mean you have to know everything about the Catholic faith. However, understanding the essential theology around Jesus Christ and the Church’s teachings is important to obtain a position in religious ministries.

You don’t have to have a master’s degree in Theology to be qualified for every Catholic job, however. Thankfully, there are so many free, popular theological courses and offerings for laity.

Plus, mentioning these Catholic organizations during an interview is like a secret code that you actually know your stuff. Being able to discuss your favorite Scott Hahn book or Fr. Mike Schmitz video will prove to the interviewer that you are serious about this position and upholding the culture of the organization.

Unique theological (and free!) development resources:

• Alpha or Discovering Christ series
• Ascension Presents
• Formed.org
• Word on Fire

7. Don’t neglect your faith

Soon after I started my career in Church work, I noticed myself begin to burn out. My faith was now associated with work. Mass attendance became just an extension of the work week, and prayer was like taking work home.

That’s when I realized the importance of feeding myself spiritually before I spent my day trying to do the same for others.

A job candidate who places a large emphasis on prayer understands the importance of continually developing his or her faith life and is less likely to burn out.

Even attending a retreat could be considered Catholic professional development for your soul!

So when a person demonstrates they take time to feed themselves spiritually, it indicates to a hiring manager that he or she is dedicated to faith and takes steps to prevent burn-out.

Unique soulful professional development opportunities:

• Attend a silent retreat or a Catholic conference aimed at professionals.
• Sign up for a weekly slot at your Adoration chapel. Bring some of your faith-based work to allow Christ to be a part of it.
• Write a prayer to say before you begin work each day.

8. Catholic-specific professional development opportunities

Want to really wow your Catholic employer? While Catholic-specific professional development opportunities can be rare, participating in one shows you are really dedicated to your new position and already have the training that comes along with it!

Unique Catholic professional development opportunities:

• Rebuilt book/conferences or Divine Renovation podcast
• Amazing Parish conference
• International Catholic Stewardship Conference
• Young Catholic Professionals Conference
• Legatus Summit

If you’re hoping to enter the Catholic job market soon, don’t stress if you’re lacking Catholic professional development opportunities to include on your resume. There are plenty of unique ways to show off or develop your skills to help grow the Church.  What’s important is having experience and proven passion!

About the Author:

Emily Ricci is the president of Gloriam Marketing, and works as a marketing content and social media specialist at a Catholic college and previously worked at a church for over 7 years. Her past church titles and responsibilities have included working as a Parish Office secretary, sacristan, Weekend Coordinator (ministry supervisor and event coordinator), youth minister, bulletin writer, coordinator of the baptism program, and Faith Formation teacher and assistant. After years in church work, Emily recognized the need for solid Catholic marketing and promotion, but realized that there were no marketing firms in the area that specialized in faith-based marketing.

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