Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy

Job Title: Pastoral Assistant for music and liturgy

Salary: Hourly. Twenty-five hours per week. Schedule is variable depending on liturgical seasons and needs. (Note: Parish Office is closed on Mondays, Easter week, and Christmas break determined by the school schedule.)

Supervisor: Pastor

Employment Classification: non-Exempt. Evening and weekend work will be required, as well as work on liturgical solemnities such as Christmas and Easter.

Supervises: Choirs, organists, pianists, coordinators, liturgical ministers, and substitutes for choirs and directors.

Parish Description:
Located in Denver inner city, Cole neighborhood. Predominately Hispanic community but undergoing transition. Five weekend masses, three in Spanish and two in English. Daily Mass in Spanish. School Mass on Wednesdays.

Purpose of Position:
Annunciation acknowledges liturgy and sacramental life are integral to the expression of our Catholic faith. Therefore, the Pastoral Assistant must be a creative, visionary, and pastoral leader with a prayerful Catholic faith that is always faithful to the Church's teachings. He/She works under the supervision of the Pastor, in collaboration with other staff and relevant lay leaders, to ensure high quality liturgical celebrations that enhance the "full, active, and conscious participation" of the faithful. The assistant will place special emphasis on collaborating with others to produce music of consistently high quality in both selection and performance. The minister may be called to assist in planning or providing music for funeral liturgies, wedding celebrations, and Quinceanera's as needed.

General Responsibilities:
The Pastoral Assistant coordinates all aspects of parish liturgical celebrations, primarily focusing on the Sunday, Holy Day, and Triduum liturgies, but also including confirmation and first eucharist celebrations. Additionally, the assistant collaborates with the music staff of the parish school and other staff members involved in sacramental preparation.

Specific Job Responsibilities (depends greatly on abilities)

1. Develops an annual plan for parish liturgies, coordinating the planning effort with pastor and Administrative Team.

2. In collaboration with parish music ministers, oversees the selection of sacred music for Masses (when needed), using the criteria of musical excellence, liturgical excellence, and pastoral need.

3. Recruits cantors and liturgical ministers for the weekend masses as needed.

4. Prepares Sunday and Holy Day liturgy commentaries in both English and Spanish in consultation with pastor to include themes or special intentions. Includes Mass introductions, intercessions, announcements.

5. Collaborates with the accompanists for all liturgies. Oversees scheduling of music ministers and choirs at all Masses.

6. Recruits and supports liturgical ministers through initial and ongoing training and spiritual formation, and ensures that all liturgical ministers (including music ministers) are compliant with the diocesan Ethics and Integrity in Ministry guidelines

7. Responsible for the scheduling of liturgical ministers for some Masses.

8. Trains "Mass Coordinators and greeters" for the various liturgies.

9. Supervises, collaborates with, and supports the Liturgy Committee and any liturgical subcommittees (e.g., Art & Environment). Collaborates with the parish sacristan for implementation of parish environment and sanctuary needs.

10. Maintains the parish liturgy budget and oversees the music budget.

11. Maintains current knowledge of liturgical and musical norms through on-going study, research, and professional development training.

12. Is responsible for ensuring the maintenance of parish liturgy supplies (including music supplies). Oversees spaces used by music ministers.

13. Maintains good relationship with the Archdiocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy.

14. Collaborates with other relevant parish and school staff.

18. Provides appropriate scheduling information for bulletin and web page. Sends Flocknotes when needed to cover emergencies and/or provide special reminders.

19. Fosters and facilitates unity of the parish, especially at major liturgical celebrations.

General Expectations
JOY | Joyful, loving interactions with all and unconditional positive regard for everyone.

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS | Maintenance of appropriate, compassionate, supportive, and productive relationships with all students, parents, & colleagues to create a joyful work environment.

PROFESSIONALISM | Kind, respectful, appropriate, & timely communication (in person, email, and otherwise) and careful attention to all professional responsibilities (i.e. checking one's office mailbox, professional dress).

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to develop and execute short-term and long-term plans, direct and inspire others, and deal with change. Able to work bilingually: English and Spanish.

2. A knowledge of liturgical practices, especially of the Catholic Church, and an understanding of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, and other relevant documents and sacramental rites.

3. The ability to collaborate and work well with others, prioritize tasks, and manage time efficiently.

4. Strong interpersonal communications skills with the ability to observe, question, listen, give and accept feedback.

5. Keyboard and guitar skills; choir direction skills: not required, but helpful. Connections with other musicians is very helpful.

6.
Application
Interested applicants should send a letter (by mail or email) of interest and a resume with three references to:

Fr. Charles Polifka, OFM Cap.
Annunciation Catholic Church
1408 East 36th Avenue
Denver, CO 80205
E-mail: [email protected]

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal background check and to maintain compliance with the Archdiocese of Denver Ethics and Ministry policies throughout the employment period.