Ministry Caregiver

The Ministry Caregiver provides safe, loving, Christ-centered care for children while parents attend parish offerings (e.g., Alpha, OCIA, Foundations, Family Formation, and similar events). The ideal candidate can offer simple prayer with children, understands the basics of Catholic teaching, and treats every child—with any age or ability—with dignity and warmth. Cleaning and room reset before/after sessions is a core responsibility. Ministerial Character The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St. Joseph Catholic Church which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ's mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. Positions employed at St. Joseph Catholic Church help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Job Duties:

Child Safety & Supervision:

Welcome families; manage secure check-in/check-out; supervise infants through school-age children per diocesan Safe Environment norms.

Engagement & Prayer:

Lead age-appropriate play, stories, crafts; offer simple, welcoming prayer (e.g., Sign of the Cross, thank-you prayers, intentions).

Environment Care:

Set up toys/materials and safe play zones before sessions; maintain tidy spaces during sessions ; sanitize, clean, and fully reset rooms after sessions (toys, surfaces, trash, supplies, lights/doors, sign-in table).

Communication:

Provide calm, courteous updates to parents and ministry staff; promptly escalate concerns.

Teamwork & Compliance:

Collaborate with fellow caregivers/volunteers; uphold parish/diocesan Safe Environment expectations. Qualifications & Requirements 18+ with high school diploma or GED. Prior childcare/classroom experience preferred; comfortable with multiple ages (including infants). Basic awareness of Catholic teaching ; openness to pray with children in an appropriate, welcoming manner. Dependable availability on Mondays & Tuesdays ; additional hours may be offered based on events/your availability. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Patient, kind, and professional; maintains confidentiality. Able to lift ~30 lbs., bend, sit on the floor, and stand for extended periods.

Required:

Background check and Diocese of Austin EIM compliance prior to start (parish will provide steps). CPR/First Aid current or willing to obtain.

Working Conditions:

All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. The Parish is an at-will employer. All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free. Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly. Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required. Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.