Pastoral Associate

PARISH NAME

ASCENCION

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Position Title:

Pastoral Associate Opening Date:

March 27, 2026

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled Location of Job:

Ascencion Catholic Church Location Address:

743 SE 76th Ave, Portland, OR 97215

Position:

Full Time, Benefits Eligible.

General Statement of Duties:

Functions as an integral member of the parish staff, sharing in the responsibilities of the needs assessment, decision making, planning and implementation of parish ministries and operations. The Pastoral Associate is more of a generalist than a specialist working at the direction of the pastor in responding to the spiritual, pastoral, educational and administrative needs of the parish. Relates to local, Area Vicariate, and Archdiocesan structures.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

(The Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

• Administers designated parish programs.
• Assists in the preparation of various sacraments and in planning various sacramental celebrations.
• Contributes to the Faith Formation and development of ministers and parishioners.
• Collaborates with other parish ministers in furthering religious education,
• Provides support and guidance to individuals and families in times of crisis.
• Provides spiritual support within the parish for groups and individuals through ministry programs and directing retreats.
• Assists and shares in ministering to people in crisis as well as emergency requests for assistance.
• Assists the Pastor in developing social consciousness among staff and parishioners and responds to the needs of the poor and victimized in the community.
• Works with volunteers in establishing and maintaining parish ministry goals.
• Serves as a resource person for the Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Commissions and Religious Education Programs.
• Coordinates the parish's outreach and evangelization efforts.
• Coordinates the parish's faith sharing programs.
• Works with couples preparing for marriage.
• Assists the Pastor/Parochial Vicar in designing a program for welcoming and integrating people in the parish community.
• Provides or coordinates in-service training for altar servers, choir members, eucharistic ministers, hospitality ministers, lectors, musicians, and sacristans.
• Contributes to the initial formation and on-going development of various ministers and parish groups.
• Directs the overall parish religious education program.
• Acts as a liaison for the archdiocese for couples regarding marriage or annulment procedures.
• Provides general office assistance and technical support.
• Coordinates with Vicariate.
• Coordinates Liturgical Ministries and attends Liturgy Meetings.
• Supervises staff as directed by the Pastor.
• Maintains strict level of confidentiality about church, parish business and parishioners.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Job Scope:

Position encounters frequent new and varied work situations. Incumbent determines own practices and procedures and contributes to the development of new concepts. Position operates independently with minimal supervision. Improper individual actions could result in delays and errors in performance.

Communication/Client Contact:

Contacts are usually made with others both inside and outside the parish. Contacts are usually made at own initiative, or at a supervisor's request and may contain confidential/sensitive matters.

Specific Job Skills:

• Proven ability in organizational and communication skills and an understanding of faith development.
• Must be able to prioritize workload to meet program requirements.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a pastoral team.
• Must be flexible, creative and responsible.

Education and/or

Experience:

• Active member of a Roman Catholic faith community.
• Certification as a Master Catechist.
• Five years' experience in parish work or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully conduct workshops.
• Bachelor's degree in religious education or theology.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, talk, reach, sit, finger, hear, handle and perform repetitive motions of the hands/wrist. Lifts and moves items up to 20 pounds.

Job Condition:

Work is performed in a church or office setting, under continual, tight deadlines. Employee will be required to attend scheduled evening and weekend meetings. This position requires flexible work scheduling to properly administer the program. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of the physical capabilities that must be met by an employee and the working conditions that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Please submit your resume and cover letter to sgrigar@ascensionpdx.org.