Would you like to work in a beautiful environment that allows you the opportunity to engage with our community?
Sawtell Catholic Parish is located in the beautiful Sawtell village.  The Parish community consists of Sawtell, Toormina, Boambee, Bonville and Crossmaglen.

We are seeking a full-time Pastoral Assistant to support the Parish Priest/Administrator, and parish community by effectively providing pastoral administration support for the Parish. The position is one of trust and requires respect for absolute confidentiality in dealing with all aspects of the business and pastoral functions of Parish.

To support and promote the Parish Vision and Mission: Building a loving Christ-centred community.

Please note that applications close on the 31st August 2025

What We Need from You:

• Graduate or post-graduate qualifications theology, liturgy and religious education and/or with considerable experience in a similar role and responsibilities.
• Knowledge and experience in application of Catholic theology and tradition to the liturgical and sacramental life of the parish.
• Demonstrated personal commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church and to contribute to the mission of the Parish of Mary Help of Christians Sawtell.
• The ability to analyse pastoral needs and to design and implement programs that lead to growth of pastoral care programs within the Parish.
• Highly developed relationship building skills including the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Emotional Intelligence and the ability to recognise and respond appropriately to the emotional needs of others.
• Sensitivity, tact and discretion for the diverse experiences and perspectives of others.
• The ability to work unsupervised.
• Working with Children Check & National Criminal History Check.
• IT literacy, with computer experience in Microsoft Office suite of programs.

Desirable:

• Experience with liturgical roles eg: eucharistic minister, sacristan, leader of liturgy.
• Database skills and maintaining documentary registers.

What We Are Offering:

• Full Time position with flexible work arrangements allowing for out-of-hours & weekend parish life commitments supporting our ministries and events.
• Work-life balance options
• Small and vibrant team located in beautiful Sawtell
• On-going learning and development opportunities

The key responsibilities for this role are outlined in the position description and include:  

Pastoral Support

• Contribute to the development of a pastoral care program that effectively responds to identified care needs in the Parish, review program regularly to ensure it remains aligned and effective.
• Support the Parish Priest/Administrator in the delivery of pastoral care to parishioners.
• Work closely with established Parish groups such as Liturgical Planning Team, Music Ministry, Youth Ministry, Family Groups, PPC, and others to coordinate and support their activities so that they align with the mission of Parish and help build a loving Christ-centred community

Mass/Liturgy/Prayer Ministries:

• Participate in the liturgical life of the parish and encourage others to become involved.
• Liaise for Mass and other events with other groups and people within and outside the parish as needed, including supply priests, school or guests to our Parish.
• Coordinate & support the preparation and celebration of the special events including but not limited to: Lent/Holy week/Easter, Advent/Christmas, World Day of Prayer, MHOC Feast Day, Altar Servers Day Out, First Eucharist Celebration, NATSIC Sunday, All Soul’s Day, Season of Creation, Christmas Bowl Appeal, World Day of Prayer and other special events determined by Parish planning

Sacraments: 

Baptisms

• Recruiting, coordinating, training and supporting Baptism team and manage enquiries.

Sacrament process for children

• Guide & support the Sacrament & Youth Ministry program to build capacity to plan and implement the preparation of children and parents for Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist in collaboration with primary school staff.

RCIA ( The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

• Invite and welcome and encourage people to explore the pathway to becoming a Catholic.

Funerals and Weddings

• Supporting Parish Priest as needed with preparation etc

Media and Communication

• Assist Administration staff with production of weekly Update, Bulletin and PowerPoints.
• Deal with incoming communications in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Contribute to parish magazine and relevant material to school newsletter.
• Assist with promotional material for events as required.

Safeguarding:

• Assist Parish Office Team with the implementation of Diocesan Safeguarding Policies
• Assist Parish Office Team with Parish Safeguarding Compliance

If you are interested in applying for this position please provide a brief covering letter outlining your experience relevant to the role along with a copy of your CV.