Are you passionate about strengthening communities and fostering meaningful engagement within the Church and beyond?

About Us

The Diocese of Parramatta is home to over 1.3 million people, including 330,000 Catholics. It is one of the most diverse and fastest-growing dioceses in Australia. Encompassing 46 parishes and 82 Catholic schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the Diocese also includes several agencies that support the Bishop in providing pastoral care to the community. We are deeply committed to the Gospel, especially through our focus on Social Justice, Mission, and Service.

In 2024, the Diocese launched its Pastoral Plan, “Behold, I am with you always”, in response to the Vatican’s Synod on Synodality: Communion, Participation, and Mission. This plan represents the culmination of our local synodal journey and marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to walk together in faith, transformation, and hope—guided by Pope Francis’ vision for a more synodal Church.

About the Team

Under the synodal leadership of Bishop Vincent, our team is tasked with supporting and encouraging parishioners, parishes, and diocesan agencies on this synodal journey. We are responsible for implementing the objectives, priorities, and commitments of the Pastoral Plan throughout our community.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Senior Facilitator – Parish Engagement Lead to join our team full-time.

In this pivotal role, you will build and strengthen relationships between parishes and the wider Church community, ensuring the successful implementation of the Diocese’s Pastoral Plan. This is a unique opportunity to lead transformational initiatives that support vibrant parish life and promote mission-driven engagement.

You will play a key role in bringing our communities together and advancing the Bishop’s vision of a synodal Church, especially at the parish level. 

Key Responsibilities

As the Senior Facilitator – Parish Engagement Lead, you will:

·     Lead initiatives that deepen parish engagement and collaboration

·     Support parishes through strategic planning, accompaniment, and formation

·     Organize training sessions, events, and build supportive networks

·     Help integrate mission-focused practices into parish life

·     Work closely with a collaborative team committed to the Diocese’s pastoral vision

About You

We are looking for someone who:

·     Has significant experience in pastoral leadership, facilitation, or community engagement

·     Is a confident communicator and strategic thinker

·     Is passionate about faith, mission, and parish development

·       Has a deep understanding of Catholic parish life and structure

Key Accountabilities:

1. Strategic Planning and Execution:

·    Planning and evaluation of strategies and deployment plans to achieve programme objectives

·    Implementation and oversight of strategies and deployment objectives

2. Research & Creative Thought:

·    Conduct literature reviews and data analysis and develop meaningful thought models

·    Prepare reports, models, learning programs and presentations

3. Mentor, Coach and Guide:

·     Mentor, coach and/or guide participants through the programme(s).

·     Help participants understand and achieve desired outcomes.

4. Lead and Encourage Stakeholder Engagement

·     Identify and encourage the engagement of all relevant stakeholders.

·     Establish and cultivate strong relationships with senior leaders throughout the diocese.

5. Programme, Project and Task Management:

·    Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of activities.

·     Make assignment, status and progress visible.

·     Ensure tasks are completed on time and within scope.

6. Conflict Resolution:

·       Address and resolve conflicts that arise during the programme.

·       Facilitate open communication and problem-solving.

7. Synodal Leadership 

·       Foster a culture of synodality through formation and training.

·       To honor and enhance efforts towards achieving a Synodal Church in the Diocese of Parramatta.

·       To uphold the Diocesan commitment to the ‘non-negotiables’.

Learn more about us @ Diocese of Parramatta (parracatholic.org).

What we Value:

We pride ourselves on living the values of Collaborate, Respect, Celebrate and Strive. Check out our values video below!

If this sounds like your kind of role and you believe you meet the above Essential Requirements, then we would love to hear from you!

Benefits of working with us:

·       A competitive salary and Salary Packaging options (which can increase your take-home pay);

·       Flexible hours.

·       Additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year;

·       An authentic, diverse and friendly culture;

·       Numerous opportunities for professional development.

Apply Now:

Applications for the position should include:

·       A covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position, why you’re a good fit, and how you meet the Essential Requirements.

·       Curriculum Vitae.

For a confidential chat, please email your details to [email protected], and a member from our friendly team will call you.

Applications close 13 June 2025

The Diocese of Parramatta is a child safe organisation and is committed to providing child safe communities that recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The Diocese of Parramatta is respectful and accepting of individual differences and is committed to embracing diversity and treating all people with dignity. We welcome applicants from all cultures, religions and backgrounds.

In all that we do in the course of our work, the Diocese of Parramatta acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Parramatta sits, the land of the Darug and Gundungurra people.
Values Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lwu8P42bA8