JOB DESCRIPTION: Lay Pastoral Associate

Light of Christ Ecumenical Catholic Community

Longmont, Colorado

The Lay Pastoral Associate (LPA) is a lay spiritual leader of the Light of Christ Ecumenical Catholic Community (LOC), collaborating with the pastoral leadership of the Ministry Council and the Pastor. The LPA shares responsibility for supporting the spiritual life of the faith community, especially its pastoral care. The LPA is accountable to the Ministry Council and the Pastor.

This is a part-time (20 hours/week) salaried position.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

It shall be the responsibility of the LPA to:

· Develop and maintain relationships with the members of LOC

· Provide spiritual leadership to LOC members

· Prioritize pastoral care through providing a pastoral presence and availability in the church office, home visits, telephone conversations, hospital visits, attendance at liturgies

· Ensure the healthy development and growth of our faith community according to the doctrine and theology of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion

· Ensure that Church decisions and actions reflect the Mission Statement and teachings stated in Articles II and III of the LOC Bylaws

· Commit to and strive toward the LOC statement of ethics and morality

· Attend Ministry Council Meetings and Staff Meetings; this includes providing a monthly report to the Ministry Council when requested

· Record and follow up on Prayer Requests for the weekly Prayers of the Faithful and Prayer Corner in the bulletin

· Assist with funeral planning and follow up

· As negotiated with the Pastor and the respective group, attend and/or assist with Education, Outreach, and Small Christian Communities ministries

COMPETENCIES:

Effective communication – Listens empathically to others and communicates clearly; fosters open dialog; is sensitive to optimal approaches and timing.

Compassion – Relates with people in stressful and painful circumstances; demonstrates empathy together with healthy boundaries; helps people and groups to consider difficult issues that are in their best interests.

A Theological Basis – Is familiar with our Catholic tradition; relates a person’s experience to our Christian story and theology; is familiar, or becomes familiar, with Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC) distinctives.

Leadership – Models servanthood by inspiring group consensus, sharing new ideas, empowering others to fulfill their baptismal call, and providing constructive feedback to others.

Flexibility – Adapts in order to best serve changing situations, diverse individuals and groups; remains open-minded and may change opinions on the basis of new information.

Collaboration – Displays enthusiasm and promotes a friendly working environment; supports group decisions and solicits opinions from others; is a team player in all situations; works closely with committees as necessary.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / REQUIREMENTS:

Education: A bachelor’s degree, in a discipline related to pastoral care (e.g. theology, education, psychology, social service) and relevant training (e.g. spirituality, biblical studies, pastoral theology)

Experience: Two years of service or experience, preferably in a ministerial or church setting

The LPA is to be a lay Catholic. A background check is required prior to employment. Upon employment, the LPA will register as a member of the Light of Christ community.

Salary Range: From $13,000 to $16,000 annually

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

Please submit a resume to the Church Office at 1000 W 15th Ave, Longmont, CO 80501 or churchoffice@lightofchristecc.org. Please contact the Church Office for further information.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS is September 5, 2008.