Parish & Family Minister - Central Essex

Position: Full-time Lay Ecclesial Minister for Parish & Family (LEM – P&F)
Work Location: Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 146 Talbot St. S. Essex, Ontario
Commitment: 20 hours per week. Weekends and evenings required. Possible split shifts and flexible hours, as required. 
Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience and Diocesan policies. This position is eligible for participation in the DOL’s lay staff benefits and pension plans.
Posting Date:  November 19, 2025
 Closing Date:  December 3, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Pastor, or designate, this role is responsible for leading and supporting outreach and evangelization efforts, faith formation, sacramental preparation, and pastoral ministry within our Family of Parishes. The successful candidate will help foster evangelization, discipleship, and support of the liturgical, sacramental and community life of the parishes, working collaboratively with clergy, staff, and volunteers. The LEM – P&F will work as a team player in partnership with the Parish Team.  This position requires a strong missionary heart, a commitment to intentional accompaniment, and a desire to help parishioners grow as mission-oriented disciples of Jesus Christ.  
 
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
Works to develop and support the liturgical life of the Family of Parishes. 

• Collaborates with the Pastoral Team on the coordination, facilitation and participation in the Sacramental Life of the Family of Parishes including Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation both youth and adult, R.C.I.A., R.C.I.A. adapted for children, and Marriage.
• Designs, directs, and implements mission-oriented evangelization and outreach efforts with a profound focus on welcoming and engaging those who are lapsed in their Catholic faith or who have not yet encountered the Catholic Church. This duty requires a strong heart for the lost and a clear vision for reaching and forming disciples within the broader community.
• Engages in pastoral outreach of parishioners which may include visitation of the sick, elderly, and homebound, organizing celebrations for them, ensuring they receive the Eucharist, and ensuring their pastoral needs are met.
• Establishes and participates in various programs and activities which help to strengthen and enhance the spiritual life of the parish such as small faith communities, bible study, bereavement, liturgical ministry coordination, etc.
• Facilitates days of prayer and/or times of retreat.
• Recruits, trains, coordinates and supports volunteer ministries within the parish family in accordance to required Diocesan protocols and policies.
• Ability to support other members of the Parish team during periods of absences or heavy work load, as required.
• Other duties of a similar nature as assigned.

 
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, Bachelor of Arts or master’s degree in Pastoral / Lay Ecclesial Ministry or in Religious Studies (or willingness to obtain).
• Must be an active practicing Catholic who adheres to the Truths as taught by the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church.   
• A current letter of recommendation from the Pastor at the registered Parish is required.
• Good working knowledge of the evangelizing mission of the Church.
• Leadership qualities; organizational skills; teaching skills; strong communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Ability to work both independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to effectively recruit, train, and provide support to volunteers.
• Available for flexible hours of work, including evenings, and weekends.
• Access to reliable transportation to travel throughout the community and diocese, as required.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word and Excel). 
• Fluent in French would be an asset.

 
A minimum of three references will be requested of those candidates selected for an interview.
A Vulnerable Sector police record check as deemed suitable by the Diocese of London will be required of the successful candidate.

Please note: All new staff are required to complete on-line mandatory training available in English or French. Basic computer and reading proficiency to successfully complete this education is required.  
 
Please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining your relevant experiences and skills, and a letter of recommendation from your Pastor to Derek Thachuk, Business Manager at [email protected] by 4:00 pm on December 3, 2025.
 
Please reference the job title in the subject line of your email.

 
We thank all who apply to this position for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
 
The Diocese of London is an equal opportunity employer, and we value the importance of diversity and dignity in the workplace. In keeping with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we are committed to providing suitable accommodation throughout the recruitment process.  If you are contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection processes, please make your needs known at that time.