The position of Parish Life Director is central to the model of leadership that Holy Family is adopting in our Parish Leadership Plan. Therefore, it is important that all of us understand the role this person will play; the qualifications and experience required to perform the duties; and how he or she will collaborate with our parish priests. For comprehensive position descriptions for the Parish Life Director, the Senior Priest/Priest Minister please refer to “ A Vision for Parish Leadership.” Copies are also available at the Pastoral Center.

To paraphrase Holy Family’s Parish Leadership Plan, “the Parish Life Director is a vocational minister who is appointed by the Cardinal Archbishop to lead the parish. The Parish Life Director is responsible for the overall, day-to-day pastoral care and administration of the parish.”

It is helpful to consider this statement carefully:

• The Parish Life Director is a vocational minister – This layperson has made a strong commitment to serving the Church. His or her educational background and work experience reflect this commitment.
• . . . appointed by the Cardinal Archbishop to lead the parish – Our collaboration with the Archdiocese extends beyond the planning and transition phase. Once appointed, the Parish Life Director is directly accountable to the Cardinal Archbishop or his delegate.
• . . . responsible for the overall, day-to-day pastoral care and administration of the parish – This layperson holds the top position on the parish organization chart. His or her responsibilities are both managerial and ministerial. The Parish Life Director is supported by administrative staff, and works closely with the parish priests to ensure that the liturgical and sacramental needs of all parishioners are met.
  
  At Holy Family, the Parish Life Director will collaborate with the Senior Priest/Priest Minister to perform the duties listed below.
  

  1. General Pastoral Ministry – Invites the parish community to articulate its vision; Ensures that clear goals and effective programs are established and managed; Oversees ongoing evaluation of parish life, programs, and staff functioning; Selects staff members capable of performing needed ministries; Fosters collaboration with the parish priests, parish staff, Pastoral Council, Finance Council, School Board, commissions and all parish ministry groups. 2. Ministry of Worship – Collaborates with the Director of Worship and the Senior Priest/Priest Minister to ensure that the liturgical and sacramental needs of the people are met. 3. Ministry of Education/ Formation – Provides for religious education for adults, families, children, youth, and other groups with special needs; Promotes a parish ministry of evangelization and outreach; Supervises and supports the school principal and staff.

  4. Ministry of Community Life – Provides significant personal presence at parish events and Masses; Maintains the tradition of a welcoming church; Builds a sense of parish unity and mutual ministry. 5. Ministry of Outreach – Oversees and supports outreach programs; Develops responses and programs relating to social concern matters; Maintains relationships with outreach projects in local, national and international areas. 6. Ministry of Administration and Management – Manages parish personnel; Raises funds and maintains relationships with major donors; Supervises offertory giving and donation programs; Administers the material assets of the parish; Prepares parish budget in consultation with the Finance Council; Oversees all parish communications programs; Ensures compliance with Archdiocesan financial management, human resources and parish administration policies and requirements.

As the appointed leader of the parish, accountable to the Cardinal Archbishop and working closely with parish priests, parish staff and lay ministers, the Parish Life Director empowers the people of the faith community to carry out the mission of the church.

Qualifications of Parish Life Director
In order to fulfill the role of Parish Life Director, the appointee must possess the following qualifications and experience.

• Personal Qualifications – Person of faith (baptized, confirmed and in good standing in the Roman Catholic Church); General good health.
• Professional Qualifications – Master’s degree in theology or equivalent; Strong leadership and organizational skills; Minimum of five years of supervisory and administrative experience; Minimum of five years experience as a Parish Pastoral Associate, or in a comparable position in pastoral ministry.