Marriage and Family Life Coordinator (MFLC)

Description

Job Summary:

The Marriage and Family Life Coordinator (MFLC) is responsible for all aspects of the parish support to the vocation of marriage and their families at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (SVDP). This position is the primary support resource for marriages and families, both healthy and struggling. The coordinator will work in collaboration with Chief Operations Officer, under the guidance of the Pastor, to develop programming, ministry support, and other processes in support of this department. This position reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer and operates with a wide latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

This position requires the combination of leadership ability, pastoral ministry, and individual accountability to offer support to the needs of SVDP parish families. This position also requires superior communication, organizational and time management skills. Attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, fluid environment is essential. The MFLC will also coordinate and support all aspects of marital preparation for the parish. 

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (SVDP) which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church. 

Essential Job Duties: 

· As an integral member of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, you must support the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission the mission of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in both your professional and personal life.

· Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

· Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.

· Work collaboratively with the clergy, staff, volunteers, and ministry leaders towards supporting the vocation of marriage at SVDP.

· Establish and oversee a ‘Marriage and Family Committee’ to assist in forwarding marriage and family life goals and ministries within the parish community.

· Provide support to families affected by divorce or the loss of a family member.

· Direct and manage a vocational support program that accompanies and catechizes those in the life cycle of marriage from discernment of the vocation through end of matrimonial life.

· Oversee and manage the marriage preparation program as well as the annulment process.

· Provide ongoing support to marriages at all stages, especially those experiencing some type of difficulty, including assessing the couple’s particular needs, and providing referrals to necessary resources.

· Identify, invite, train, and coordinate volunteer ministers to accompany those called to the vocation of marriage and ensure compliance with the Virtus / EIM policies of the Diocese of Austin

· Formulate and administer an annual budget with the Pastor and Business Administrator.

· Facilitate parish communications and regarding topics related to marriage and family life.

· Coordinate with Director of Evangelization and Catechesis to assess the marital status and family needs of those participating in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

· Coordinate with Diocesan Director of Marriage and Family Life for ongoing support and events.

· Create, coordinate, disseminate, and implement a yearly plan of events to support marriage and family life initiatives and events.

· Create and convey presentations and programing to support Marriage and Family Life events throughout the liturgical year.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed namely:

· Knowledge of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as passed down through Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the doctrine of the church, including but not limited to the New American Bible Revised Addition (NABRE), the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Code of Canon Law, and Papal Encyclicals

· Knowledge of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Diocese of Austin Policies and best practices regarding Marriage and Family Life

· Knowledge of Liturgical Rites and the celebration of sacraments

· Skill in verbal and nonverbal communication

· Ability to provide excellent customer service, work effectively with staff, clergy, and laity, and respond to all communications, inquiries, and requests in a timely manner

· Ability to effectively work with frequent interruptions

· Ability to demonstrate success in competencies such as interpersonal influence, innovative thinking, fiscal accountability, relationship building, and performance leadership

· Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with all segments of the community (parish, priests, religious, laity, Catholic ministries, Catholic schools, civic leaders, and community agencies)

· Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques

· Ability to carry out multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and implement creative solutions

· Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format

· Ability to proficiently communicate in English

· Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality

· Ability to always maintain respect

· Skill in using office equipment (e.g., copiers, telephone system, laminating machine, etc.)

· Intermediate to advanced skills in using computers and related software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office 365 software suite, social media, etc.)

· Must have the ability to learn new software programs as needed

· Must have excellent interpersonal skills

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:

· A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or its equivalent in a foreign country is preferred

· Degree should be related to marriage studies or a comparable area. A master’s degree or licentiate is preferred

Experience:

· Three (3) years or more comparable work experience with Catholic parish to include marriage preparation, marriage support, annulment casework, interfacing with clergy and laity, etc. is strongly desired

Language:

· English (proficiency in conversing, reading, and writing required)

· Spanish (proficiency in conversing, reading, and writing preferred but not required)

Catholic Requirement:

· Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

· Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period

· Valid Texas driver’s license

Working Conditions:

• All employees of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church 
• St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church is an at-will employer which means employment may be terminated by the employee or employer with or without notice at any time
• All buildings and vehicles owned by St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church are tobacco free
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations  
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards, including but not limited to EIM standards of conduct in the workplace and outside the workplace
• May be required to use personal vehicle to drive to other parishes or off-site locations
• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may require overnight lodging
• Will be required to conform personal and professional activities to be consistent with and supportive of the mission, purpose, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church