Pastoral Care Associate

About the Role

The Pastoral Care Associate, as a member of the Mission Integration Team, promotes and strengthens the Catholic identity of St. Joseph’s Indian School while accompanying and ministering to both students and staff in a culturally respectful and spiritually vibrant environment. This role supports the integration of Catholic faith and Native American culture by fostering a living expression of Gospel values, Dehonian spirituality, and the Circle of Courage framework throughout campus life.

Promotion of Catholic Identity

• Develop an active and faith-filled Christian environment on campus
• Promote Dehonian Values
• Increase the spirit of generosity (Circle of Courage value) among students
• Provide a vibrant liturgy experience
• Support the Religious Education Classroom experience
• Integrate Native American culture and traditions respectfully within prayer and ceremony

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support in the development and implementation of campus-wide pastoral and spiritual programming
• Collaborate in the planning and leadership of liturgies, prayer services, and sacramental celebrations
• Teach and support Religious Education curriculum for students in grades 1–8 and assist with high school faith formation
• Support residential life through evening and weekend ministry presence in student homes
• Accompany students in sacramental preparation
• Integrate Catholic identity and Dehonian spirituality into daily campus life and student programming
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and spiritually grounded environment for students and staff
• Promote a reclaiming environment for students through opportunities that encourage belonging, mastery of skills, independence, and generosity
• Teach religious education in the grade school (Grades 1 to 8) in cooperation with the Religious Education Teacher and implement the educational curriculum, including writing lesson plans
• Act as a member of the Pastoral Team and contribute to the overall Catholic identity on campus
• Work with the Residential Program in the afternoons and evenings, providing prayer and enrichment across 1st to 12th grade homes
• Assist with and prepare students for sacramental reception (e.g., Baptism, Penance, First Communion)
• Provide Religious Education instruction to high school students in conjunction with the Director of Mission Integration and Religious Education Teacher
• Immediately report any type of abuse or neglect, suspected or alleged, as well as serious accidents or illnesses affecting students
• Participate in liturgy planning and assist with Sunday liturgy
• Work on the development, planning, and completion of student service projects
• Promote youth ministry through involvement in various on- and off-campus events
• Assist with state or local reports, surveys, inventories, plans of study, and any required forms
• Pursue professional growth by attending workshops and continuing education courses
• Complete other responsibilities as required by the Director of Mission Integration

Requirements

• Experience working with children
• Active practicing and strong knowledge of the Catholic faith (BFOQ)

Physical Demands

• Uses both hands and wrists repetitively for prolonged periods
• Driving is required
• Some supervision may require standing for prolonged periods

This is a non-exempt, full-time position (40 hours/week) reporting to the Director of Mission Integration.