COORDINATOR OF HUMAN LIFE AND DIGNITY – CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PEORIA

ABOUT THE OPENING:

We are hiring a Coordinator of Human Life and Dignity to assist the bishop, pastors and parishes of the Diocese of Peoria with ministries committed to protecting the dignity of every person from conception through natural death. In this capacity, the position provides service, support, and resources for public education, prayer, pastoral care, and public policy. Programs may include Living Scripture Retreat (formerly known as Project Rachel; post-abortion healing), Walking with Moms in Need, Pro-Life activities and events, Care for Creation and other urgent, developing issues such as assisted suicide, gun violence and the death penalty. We are looking for a person of faith who is both a pastoral minister that possesses a vision of how a local Church can develop its potential and a professional who holds specialized credentials in this particular ministry. This position will collaborate closely with our Catholic health care ministry leaders at OSF as a jointly sponsored ministry.

ABOUT THE DIOCESE:

We started in 1833; with Fr. John Mary Cyr visiting Peoria, noting “Peoria is already and will be more so, one of the most important points on the Illinois River for Catholicity, if nothing will be neglected on our part. It is therefore high time to take the matter into consideration; it is now time to plant.”

We have since grown to what we are today, a diocese of over 130,000 Catholics spread throughout 26 counties, 156 parishes and over 40 schools. We serve the mission of Jesus and the Church through the many offices and ministries that strive to provide a path to missionary discipleship in the model of Christ Himself. The mission of our diocese is the foundation for how we run it. We believe that your job should support your vocation, your gifts and your charisms.

Our bishop, the Most Reverend Louis Tylka, envisions the future of our Diocese as one of further planting: seeds of hope for the Catholics who remain active in the Church; seeds of faith in those who’ve left the Church; and seeds of welcome for those who are seeking God and renewal.

Over the past several months, we have been working through the Diocese of Peoria’s pastoral plan, Growing Disciples. You can learn more about this effort here (https://cdop.org/pastoral-plan/).  This role will be an integral part of growing in the diocese.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Guide the implementation of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities by assisting in the development of programs and strategies in the areas of education, prayer, pastoral care, and public policy while working collaboratively and effectively with Catholic health care ministry leaders.
2. Advance the bishop’s vision, agenda and strategy for Human Life and Dignity by promoting a consistent ethic of life through the execution of a plan which elevates focus upon and advocacy for human life and dignity at the parish, school and in health care ministry.
3. Serve as diocesan representative in activities and for organizations ensuring they are consistent with the doctrine and values of the Catholic Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the areas of Human Life and Dignity.
4. Serve as a resource and advisor to pastors, parish life coordinators, administrators, principals, directors, and other leaders in advancing awareness of Catholic doctrine on the sanctity of human life.
5. Resource and grow already existing ministries, working in close, intentional and effective collaboration across Diocesan and health care domains.
6. Help develop an active Care for Creation Commission with key leaders in the diocese
7. Develop and coordinate diocesan Healing Ministry including but not limited to Healing Masses, SAM (substance abuse ministry) Masses and supporting and training mental health professionals who facilitate groups in our parishes called Project Hope, with support of behavioral health professional and others.
8. Collaborate with the Illinois Catholic Conference as required and directed in developing and implementing educational and advocacy programs related to public policy and Church doctrine, with special emphasis on early life, family life support, Natural Family Planning and end of life areas of opportunity and concern.
9. Collaborate with the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in advancing national Pro-Life agendas with effective intersections across parishes, diocese, schools and health care.
10. Maintain active, working relationship with OSF as a jointly sponsored ministry so that resources can be shared to further the ministry of human life and dignity in our diocese. Serve as key “point person” for Respect Life, Life and Human Dignity initiatives, projects and communications.

IV. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ANTI ABILITIES

1. A professed and practicing Roman Catholic who can clearly and accurately articulate the teachings of the Church with respect to the sanctity of human life.
2. A preference for someone with both theological/ pastoral competencies that has competency and skill in working with parishes, schools and health care organizations.
3. Demonstrated oral and written communications ability, including listening skills.
4. Demonstrated public relations and interpersonal skills.
5. Ability to work well independently as well as with others, with emotional intelligence and conflict management skills.
6. Strong organizational and management skills, with willingness to commit to regular collaborative meetings to intersect initiatives.
7. Ability to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers.
8. A high level of initiative, judgment, and discretion.
9. Ability to use social media and other digital forms of communications.
10. Ability to work effectively with people from diverse and cultural backgrounds.

The Diocese of Peoria offers a flexible and supportive work environment for all employees. In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Health, dental and life insurance, flexible spending program for dependent care and medical expenses, employer paid pension, 403(b) tax deferred retirement plan, vacation, personal and sick time.

Please send cover letter, resume and writing sample to humanresources@cdop.org.

Music Coordinator for Blessed Sacrament Church, Morton, IL (as of March 4, 2024)

Qualifications

• Ability to select appropriate music for each liturgy and liturgical season, drawing from traditional and contemporary styles, choosing songs the congregation can readily sing
• Proficiency in reading music; proficiency in piano/organ and/or guitar preferred
• Practicing the Catholic faith as a member of our parish, or other Roman Catholic parish, creating opportunities for prayer, faith formation and evangelization when appropriate
• Demonstrate an approachable style, building rapport with the Blessed Sacrament Church Community, helping to foster a culture where parishioners are encouraged and motivated to sing
• VIRTUS training and background check

Responsibilities

• The Coordinator will responsibly and effectively plan, coordinate, and lead parish liturgical music with a vision for providing high quality music that encourages the full participation and engagement of our worshipers
• Plan and lead, or oversee, liturgical music for Saturday 4:30pm, Sunday 8:00am, 9:30am, and 11:30am Masses; also the Friday morning Mass for the Blessed Sacrament School students and faculty as needed or necessary in conjunction with the school Music teacher
• Provide music, accompanists and vocalists for weddings, funerals, and other special liturgies in the Church and Chapel, as needed or necessary
• Select music from current hymnals, updating and developing worship aids when needed or necessary
• Prepare and distribute copies of music as needed or necessary, and a Mass plan for musicians and vocalists; coordinate schedules for all participants
• Plan and conduct/accompany adult choir rehearsal, men’s choir, and pre-Mass practice sessions as needed or necessary
• Recruit, develop and direct vocalist and instrumentalist volunteers of all ages, motivating them to grow and continue serving
• Participate and collaborate during weekly staff meetings, as well as periodic meetings with pastor
• Report music usage following copyright and licensing requirements; maintain music equipment and workspace
• Develop self and ministry participants periodically through in-person training workshops, online content, or other resources

St. Thomas the Apostle
904 E Lake Ave
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
https://stthomaspeoria.org/
(309) 688-3446

Pastor: Msgr. Jason Gray

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Peoria Heights is looking for a full or part time bookkeeper with accounting experience.

This position will be responsible for managing receivables and payables, tuition, tracking donations, preparation of monthly financial statements and preparing the annual budget.

If interested, please send a resume to parishoffice@stthomas-church.net or call Terri at the parish office at 309-688-3446.