Pastoral Assoc. to Campus Ministry Director

The Pastoral Associate to the Director of Campus Ministry serves as an integral member of the Campus Ministry staff, collaborating with the Director of Campus Ministry to advance the Catholic mission of Ave Maria University through pastoral care, evangelization, spiritual formation, liturgical ministry, and administrative leadership.

Working in close collaboration with the Director, the Pastoral Associate supports the daily pastoral, sacramental, and operational life of Campus Ministry while providing executive-level administrative assistance that enables the Director to fulfill his responsibilities effectively. The position requires a mature commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church, excellent pastoral judgment, strong organizational skills, and a joyful witness to consecrated religious life.

As a Catholic religious sister, the Pastoral Associate bears witness to the Gospel through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, serving as a spiritual mother and mentor to students while fostering an environment that encourages holiness, authentic Christian friendship, missionary discipleship, and vocational discernment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Executive and Administrative Support

The Pastoral Associate serves as the principal administrative assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry by:

• Managing the Director's calendar and scheduling appointments, meetings, and pastoral commitments.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and documents as requested.
• Maintaining organized electronic and physical files.
• Exercising discretion and maintaining strict confidentiality regarding sensitive pastoral and administrative matters.

II. Pastoral Ministry

The Pastoral Associate assists the Director in fostering the spiritual life of the University community by:

• Welcoming students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors to Campus Ministry with Christian hospitality.
• Providing pastoral accompaniment and spiritual encouragement to students, particularly women, while referring students seeking formal spiritual direction or counseling to the appropriate persons.
• Encouraging frequent participation in the Holy Eucharist, Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the sacramental life of the Church.
• Assisting with faith formation initiatives, Bible studies, catechetical programs, discipleship groups, and other opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Supporting students discerning priesthood, religious life, marriage, or generous lay vocation.
• Collaborate with the Director of Mission Outreach to organize and facilitate retreats, recollections, vocation events, and spiritual formation opportunities.
• Maintaining an active and visible presence throughout campus as a joyful witness of consecrated life.

III. Collaboration and Ministry Leadership

The Pastoral Associate works as a collaborative member of the Campus Ministry leadership team by:

• Working closely with the Director of Campus Ministry in planning, implementing, and evaluating Campus Ministry initiatives.
• Collaborating with the Director of Mission Outreach to integrate evangelization, missionary service, and outreach opportunities into the life of the University.
• Partnering with the Campus Ministry Coordinator to organize retreats, liturgical celebrations, formation programs, service opportunities, and community-building events.
• Participating in Campus Ministry staff meetings and planning sessions.
• Collaborating with faculty, staff, student organizations, chaplains, and University departments to promote the Catholic mission of Ave Maria University.

IV. Liturgical Ministry and Sacristy Responsibilities

The Pastoral Associate supports the liturgical life of the University by:

• Assisting to prepare the chapel and sacristy for daily Masses, Sunday liturgies, Holy Days of Obligation, Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, and other liturgical celebrations.
• Ensuring sacred vessels, vestments, altar linens, candles, liturgical books, and sanctuary furnishings are properly prepared and maintained.
• Coordinating altar servers, lectors, sacristans, and other liturgical volunteers.
• Assisting with seasonal liturgical decorations in accordance with the liturgical calendar.
• Promoting reverence and fidelity to the liturgical norms of the Roman Catholic Church.

Ave Maria University does not discriminate in employment opportunities, practices, or the terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.