Description
About Dolores Mission Church
Dolores Mission Church is a vibrant Roman Catholic parish within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, guided by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Located in the heart of Boyle Heights—the poorest area of the city—the parish is rooted in Ignatian spirituality and is renowned for its prophetic ministry, including outreach to former gang members and a deep commitment to social justice at all levels. By listening to our needs, particularly through the Christian base communities and through grassroots organizing, we partner with outside agencies to allow Christ’s healing and transformation and to raise consciousness about larger issues of justice and peace. The parish is dedicated to forming leaders of faith and justice in the Church and society through dynamic programs such as Religious Education, Youth Ministry, High School Scholars, and an elementary TK-8 school.
Position Summary
The Pastoral Associate is a key member of the parish’s leadership team and shares responsibility with the Pastor and other staff for the spiritual and pastoral life of the community. This person supports a wide range of parish ministries—especially in worship, education, pastoral care, and administration—and collaborates with staff and volunteers to carry out the mission of Dolores Mission Church. The Pastoral Associate also supervises the pastoral team, which includes the Pastoral Assistant, Director of Religious Education, Community Resource Coordinator, Youth Ministry Coordinator, and High School Scholars Coordinator. This is a leadership role requiring initiative, pastoral sensitivity, and a deep commitment to the Catholic faith and Ignatian values. This position reports to the Pastor.
Key Responsibilities
- General Pastoral Ministry
- Collaborate with the Pastor and parish staff in all aspects of parish pastoral life and administration.
- Assist in needs assessment, strategic planning, program development, and budget preparation.
- Be visibly present and actively engaged in parish liturgies, events, and community activities.
- Participate in the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers and lay leaders.
- Provide pastoral presence, support, and counseling to individuals and families in crisis.
- Serve as a resource to parish committees and represent the parish in deanery, diocesan, and ecumenical efforts.
- Promote Catholic social teaching and work to deepen social justice awareness and action.
Ministry of Worship / Spiritual Life
- Along with the Pastoral Assistant, develop and facilitate the Conjunto Pastoral (Parish Pastoral Council) to plan Sunday and seasonal liturgies.
- Collaborate with the Music Director to ensure appropriate liturgical music.
- Coordinate and train liturgical ministers (Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, etc.).
- Assist in preparation and celebration of sacraments, including sacramental catechesis.
- Lead prayer services, communion services, wake services, and ecumenical gatherings as needed.
Ministry of Education / Formation
- Provide spiritual direction and pastoral counseling as appropriate.
- Oversee or support the Christian Initiation process (RCIA) and the formation of team members.
- Organize or assist in parish retreats, small faith communities, and adult faith formation.
- Coordinate family life ministry and young adult programs.
- Work collaboratively with the Religious Education Coordinator, School Principal, and Youth Ministry team to support faith development across all age groups.
- Contribute to the professional development and spiritual formation of parish staff.
Ministry of Pastoral Care
- Act as a liaison with Canonical Services for marriage and annulment processes.
- Coordinate pastoral care for the sick, homebound, hospitalized, and those in nursing care.
- Establish or support grief and support groups for those experiencing loss or separation.
- Network with external agencies and resources to address parishioners’ social and emotional needs.
- Help organize responses to the needs of the poor, marginalized, and those facing systemic injustice.
Ministry of Administration / Management
- Supervise and support the pastoral team, including the Pastoral Assistant, Director of Religious Education, Community Resource Coordinator, Youth Ministry Coordinator, and High School Scholars Coordinator; provide mentoring, evaluation, and coordination across ministries.
- Supervise designated staff and volunteers.
- Maintain and oversee parish records and census data.
- Assist with developing and monitoring the parish budget.
- Contribute to administrative planning and overall parish management.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Practicing Roman Catholic with a strong commitment to the Church and its teachings.
- Master’s degree in theology, pastoral ministry, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in parish ministry or a comparable setting.
- Knowledge of and commitment to Ignatian spirituality and Catholic social teaching.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and bilingual parish setting (Spanish proficiency strongly preferred).
- Requires weekend and evening availability, as needed.
- On-site presence required; work occurs in office, church, and community settings.
Salary & Benefits
- Full-time, exempt position. Annual salary of $74,339 to $80,000, commensurate with educational qualifications and prior experience.
- Competitive Benefits Package
How to Apply
- Please submit a resume, cover letter, and references to bbusse@dolores-mission.org
Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.
Information/Application Contact
Dolores Mission Church (Los Angeles)
170 South Gless Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
acastro@dolores-mission.org