Editor’s Note: The Diocese of Camden is planning to hold a Job Fair from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Catholic Church of Saint Mary, Cherry Hill. Employment opportunities are available in multiple departments across the Diocese’s six counties. In advance of the Job Fair, the Catholic Star Herald is spotlighting men and women who work for the Diocese and how the Church has been a satisfactory career destination for them. Job seekers are welcome to pursue the employment opportunities advertised on the diocesan website at camdendiocese.org/employment.
It’s no secret that it takes a dedicated team of clergy, staff and volunteers to fuel and support a vibrant Church community.
And whether it involves managing finances or tending to custodial and maintenance functions, parish communities – and diocesan offices – offer fulfilling career opportunities to those seeking to live their faith through work, while handling duties critical to keeping a parish up and running.
Laura Montgomery, diocesan finance officer and secretary of administration and finance, sees just how important financial management and bookkeeping professionals are for parish communities.
“No two parishes or schools are alike. They may differ in parishioner population, number of ministries, condition of facilities, and so on,” she says. “However, what remains constant is the integral role that our finance positions play within their parishes, whether they are part-time or full-time, have the title of bookkeeper or business manager.”
These professionals are called upon “to coordinate and conduct the business affairs within a parish or school in an ethical and professional manner,” she says. Daily responsibilities can include everything from management of finances to contractual arrangements, as well as payroll and other human resources functions.
She sees that variety as one of the elements that makes these jobs appealing, and has witnessed parish staff grow in their roles.
“I’ve seen employees who initially accepted part-time roles in an effort to tend to their young families move into full-time roles as they find they have more time to dedicate to their career,” she says.
Patti Houwen serves as the business administrator for Incarnation Parish, Mantua – and her responsibilities go far beyond finances. In addition to accounting, she also compiles the weekly bulletin, manages on-screen announcements in the church gathering space, plans parish events and handles the parish website and calendar. She also works on grants for security enhancements to their facility, and assists various ministries.
“Days are seldom boring,” she says. “Sometimes it’s a little crazy, but it’s never routine.”
She enjoys working with people, and also appreciates the flexibility of her position. “I have worked for a number of pastors, and if I needed to leave early for a child’s sports activity or if someone was sick, they were, and are, always accommodating. For a working mother, this was a great benefit. Even now, if I have a family member in need during the day, I am able to tend to them.”
Houwen has also been able to grow professionally through her role, earning a master’s degree in church management from Pennsylvania’s Villanova University with support from the parish and Diocese. She has also attended numerous conferences, and meets with her counterparts at other parishes to share best practices.
“I am blessed to have a position that allows me to share my faith in meaningful ways,” she says.
Another key facet of parish operations involves the maintenance of buildings, grounds and equipment.
“The parish maintenance role is important for the upkeep of the physical buildings and equipment,” says Daniel Bochanski, director of buildings and project management for the Diocese of Camden. “Without someone to keep an eye on equipment, problems aren’t seen until something fails.”
Tom Hauber is a member of the parish finance committee for facilities at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Collingswood, and is responsible for 10 buildings across two campuses. “We are ensuring that all buildings are prepared for scheduled devotions, presentations, meetings and gatherings in support of our faith community.”
“A faith community, in order to survive during these times, needs the support of many of its members in various capacities,” he continues. “Any involvement in something where you can use your skills – or something you are interested in – could make a difference to parish survival.”
Hauber credits the parish pastor, Father Yvans Jazon, for his support.
“We are called to be members of our parish community in any way possible [and] to use the talents God has given us and to enhance the parish appearance and functions that ultimately benefit our entire parish community,” he says. “Father Yvans’ direction helps us understand we are ministers. In expressing our faith, we make available our time, talent and treasure to the Lord.”
John Coyle, chief maintenance technician for the Diocese, previously served at the parish level.
Typical maintenance jobs include landscaping and repair jobs involving plumbing, electric, heating and cooling, and doors and windows. There is also responsibility for painting, trash removal, snow removal, working with vendors and ordering supplies – not to mention after-hour emergency calls.
“Maintenance must plan ahead to make repairs around many schedules,” he says.
Coyle has benefitted personally from his many experiences at the parish and diocesan level, and has learned more about the business side of maintenance and repairs. He also has seen similar growth in newer employees.
“I have seen new hires move quickly from training to acquiring more responsibilities before finally working independently,” he says.
In some parishes, this work is supported by volunteers.
“Many have volunteered in their parishes for years and are eager to learn the vast array of skills involved in maintenance work,” he explains, adding that there are opportunities to integrate faith into this work. “I pray through my workday, specifically for the intercession of Saint Joseph. There are also endless opportunities in making sacrifices by offering up difficult, challenging or unexpected tasks.”
Montgomery sees a professional career with the Church as an opportunity to derive greater meaning from one’s job.
“We are an extension of our Bishop, serving and ministering to the Catholic Communities of South Jersey,” she says.
“Perhaps it is that non-monetary benefit of working for the Church that is such a huge differentiator from a job in the secular world.”
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