Church Administrative Assistant

DOW-R; La Crescent (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Church of Crucifixion in La Crescent, MN, seeks a Parish Administrative Assistant to serve as the welcoming first point of contact for parishioners and guests. You will provide comprehensive clerical and communications support to parish leadership, maintain records, manage communications, and help with office operations.

The role requires strong organization, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a faith-filled environment.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering front-desk or office support in a parish or nonprofit setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with people skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Welcome parishioners, visitors, and guests in a professional and hospitable manner.
• Answer and direct telephone calls, emails, and inquiries.
• Maintain accurate parish records and manage sacramental data.
• Coordinate weekly parish bulletin and other publications.
• Support donation processing and receipts with ParishSoft software.
• Assist with Mass intentions and liturgical scheduling.
• Assist with parish events and volunteer coordination.
• Attend staff meetings and prepare notes or reports.

Skills

Customer service

Organization

Communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Associates or Bachelors preferred

Tools

ParishSoft software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Do you have a passion for serving others and supporting the mission of the Catholic Church? Church of Crucifixion in La Crescent are seeking a Parish Administrative Assistant who will help create a welcoming and faith-filled environment for parishioners, visitors, and staff. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, managing a variety of responsibilities, and using their administrative gifts to support a vibrant parish community rooted in faith, service, and discipleship.

Position Summary

The Parish Administrative Assistant serves as the welcoming first point of contact for parishioners, visitors, and community members while providing comprehensive administrative, clerical, and communication support to parish leadership and staff. This position plays an essential role in supporting the mission of the parish through excellent customer service, accurate recordkeeping, effective communications, and office management.

Essential Responsibilities

Reception and Administrative Support

• Welcome parishioners, visitors, and guests in a professional and hospitable manner.
• Answer and direct telephone calls, emails, and general inquiries.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail and parish voicemail systems.
• Provide hospital patient lists to pastoral staff as needed.
• Offer clerical and administrative support to parish and ministry staff.
• Participate in diocesan workshops, meetings, and committee activities as assigned.

Sacramental Records and Liturgical Support

• Maintain accurate sacramental records in coordination with the Faith Formation Director.
• Prepare sacramental certificates and process transfer notifications in accordance with diocesan policies.
• Record baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funerals in permanent parish record books.
• Assist with scheduling Mass intentions and maintaining Mass intention books and cards.

Parish Communications and Publications

• Coordinate the production and publication of the weekly parish bulletin, including editing content and managing layout.
• Assist in developing newsletters, flyers, and other parish communication materials.
• Maintain and update parish communication channels, including the parish website, social media platforms, and Flocknote communications.

Database Management and Financial Administration

• Maintain accurate parishioner records, including contact information, registrations, sacramental data, and contribution records.
• Assist with donation processing, contribution entry, and issuance of receipts utilizing ParishSoft software.
• Support bookkeeping functions, including invoice processing, office supply purchasing, expense tracking, and contribution statement preparation.

Office Management

• Order and maintain inventory of office and liturgical supplies.
• Coordinate vendor relationships and purchasing activities with parish leadership.
• Assist with maintaining parish office systems, equipment, and general operations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with parish events, volunteer coordination, mailings, and special projects.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and other documents for pastoral staff.
• Attend staff meetings and prepare meeting notes or reports as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support parish operations and ministry.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, parish councils, and community members.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Positive attitude, self-motivation, and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising good judgment.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office applications, and office technology.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to work independently.
• Understanding of and commitment to the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of administrative, office, clerical, or parish office experience preferred.
• Experience with parish management software, bookkeeping functions, communications, or bulletin publishing is desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to utilize standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing 10 pounds or more.

Why Join Our Parish?

Working in a parish setting provides a unique opportunity to combine professional skills with ministry and service. This position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the life of the parish community while supporting the Church's mission of faith formation, worship, and outreach.