Family Life /Wedding Coordinator

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church; Garland (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas Parish is seeking a dedicated coordinator for marriage and family life ministries. The role focuses on guiding engaged couples through Catholic marriage preparation, coordinating liturgy planning, and managing wedding logistics with clergy and parish teams.

The position also develops family life programs, supports parish families, and collaborates with diocesan offices. Strong pastoral care, organization, and event planning skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church.
• Strong understanding of Vatican and USCCB documents on family life.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple weddings/rehearsals (weekends/evenings) and work independently.
• Experience in parish ministry, education, counseling, or related fields preferred.
• Must complete diocesan safe environment requirements (background check, training).

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary parish contact for engaged couples interested in Catholic marriage.
• Guide couples through the full marriage preparation process.
• Coordinate liturgy planning and wedding logistics with clergy and ministers.
• Develop and lead family life programs and events for the parish.
• Collaborate with parish staff and diocesan offices to provide referrals and support.
• Maintain records and support post‑wedding administrative tasks.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Event planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This role is combined with other ministries, focusing on holistic support for families at all stages of life in alignment with Catholic teachings on marriage and family.

Key Responsibilities/Duties- Marriage/Weddings

• Act as the primary parish contact for engaged couples inquiring about marriage in the church.
• Guide couples through the full marriage preparation process, including:
• Scheduling and facilitating the FOCCUS (or similar) premarital inventory and reviewing results with clergy or sponsor couples.
• Coordinating required programs such as Pre-Cana retreats, sponsor couple sessions, or diocesan workshops.
• Ensuring completion of necessary paperwork (e.g., prenuptial questionnaire, affidavits of freedom to marry, dispensations if needed).
• Collecting and verifying required documents (civil marriage license, baptismal certificates, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with diocesan policies, Canon Law, and parish guidelines for Catholic weddings.
• Assist couples with liturgy planning:
• Help select appropriate Scripture readings, prayers, music, and vows in line with Catholic teaching.
• Coordinate with clergy, musicians, cantors, altar servers, and other liturgical ministers.
• Manage wedding logistics:
• Schedule and lead (or assist with) wedding rehearsals.
• Oversee day-of details, including setup of the church, coordination with vendors (florists, photographers, videographers), and ensuring adherence to parish rules (e.g., decor, photography restrictions, dress code).
• Be present on the wedding day to direct the procession, manage timing, and address any issues to ensure a reverent and smooth celebration.
• Handle post-wedding tasks:
• Ensure the marriage is properly recorded in sacramental registers.
• Assist with notifications (e.g., to churches of baptism) and mailing of civil licenses if needed.
• Provide pastoral support:
• Welcome and accompany couples (including interfaith or returning Catholics) with kindness and hospitality.
• Promote ongoing marriage enrichment resources where applicable.
• Collaborate with the pastor, parish staff, and diocesan offices (e.g., Tribunal for annulments).

Key Responsibilities/Duties- Family Life

• Serve as a resource and advocate for families in the parish, promoting the Church’s vision of family as the domestic church.
• Develop, coordinate, and lead programs and events that strengthen family life, such as:
• Marriage preparation and enrichment (e.g., retreats, workshops, anniversary celebrations).
• Parenting support groups, family catechesis, or intergenerational faith formation.
• Ministries for specific needs: grief support, divorced/separated persons, single parents, widows/widowers, families facing addictions, domestic violence, or end-of-life issues.
• Provide education and resources on Catholic teachings related to family life, including openness to life, natural family planning, and building strong marital bonds.
• Collaborate with parish staff and diocesan offices to offer referrals for counseling, social services, or specialized support.
• Promote awareness and prevention of family challenges (e.g., domestic violence resources, addiction support).
• Assist in welcoming and integrating diverse families into parish life, including young families, seniors, and those from varied cultural backgrounds.
• Maintain records of programs, track participation, and report to the pastor or diocesan family life office as needed.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers for family ministry initiatives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church, with a deep commitment to Catholic teachings on marriage, family, and human dignity.
• Strong understanding of Vatican and USCCB documents on family life (e.g., Amoris Laetitia, Familiaris Consortio). Commitment to the Sacrament of Matrimony and Catholic theology of marriage.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; ability to relate empathetically to families in various situations.
• Ability to manage multiple weddings/rehearsals (often on weekends/evenings) and work independently.
• Experience in parish ministry, education, counseling, or related fields; familiarity with family dynamics and pastoral care preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and diocesan resources.
• Must complete diocesan safe environment requirements (e.g., background check, VIRTUS training) due to potential work with families and vulnerable persons.
• Comfort with public speaking, event planning, and basic administrative skills.