Associate Director of Marriage Ministry

Reports To: Director of Marriage Ministry
Status: (Full-Time)

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Marriage Ministry supports the mission of St. Joseph Catholic Church by accompanying couples preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony and assisting in the development of programs that strengthen Catholic marriage and family life.

Working collaboratively with the Director of Marriage, this position coordinates marriage preparation, facilitates formation opportunities, and ensures that engaged couples are supported pastorally and administratively throughout the sacramental preparation process. The Associate Director helps foster a culture in which marriages and families are encouraged to grow as the Domestic Church, rooted in faith and active participation in parish life.

Key Responsibilities

Marriage Preparation & Pastoral Accompaniment

Conduct initial Marriage Consultation Meetings with engaged couples.
Guide couples through the parish marriage preparation process, including participation in the Witness to Love program.
Coordinate introductions between engaged couples and clergy (priests or deacons).
Provide pastoral support and appropriate guidance for couples navigating annulment processes when applicable.
Serve as liaison with the Diocesan Tribunal regarding dispensations and canonical documentation.
Ensure all sacramental documentation is completed, collected, and properly maintained.
Coordinate wedding logistics and rehearsals as needed.
Administrative Responsibilities

Maintain accurate records for engaged couples, including participation, documentation, and sacramental records.
Track program registrations, attendance, and related fees.
Coordinate facility scheduling for workshops, meetings, and formation sessions.
Prepare materials and resources for ministry events and workshops.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in theology, pastoral ministry, counseling, or related field preferred.
Experience working in parish ministry, marriage preparation, or pastoral accompaniment preferred.
Familiarity with Catholic teachings on marriage and family life.
Knowledge and Skills

·         Bilingual Spanish/English is must. Both written and spoken.

Strong organizational and administrative skills.
Ability to accompany couples pastorally with compassion and discretion.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners.
Proficiency in basic office and database systems.
Faith Requirements

Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
Understanding of and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding marriage and family life.
Ability to represent the parish mission and values in ministry and professional conduct.

Professional Development

The Associate Director is encouraged to participate in ongoing professional training and training related to marriage and family ministry, including:

Prepare/Enrich Assessment Training
Diocesan Tribunal / Annulment Training
Participation in professional organizations such as the Catholic Family Life Association is encouraged.

Work Environment

This position operates in a parish environment and requires regular interaction with clergy, parish staff, volunteers, and parishioners. Work may include occasional evenings or weekends to accommodate marriage preparation meetings, workshops, or wedding rehearsals.