Peace, Justice and Ecology Facilitator – Mission Enhancement Team, Diocese of Parramatta
Here is a unique opportunity to devote your passion for social justice to the advancement of the common good and the mission of the Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Work within a dynamic, authentic and dynamic team to support diocesan parishes, schools and organizations in the practice of peace, justice and the care of creation. Collaborate with faith-based and civil society organizations to create a “culture of encounter” and advocate for vulnerable and marginalized people in society.
About the Diocese
The Diocese of Parramatta is home to over 330,000 Catholics and is one of Australia’s fastest growing dioceses. The diocese is made up of 46 parishes and 82 Catholic schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, and includes a number of agencies which assist the Bishop in the pastoral care of the community.
The Mission Enhancement Team (MET Parramatta) accompanies and supports all of God’s people in their journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Striving to be a vibrant, authentic and dynamic group, MET Parramatta meets people where they are and responds to their discerned needs in a spirit of collaboration with a range of departmental expertise. Through a focused lens, the team strives to be a reliable and credible witness to God’s love as we create a deeper well of awareness, training and inclusion for the people of Western Sydney and of the Blue Mountains. The team focuses on youth, family, marriage, natural fertility, peace, justice, ecology, pastoral training and worship.
About the role
The Diocese of Parramatta is seeking an additional member for the Peace, Justice and Ecology team with MET Parramatta. The Peace, Justice and Ecology Facilitator (PJE Facilitator) will be responsible for certain social justice priority areas and will work alongside the Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator (PJE Coordinator) on projects, programs and events in this important ministry of the diocese.
Responsibilities
- Support the PJE Coordinator in integrating the social teachings of the Church and the mission and goals of the Diocese of Parramatta in the exercise of the ministry of peace, justice and ecology.
- Lead a number of ministry focus areas which may include support and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, as well as social welfare issues such as homelessness, social housing, slavery modern or domestic violence.
- Collaborate with the PJE Coordinator to provide “ministry of presence” by visiting and supporting parishes, schools, and agencies, as well as offering and responding to requests from schools and parishes for training opportunities, workshops and presentations.
- Co-develop innovative ways to engage youth and young adults in Peace, Justice, and Ecology ministry, including providing opportunities to practice and reflect on faith in action.
- Disseminate information according to the social justice calendar, announce peace, justice and environmental programs and events, and respond to social issues of the day through research and writing in collaboration with the PJE coordinator and the team of Chancery communications (including, but not limited to, directing the content of the PJE website and sending the newsletter).
- Facilitate special projects and events that help promote and deepen awareness of issues of peace, justice and ecology.
- Support and assist the YCP Coordinator to initiate, coordinate and implement Caritas Australia’s annual Project Compassion campaign and the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference annual social justice statement in the Diocese of Parramatta.
- Network and collaborate with like-minded agencies to achieve common goals.
- Participate as a member of related committees and steering groups.
- Maintain PJE databases, internal files and folders, and minutes of all meetings.
- Perform other duties directed by the YEP Coordinator, including administrative support.
- Maintain continuing faith, Catholic social teaching, and training and professional development in community organizing with the supervision of the leader and
- Collaborate with other departments in MET Parramatta to promote capacity building, teamwork, unity and facilitation and dynamic programs where necessary.
About you
To be the successful candidate, you must have:
- A tertiary qualification in a related field (at least at undergraduate level), for example, social work, social or political science, social justice, social ethics and Catholic social teaching, social welfare, community development, education.
- Practical experience in a related field, eg. .
- Good knowledge and understanding of Catholic social teaching.
- Good working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of applications and
- A driving license.
You must be able to demonstrate:
- Your passion for social justice and your faith in action.
- A commitment to the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Cultural competence.
- Independent work ethic, ability to take initiative and work with limited supervision.
- An ability to work constructively in a team environment.
- An ability to network and collaborate effectively with like-minded agencies and individuals.
- An ability to empower and empower others, and provide them with training opportunities.
- Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Skills in project management and strategic planning.
- Ability to plan and lead events.
- Creativity in planning and sharing your ideas with others.
- Good time management skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
- A professional manner and presentation.
- An ability to operate with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends, as needed and
- A desire to deepen one’s own formation.
Join our team!
Applications for the position should include:
- A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role and outlining how your skills, experience and abilities align with the criteria for this role and
- A resume.
If you would like more information, a copy of the full job description, or to have a confidential conversation, please email Ms. Deeanne Martin at parracatholicjobs@parracatholic.org. Closing of applications on Monday March 7, 2022 at 10 p.m.
The successful candidate must respect and uphold the ethos and teachings of the Catholic Church and the values of the employer.
The successful candidate will also be subject to a child labor check and a national criminal background check.
Only candidates with the right to live and work in Australia should apply for this position.