“Catholic Jobs Near Me”: A Guide to Getting a Catholic Job

IYKYK; searching for “Catholic jobs” can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. 

Most people dream of finding a job that both fulfills their professional ambitions and resonates with their values. Striking that perfect balance can be a challenge, and that’s where we come in to help.  

1. Why Consider a Catholic Job?

Catholic jobs aren’t just careers; they are vocations—callings that allow you to live out your faith in your day-to-day work. 

These roles provide the opportunity to contribute to the Church’s mission in a variety of ways. Just like FOCUS, Catholic jobs can range from working directly with parishioners to contributing behind the scenes.

2. Common Categories of Catholic Jobs 

It’s important to remember that Catholic jobs aren’t just found in churches or charities – they span a variety of fields. 

There are a wide variety of Catholic jobs available that cater to different skill sets and backgrounds. Here are the major categories of Catholic jobs: 

• Parish and Diocese Jobs: Don’t think parishes only have openings for catechists and parish office roles. Parishes can offer a variety of roles, from music directors to shop managers. Diocesan roles are very diverse, from finance roles to managing regional chapters of organizations and communities. 
• Catholic Education: Catholic schools often look for teachers, administrators, and support staff who share the values and vision of Catholic education. 
• Catholic Charities and Nonprofits: Positions in this sector might include social workers, fundraisers, and program coordinators who contribute to the mission of bringing Christ’s love to others. This can be locally or internationally. 
• Catholic Media: There are a good amount of news outlets that deal strictly in Catholic news, as well as other digital media outlets such as apps, content creators/distributors, and more. 
• Healthcare and Chaplaincy: Catholic hospitals and care facilities may offer roles for those who wish to integrate faith with their professional practice, ensuring holistic care for patients.
• Catholic Businesses: From jewelry businesses to book publishers, make sure to not limit your search to charities and nonprofits. 
• Mission and Evangelization: Main roles in organizations dedicated to spreading the Gospel can include missionary work both locally and internationally, mission trips and service programs, adult faith formation, catechesis, and outreach programs. With the rise of digital ministries, there are also opportunities for those with skills in content creation. 

And of course, we have to plug ourselves! FOCUS offers a variety of roles, from campus missionaries to support staff and creative positions. Joining the FOCUS team puts you at the front lines of evangelization, bringing people closer to Christ. Learn more about career opportunities with FOCUS here.

New to FOCUS? By attending our upcoming SEEK conference, you can get a good taste of our charism and meet the FOCUS community from around the world. 

3. Where to Find Catholic Jobs

To find Catholic jobs, start by visiting websites dedicated to job listings in the Catholic community:

• Diocesan Websites: Many dioceses post job listings for parishes, schools, and offices on their official websites.
• Catholic Job Board: These platforms (like CatholicJobs.com) specifically cater to jobs within the Catholic sphere.
• Indeed and LinkedIn: You can also search for Catholic jobs on general job search platforms by using keywords like “Catholic jobs near me” or specifying your desired location and field.

Additionally, you can reach out to your local parish or diocesan office. They may be able to guide you to opportunities in your area that might not be widely advertised online.

Network is key as well. Organizations like the Sent Network and the Leonine Forum specialize in networking and creating professional communities. Make sure to look up if there are any communities or groups specific to your area. 

Sometimes hirers will not post to popular job boards. It’s helpful to make a list of these so you can check out their career pages. A lot of organizations will have a careers page, and virtually all large Catholic organizations and businesses will. 

4. Discerning for a Catholic Job

When applying for a Catholic job, remember that these roles often require more than just technical skills. Employers will look for individuals who are committed to the Church’s teachings and have a genuine interest in being part of a faith-based community. 

It’s also important to remember that not all organizations that label themselves as “Catholic” will align with the official teachings of the church. This makes it absolutely necessary to pray and discern wisely when looking for, applying to, and accepting any job. 

That brings us to the last point – prayer! Pray for the wisdom to find a role that not only utilizes your professional skills but also strengthens your spiritual journey. Reflect on how your work can contribute to the greater good of the faith community. Our blog post about discerning your vocation can be used as guidance for discerning any career choice as well. The same principles that guide your spiritual vocation apply when finding a job. Listen to God’s call, evaluate the mission of the organization, and seek wise counsel from trusted mentors.

Interested in making a direct impact? FOCUS doesn’t only serve at universities, we also are located in parishes across the country. Visit focus.org/careers to see the openings and types of jobs we offer. 

Working in a Catholic job is more than just earning a living—it’s an opportunity to grow spiritually and make an impact in the lives of others. Whether you’re guiding young people in a school, serving the marginalized through a charity, or supporting parish operations, your work contributes to the greater good and helps build the Kingdom of God.

Additional Resources

Looking for more practical guides and resources like this? Check out our guide on how to show your parish priest appreciation, and our guide to establishing a daily prayer routine. Head to our blog for even more!

For even more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!

Sign up for SEEK25 next January in Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City; registration is now open!