How to Get a Catholic Job: Your Ultimate Guide

IYKYK; searching for “how to get a Catholic job” 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. 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 diverse, from finance roles to managing regional chapters of organizations and communities. 
• Catholic Education: Catholic schools look for teachers, administrators, and support staff who share the values and vision of Catholic education. 
• Catholic Charities and Nonprofits: Positions in this sector include social workers, fundraisers, and program coordinators. This can be locally or internationally. 
• Catholic Media: News outlets that deal in Catholic news, as well as digital media outlets such as apps, content distributors, offer great job options.
• Healthcare and Chaplaincy: Catholic hospitals and care facilities offer roles for those who wish to integrate faith with their professional practice.
• Catholic Businesses: From jewelry businesses to book publishers, make sure to not limit your search to charities and nonprofits. 
• Mission and Evangelization: Main roles can include missionary work both locally and internationally, 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.

3. Where to Find Catholic Jobs

Before finding out how to get a Catholic job, you need to know where to find them. Remember, not everything is online. There are hidden gems everywhere in the Catholic world, and it may take a bit of extra effort to find them. Here are some key ways to find opportunities: 

• Diocesan Websites: Many dioceses post job listings for parishes, schools, and offices on their official websites.
• Catholic Job Board: These platforms (like CatholicJobs.com) cater to jobs within the Catholic sphere.
• Indeed and LinkedIn: You can also search for Catholic jobs on general job search platforms.
• Networking and Emailing Organizations: Even if you don’t see postings online, it never hurts to send a quick email inquiring about jobs. You may discover that they are getting ready to open a position, have an open position that is not advertised, or may just find you a great fit and try to find a place for you.

Besides looking at websites, you can reach out to your local parish or diocesan office. They may be able to guide you to opportunities in your area that may not be posted online. 

Network is key when job hunting. 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 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 technical skills. Employers will look for individuals who committed to the Church’s teachings and have a genuine interest in being part of a faith-based community. 

It’s 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 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 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 guide you in 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 serve 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 earning a living—it’s an opportunity to grow spiritually and impact the lives of others. Whether you’re guiding young people, serving through a charity, or supporting a parish, your work contributes to the greater good.

FAQ: How to Get a Catholic Job

1. Why Should I Consider a Catholic Job?

• Catholic jobs aren’t just careers—they’re vocations. They provide an opportunity to integrate your faith into your professional life and contribute to the Church’s mission.
• These roles often allow you to make a meaningful impact, whether directly through ministry or behind the scenes in supportive roles.

2. What Types of Catholic Jobs Are Available?

Catholic jobs span a wide range of fields. Common categories include:

• Parish and Diocese Jobs: Roles range from catechists and music directors to administrative positions in diocesan offices.
• Catholic Education: Opportunities for teachers, administrators, and support staff in Catholic schools.
• Catholic Charities and Nonprofits: Positions in social work, fundraising, and program coordination.
• Catholic Media: Roles in news outlets, digital content creation, and media production.
• Healthcare and Chaplaincy: Positions in Catholic hospitals or care facilities integrating faith into holistic care.
• Catholic Businesses: Positions in Catholic-owned businesses like publishing houses or artisan shops.
• Mission and Evangelization: Roles in missionary work, adult faith formation, outreach programs, or digital ministries.

3. Where Can I Find Catholic Job Listings?

• Diocesan Websites: Many dioceses list openings for parishes, schools, and administrative offices.
• Catholic Job Boards: Platforms like CatholicJobs.com cater specifically to Catholic job seekers.
• General Job Boards: Use keywords like “Catholic jobs near me” on Indeed or LinkedIn to narrow your search.
• Networking Organizations: Groups like the Sent Network and Leonine Forum connect Catholic professionals. Check if there are any relevant groups in your area.

4. How Can I Network Effectively?

• Attend Events: Conferences like SEEK by FOCUS or local diocesan events can be excellent networking opportunities.
• Leverage Catholic Communities: Reach out to your local parish or diocesan office for advice on how to get a Catholic job or about hidden opportunities.
• Explore Career Pages: Many Catholic organizations post jobs directly on their websites rather than on large job boards.

5. How Can I Discern if a Catholic Job Is Right for Me?

• Pray: Reflect on how this role aligns with your professional skills and spiritual journey. Seek God’s guidance to determine if it’s part of His plan for you.
• Research: Not all organizations labeled as “Catholic” align fully with Church teachings. Investigate their mission and values carefully.
• Evaluate Fit: Consider how the job allows you to live out your faith while using your skills to serve others.
• Seek Counsel: Consult with trusted mentors, spiritual directors, or community leaders.

6. What Skills Do Employers Look For in Catholic Jobs?

• Faith Alignment: A commitment to Church teachings and active participation in a faith-based community.
• Technical Expertise: Skills relevant to the role, such as teaching, fundraising, or digital marketing.
• Communication and Teamwork: An ability to work collaboratively in mission-driven environments.
• Flexibility: A willingness to take on diverse tasks in a service-oriented organization.

7. What Are Some Examples of Catholic Job Titles?

• Campus Minister
• Missionary or Evangelization Coordinator
• Parish Administrative Assistant
• Development or Fundraising Manager
• Communications Specialist in Catholic Media
• Teacher or Principal in Catholic Schools
• Social Worker in Catholic Charities

8. How Can I Make My Application Stand Out?

• Highlight Your Faith: Demonstrate how your values align with the organization’s mission.
• Showcase Relevant Experience: Emphasize any prior work or volunteer experience in Catholic or mission-driven roles.
• Tailor Your Resume: Align your skills and accomplishments with the specific needs of the organization.
• Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Share how your faith and professional journey make you the ideal candidate.

9. Are Catholic Jobs Only in Churches?

• No! Catholic jobs are found across many sectors, including education, healthcare, media, and even businesses like publishing houses and artisan shops. Don’t limit your search to parishes and diocesan offices.

10. What Should I Look for in a Catholic Organization?

• A mission that aligns with Church teachings.
• Transparent leadership and a clear commitment to serving the community.
• Opportunities for spiritual and professional growth.

11. Any Final Advice for Finding a Catholic Job?

• Don’t Give Up: Finding the right fit takes time and patience.
• Be Open: Consider roles you might not have initially thought of, like those in Catholic media or digital ministries.
• Trust in God’s Timing: Pray for discernment and guidance throughout your search.

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 more!

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