Universal Synod

Dec 7, 2021

In September 2021, Pope Francis invited Catholics worldwide to take part in the Synod entitled: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission”, a two-year process of discussion and reflection in preparation for a meeting of the Synod of Bishops to take...

Director of Worship, Full Time – Exempt Position

Nov 16, 2021

Job Objective:

Acknowledging that liturgy and sacramental life are integral to the expression of our Catholic faith, the Worship Director, under the supervision of the Pastor and as a member of the Pastoral Team is responsible for ensuring quality liturgical celebrations that enhance communal prayer life while embodying the parish ideal of collaboration and being responsible for the success of each other’s ministry.  The Director of Worship brings vision and leadership to the Worship life of Holy Spirit Parish and works with the Pastoral Team, Pastoral Staff, Committees and Ministers to prepare liturgies and music that will lead the parishioners of Holy Spirit “to that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy”. (Sacrosanctum Concilium #14)

General Responsibilities:

All ministry in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the Diocese such that it can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal. Employees must recognize that employment in this position is for the purposes of executing all duties and responsibilities in a manner that meet the needs of the Parish Community and is within policies and guidelines of the Roman Catholic Church. Care is taken to reflect the diversity of the Parish Community, thus candidates for this position include men and women of various ages, social and ethnic backgrounds, married and single.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Implements the parish worship program according to the liturgical seasons, sacramental celebrations and liturgical calendar in collaboration with the Liturgy Committees. This includes developing and directing choirs and or cantors to provide musical leadership.
  • Acts as a liturgical consultant to the Liturgy Preparation Committee and attends all Liturgy Preparation Committee meetings.
  • Recruits the Liturgy Chair and helps to direct the Liturgy Committees and Ministries.
  • Assists with the recruitment, training and formation for all liturgical ministers. This includes ongoing spiritual and liturgical formation utilizing parish and diocesan resources.
  • Works with the Liturgy Committees to ensure that there is effective communications concerning Liturgy and Spiritual life.
  • Assists the Liturgy Committees with completion of any tasks from the Shared Ministry Council that are Liturgical in nature.
  • Is open to ideas, concerns and suggestions that come to the Liturgy Committee concerning the execution of liturgies. Provides consultation in considering and responding to these inputs.
  • Acts on any feedback from the formal evaluation process of parish life that is relevant to worship and liturgies.
  • Liaison with Pastoral Care Ministry to coordinate, plan and provide music for Masses of Christian Burial
  • Liaison with Wedding Coordinators & engaged couples to coordinate, plan and provide music for Wedding Masses or Liturgies of the Word.
  • Resource to School Liturgy
  • Attends and represents the Liturgy Committees at Parish Staff meetings.
  • Acts as liturgy liaison from parish to diocese.
  • Attends appropriate conferences, workshops, training to remain current and up to date on Catholic liturgy and spiritual life.Stays current on developments in liturgy and music (e.g., attend LA Congress/national or regional NPM Conference). 

Qualifications:  

  • Is a fully practicing Catholic known to be committed to growth in holiness.
  • Possesses a passion for liturgy and is committed to reflecting the parish community’s needs. Must be committed to quality liturgy and sees this as the most important service we provide to the community we serve.
  • Candidates for this position should have significant experience in liturgy at the Parish level. (A Bachelor’s degree, religious studies or related field is a plus). Must be knowledge of Catholic liturgy, including liturgical documents and music resources and be committed to the pastoral application of these.
  • Must have a minimum of five years’ experience in liturgy preparation and liturgical music as well as demonstrated organizational and supervisory skills.
  • Skilled in working with a variety of people and diverse teams; sensitive to a multi-cultural parish community.
  • Well-organized and able to work in a collaborative setting; must be attentive to detail with good verbal and written communications skills
  • Dependable, responsible, self-motivated, creative and accountable and flexible with time
  • Must successfully pass required background and fingerprint check.

Diocese of San José Remains Steadfast in Safe Environment Requirements

Oct 27, 2021

The Diocese of San José remains steadfast in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our children and vulnerable adults. We must all remain vigilant in order to protect our youth and most vulnerable. As outlined in the Charter for the Protection of Children and...

Mandated Reporter Requirements (AB1963)

Aug 24, 2021

The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act requires individuals that fall into the category of a “mandated reporter” to report suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services or Law Enforcement. The law has been amended several times over the years, including by identifying additional groups of persons as mandated reporters.  Now, effective January 1, 2021, certain California human resources professionals and front-line supervisors will also be identified as mandated reporters.

California Assembly Bill 1963 now designates “human resources employees” working for businesses with at least five employees, that also employ minors, as mandated reporters of child abuse.  A human resources employee, as defined, is any agent designated by the employer to accept complaints of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, etc., made under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. In addition, the law also identifies front-line supervisors working for businesses with five or more employees, whose duties require direct contact with, and supervision of, minors as mandated reporters of sexual abuse.

As diocesan employees, you are designated as a mandated reporter and are expected to know how to recognize and report suspected child abuse or neglect, and must report any reasonable suspicion of such abuse to the proper authorities.

As mandated reporters, employees are required to receive training to understand reporting duties under California State law.  The training must include training in both the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect. The training requirement may be met by completing the general online training for mandated reporters offered by the Office of Child Abuse Prevention in the State Department of Social Services (CDSS).

Training Opportunities:

  • Mandated Reporter Training Opportunities for Your School or Deanery: Mandated Reporter Training must be renewed every two years in accordance with the California Department of Social Services. If your school or deanery would like to host a free private virtual Mandated Reporter Training session via ZOOM in English or Spanish, please contact Griselda Cervantez at Cervantez@dsj.org or call (408) 983-0225.  The county asks for a minimum of 15 participants for this free training opportunity.