LPA, St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Missisauga

Do work that matters, starting here

Lay Pastoral Associate · St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Mississauga

Full time (35 hours/week) $49,000 – $53,000 Existing position (replacement)

You've wondered if there's more to work than a paycheque

Maybe you studied theology because you couldn't stop asking the big questions. Maybe you've led a youth group, a retreat, or a Bible study and felt that spark of this is what I'm made for. Maybe you're ready for a career where faith isn't something you keep separate from your job but the reason you show up.

At St. Mary Star of the Sea, we're looking for someone like that. Someone who believes faith is meant to be lived, shared, and passed on, and who wants to spend their days helping others encounter Christ.

What you'll actually do

01 Walk with young people at a pivotal age. You'll lead our EDGE ministry for students in grades 6–8, a time when kids are figuring out who they are and whether faith fits into their lives. You'll run 2 to 5 gatherings a month that mix real catechesis, community, and honest conversation about the issues they face. You'll guide Confirmation preparation, lead the Confirmation retreat, and plan 1–2 youth retreats a year (plus one for the volunteers who make it all possible).

02 Help people take the next step in faith. From RCIA to Baptism, First Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation, you'll help prepare children and adults to receive the sacraments, including those with special needs, with inclusiveness and pastoral sensitivity.

03 Build something that lasts. You'll develop adult faith formation, Bible studies, faith-sharing groups, retreats, and pilgrimages. You'll help shape programs for youth, young adults, and seniors. You'll recruit and form a team of volunteers and help them grow in their own callings.

04 Be the bridge. You'll connect the parish with our local Catholic elementary schools, collaborate with Archdiocesan offices and fellow LPAs, and use social media and our website to reach people where they are.

05 Keep it running. You'll manage the ministry budget, support the parish office, and take part in pastoral council, staff, and zone meetings as a valued member of our pastoral team.

Who you are

A fully initiated Catholic in full communion with the Church, with a faith that's alive and growing Theologically formed through a Catholic institution (e.g. M.Div., M.A. Theology, M.R.E.)

Experienced: 5–7 years developing and leading religious education and formation programs Familiar with Church documents on formation and catechesis, and with canon law on the reception of sacraments

A community builder who loves people and knows how to bring them together Organized and comfortable with administration, Microsoft Office, and Outlook scheduling

Fluent in social media and website content tools (Episerver experience is a bonus) Creative: you can design, run, and evaluate new programs that meet families where they are

Available evenings and weekends, because that's when ministry happens Holder of a valid driver's licence with access to a reliable vehicle

Legally entitled to work in Canada (a criminal background check is required for the successful candidate)

Theologically formed through a Catholic institution (e.g. M.Div., M.A. Theology, M.R.E.)

Familiar with Church documents on formation and catechesis, and with canon law on the reception of sacraments

Organized and comfortable with administration, Microsoft Office, and Outlook scheduling

Creative: you can design, run, and evaluate new programs that meet families where they are

Holder of a valid driver's licence with access to a reliable vehicle

What we offer you

We believe the people who serve should be cared for too, in spirit first and in practical ways as well.

THE HEART OF IT

Work that means something. Every day, your work helps someone take a real step toward God, from a twelve-year-old asking honest questions to an adult preparing for Baptism. You will see the difference you make.

A prayerful place to work. You will spend your days in a parish community where prayer, the Mass, and the sacraments are at the centre of the rhythm of life, not an afterthought.

Room to lead and create. You will have real independence to shape programs, try new ideas, and build ministries in your own way, with the trust and support of the pastor and team.

Space to grow in your own faith. Paid annual retreat days, formation opportunities, and connections with the Archdiocese and fellow LPAs help you keep growing spiritually, not just giving.

A team that has your back. A pastoral team that will support you, pray with you, and celebrate what you build.

THE PRACTICAL SIDE

3 weeks of vacation from day one

Full group benefits after 3 months: health, dental, life insurance, travel medical, long-term disability, and an Employee & Family Assistance Program

A Defined Benefit pension after 3 months, with a 1%, 2%, or 5% contribution match. That's a lifetime retirement pension, which is increasingly rare

Family-friendly policies, including maternity/parental leave top-up and paid sick days you can use for family caregiving

Investment in your growth: reimbursement for professional memberships and continuing education

Paid moving days to help when you relocate

Ready to answer the call?

Send your resume and a cover letter (MS Word or PDF) to Fr. Laszlo Nagy at lnagy@archtoronto.org. In your cover letter, tell us about a moment in ministry that confirmed this is your path.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled. We're grateful to everyone who applies; only those selected for an interview