Introduction:
The Opportunity
St Benedict's Parish is seeking a highly organised and professional Parish Secretary to join our team.
Provide essential administrative support to the Parish Priest and parish communities, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the Parish Office.
As the first point of contact for parishioners, visitors, and community members, you will provide a warm welcome and professional assistance. The role also involves a variety of administrative, financial, compliance, and coordination duties that support the mission and daily operations of both parishes.
We are seeking a candidate with strong organisational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. A commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church is essential.
In this pivotal front-facing role, you will provide high-level reception services to both employees and customers, ensuring every interaction reflects the values and professionalism of our organisation.
Benefits
* Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
* Attractive salary.
* Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport (T&C's apply).
* Ongoing training and development opportunities.
* A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers.
* Enjoy up to 10% off at top retailers with our mnBenefits program.
* Corporate benefits, including EAP, flu shots and more.
Description:
Position Description - You can view the full position description on the Diocese website.
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle divides its parishes into pastoral regions, with ten separate regions encompassing the wide geography of the diocese. The City Pastoral Region includes three parishes:
* St Benedict's Inner-Newcastle (including the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton; St Mary's, Newcastle; St Joseph's, The Junction and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Tighes Hill)
* Mayfield (Christ the King)
* Stockton (St Peter-in-Chains)
Skills and Experiences:
Experience/Criteria
* Well-motivated to work for the Church and possessing a strong commitment to its practices and values
* Demonstrated ability in accurate and proficient performance of a broad range of administrative tasks
* Demonstrated ability to work as a co-operative and effective member of a team
* Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills and a pastoral attitude
* The ability to relate to a variety of people and the capacity to develop and maintain sound working relationships with other parish workers and volunteers
* Capacity to coordinate and/or oversee various parish events and ministries
* Energetic and highly motivated, with the initiative and capacity to work with minimum supervision
* Confidentiality (and the discernment to know what must be kept confidential) is essential
* Computer competency in Microsoft Office Applications and Parish Data Systems (or willingness to learn)
* Previous experience with Xero (preferred) or MYOB or an equivalent accounting package is essential
Qualifications
* Tertiary Qualifications in office administration or relevant experience working in an administrative capacity
* Current Class C Driver's Licence
To Apply
Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:
* Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
* Your qualifications and experience in a similar position.
For further information regarding this position, please contact the Parish Business Manager Finance, Anne Warren -
Applications close: 11:59pm Tuesday, 14th October 2025
Additional information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.
All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese's Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese's Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.