The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 154 elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.
The Coordinator of Community Life (CCL) will assist the Vicar for Religious in coordinating and facilitating the various activities of the office. When it is necessary or when invited, accompany Men and Women Religious living and ministering in the Archdiocese, who are seeking assistance with matters of living and ministry. The Coordinator will respond when assistance is sought primarily by an individual religious or by a ministerial situation. The Coordinator will be especially sensitive to Religious who are arriving to live and/or minister in the Archdiocese and is a member of a Congregation that has few connections in the Church of Chicago.
Responsibilities
- Address the hopes and needs of individual Religious and of Congregations present in the Archdiocese. Areas of assistance could include spirituality, ministry, process for granting faculties, facilitating communication with subject matter experts in legal concerns, medical resources, financial questions, housing, and so on.
- Provide an orientation to the Archdiocese for Religious Congregations arriving from other countries. This introduction to U.S. and Archdiocesan culture and operations may include “partnering” new arrivals with more established Congregations willing to give support.
- Attend to the needs of Religious who have no local Congregational leadership in the Archdiocese. The CCL will be a welcoming resource to engage such Religious in the life of the Archdiocese.
- Draw senior and retired Religious into Archdiocesan life and ministry through outreach focused on prayer and volunteering
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with monthly newsletter
- Assist in planning of OFR events/meetings
- Other responsibilities determined in consultation with the Vicar for Religious
