Cemetery Manager

The Cemetery Manager is a part-time employee of Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Parish responsible for the administration, operation, and maintenance of Mount Calvary Cemetery, a Catholic cemetery of the Parish. The Cemetery Manager ensures that the cemetery is operated in a manner consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding the dignity of the human body and Christian burial, the norms of canon law governing sacred places, applicable policies of the Parish and the Diocese of Corpus Christi, and the civil laws of the State of Texas governing cemeteries. The Cemetery Manager serves grieving families with compassion, professionalism, and pastoral sensitivity.

Ministerial Character:

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (The Diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ's mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Each position employed in the Diocese of Corpus Christi helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job duties and responsibilities. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

Responsibilities:

The list below reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the primary functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

- As an integral part of the ministry for the Church, this position will support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of corpus Christi in both professional and personal life

- Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic church

- Continuously grows in the ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed

- Manage the day-to-day operations of Mount Calvary Cemetery, including the scheduling and coordination of interments, entombments, and inurnments in cooperation with the Pastor, funeral homes, and families

- Maintain accurate and permanent cemetery records, including plot maps, interment records, deeds and certificates of interment rights, contracts, and payment records

- Administer the sale of interment rights and related goods and services in accordance with Parish pricing policies and applicable provisions of the Texas Health and Safety Code

- Oversee grounds maintenance and general upkeep of the cemetery, including mowing, trimming, roadways, fencing, drainage, monuments, and common areas, whether performed personally, by parish staff, or by contractors

- Supervise the opening and closing of graves and the setting of monuments and markers in compliance with cemetery rules and regulations

- Enforce the cemeterys rules and regulations with charity and consistency, and recommend amendments to the Pastor as appropriate

- Prepare and administer the annual cemetery operating budget in coordination with the Pastor and parish business office, and account for all cemetery receipts and expenditures

- Ensure compliance with applicable civil law, including the Texas Health and Safety Code provisions governing cemeteries, and with diocesan policies governing parish cemeteries

- Respond to inquiries from families, genealogical researchers, and the public with courtesy and discretion

- Performs other duties as assigned

Mental/Physical Demands:

- Ability to carry, pull, push, lift, or move objects 15 pounds or more

- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions

- Must be able to walk over uneven terrain

- Must be able to operate grounds maintenance equipment and tools

- Must be able to operate vehicles

- Ability to maintain composure under duress; maintain emotional control under stress

- Occasional evening and weekend work is required in connection with interments and cemetery events

Organization Improvement and Morale:

- Demonstrates a professional attitude as a member of diocesan staff

- Maintains confidentiality in matters of assigned department and the diocese

- Serves as a representative of the diocese displaying courtesy, tact, positivity, and discretion in all interactions with colleagues and community served

- Carries out commitments made to diocesan colleagues and community served

- Employs professional ethics in relationships with diocesan colleagues and community served

- Positively contributes to the overall mission and values of the Diocese of Corpus Christi to promote a positive organizational culture

Qualifications

Qualifications:

- High School Diploma or equivalent required; additional education or training in business administration, horticulture, or cemetery management preferred

- Valid Texas drivers license

- Working knowledge of, or willingness to be trained in, recordkeeping practices and civil law requirements applicable to Texas cemeteries

- Proficiency in basic office software and recordkeeping systems

- A practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred; all candidates must support and respect the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church and the sacred character of a Catholic cemetery

Required Skills and Abilities

- Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills

- Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks

- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

- Ability to work independently and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and members of the community

- Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion

- General use of computer hardware and basic office software including Microsoft Office Suite

Additional Requirements:

- Certification in Safe Environment training provided by the Office for Safe Environment and Child & Family Resources is required

- Sign and acknowledge the Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc. and Mother Teresa Shelter, Inc. Employee Policy and Procedures onboarding packet.

- Must adhere to all diocesan policies and procedures

***In order to be considered for employment with the Diocese of Corpus Christi locations, all interested individuals must complete the online application at https://diocesecc.org/human-resources.***