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Director of Digital Evangelization
Director of Digital Evangelization
St. James Catholic Church is looking for a creative and passionate individual for a director-level position who wants to use their videography, graphic arts, and editing skills to improve the parish marketing and communication function and to better engage our community with the gospel message. This role will require a firm understanding of our parish’s mission and vision of “Being Disciples of Christ and Making Disciples of Christ,” as well as a thorough understanding of the Catholic faith and traditions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Capture moments from the parish, our people, and our ministries using photography and videography.
- Maintain/update the parish website.
- Develop and manage all virtual communications.
- Assess organization for communication gaps and areas of improvment.
- Working with the School’s Director of Marketing, preserve how the parish brand is portrayed in all communications including (but not limited to) bulletin, email, social media, web, etc.
- Develop and implement a parish strategic communication plan.
- Assist in the creation and management of a digital evangelization
- Ensure digital content is technically effective, grammatically correct, and within our parish mission, vision, and brand framework.
- Utilize available media to share stories about how our parish is impacting the community through traditional and non-traditional communication efforts.
To achieve communication objectives that entail the full scope of activity at St. James, it will be important for the Director of Digital Evangelization to have strong relational connections with the volunteer ministry leads and parish staff, especially key leaders in each department. It is important that this person has flexibility to attend events at night and on the weekends.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Practicing Catholic with a mission-mindset to make disciples of Christ.
- Undergraduate degree in marketing, graphic arts, communications, or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in marketing, public relations, graphic design, or related field.
- General graphic design skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Premier Pro, and InDesign).
- Proficiency in web design, particularly using Word Press, Adobe InDesign, and Canva.
- Experience in photography/videography, particularly Premier Pro video editing software.
- Proficiency in managing social media accounts; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Hootsuite/Sprout Social.
- Experience developing and maintaining brand standards.
- Strong attention to detail and designs.
- Strong team player with the ability to work independently.
- Creative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
Luke 1:42
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Readings for Sunday: Micah, Hebrews, Luke
Reflection:
Ever wonder why we Catholics honor Mary? You can find the answer in this Sunday’s Gospel reading, which comes from Luke 1:39-45. In the verses immediately preceding this passage (Luke 1:26-38), we hear how the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son. Gabriel also informed Mary that her cousin Elizabeth had conceived a child in her old age. With the Christ child in her womb, Mary sets off to visit her cousin.
When Mary arrives at Elizabeth’s house, Elizabeth, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” exclaims: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
While Jesus is clearly present (in Mary’s womb), Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, honors Mary. This honor is not in opposition to or competition with Jesus; rather, Elizabeth honors Mary because of her unique relationship with her Son.
And so it is with us. When we pray the Hail Mary, we are simply quoting scripture: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,” echoes the Archangel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary. The line “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” is from Elizabeth’s greeting. To these scriptural words, we add the petition, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners…”
Reflection Questions
- How do I honor Mary in my life today, as St. Elizabeth did in hers? Do I see Mary as bringing her Son to me so that I may be closer to him?
- How do I become more like Mary in bringing Jesus to others?
- Am I willing to serve others like Mary, who, when she heard of St. Elizabeth’s pregnancy, went to see her, despite the hardship of travel in those days?
Assistant Director of Music
Job Opening: Assistant Director of Music
St. James Parish, Arlington Heights, IL
St. James Parish is seeking a highly skilled Assistant Director of Music to join our vibrant and dedicated music ministry. This full-time, benefit-eligible position offers the opportunity to continue our rich tradition of excellence in sacred music and support the liturgical and choral life of our parish community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as a high-level accompanist and organist throughout the Liturgical year for our Traditional and Contemporary Adult Choirs, as well as additional concerts and liturgies as needed.
- Collaborate with the Director of Music to plan, rehearse, and execute choral music for the parish.
- Play a key role in preparing for major choral works. Previous larger scale offerings include such works as Brahms’ Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Rutter’s Requiem, among others. Rossini’s Stabat Mater (to be performed this upcoming Spring with Orchestra).
- Accompany the parish choir and assist with the development of the music program, ensuring that it reflects the highest musical and liturgical standards.
Qualifications:
- Strong proficiency as an organist and accompanist, with experience in liturgical and choral settings.
- Extensive knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgical practices and sacred music tradition.
- Familiarity with large sacred choral works and the ability to collaborate with a variety of musicians.
- A passion for sacred music and the ability to elevate the worship experience through thoughtful and skillful musicianship.
- Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent professional experience required; advanced degrees or additional certifications are a plus.
Additional Information:
- Full-time, benefits-eligible position with competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
- Our parish music program is known for its strong choral tradition, and our performances can be found on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented musician with a deep understanding of sacred music and the Roman Catholic Church to make a significant impact in the life of St. James. St. James Parish is a welcoming Catholic Community whose mission is to be Disciples of Christ and to make Disciples of Christ. The Parish weekend attendance is around 3,300. We are seeking a dedicated individual who shares our commitment to upholding and advancing our longstanding musical traditions.
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and references in the form below.
Mark 12:44
She, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.
Readings for Sunday: 1 Kings, Hebrews, Mark
Reflection:
Have you ever wondered what God wants from you? Often, we rush through our days, focused on routines—work, school, family—without thinking about deeper questions. It’s usually when something goes wrong—a sickness, job loss, or loss of a loved one—that we pause and ask, “God, what do you want from me?”
God’s answer is simple yet profound: He wants everything—our whole hearts and lives. In Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 12:38-44), Jesus notices a poor widow placing her last coins in the temple treasury. “For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”
Unlike the wealthy who give what’s extra, she gives everything she has out of love and trust in God.
This story reflects how God gives Himself to us fully, especially through Christ, who poured out His life on the cross and continues to offer Himself in the Mass. Just as the widow gave all she had, God invites us to surrender our lives back to Him. This is the heart of stewardship—not just giving money but offering our time, talents, and entire selves. Through this, we love God with everything we are and have, allowing His love to transform our lives.
Reflection Questions
- In your prayer, ask: “Lord, in what areas of my life am I holding back from fully giving myself to You? Help me to see how I can follow the example of the widow who gave all she had.”
- Reflect on this: “Just as the widow gave her last coins out of love and trust, what ‘last coins’—be it time, talent, or energy—might you be called to offer in love to God, even if it feels small or insignificant?”
- Consider in quiet reflection: “How would your life look if you gave God not just the surplus of your time and resources, but your ‘whole livelihood’? What steps can you take to live with this kind of generosity and trust?
Mark 12:30-31
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
Readings for Sunday: Deuteronomy, Hebrews, Mark
Reflection:
In today’s Gospel (Mark 12:28-34), Jesus is asked which commandment is the greatest. His response is both simple and profound: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength;” and then he adds a second, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These two commands encapsulate the essence of our faith, but they are far from easy to live out.
This passage invites us to reflect on what true love means. In our culture, love is often reduced to a feeling or preference—liking someone or something. However, Jesus calls us to a much deeper love, the kind He showed on the cross: agape, a love of self-sacrifice and action. It’s not about feelings but about choosing to do good for others, even those we may not like or who hurt us. True love is laying down our lives in small ways for the sake of others.
Yet, we often find our hearts divided. We say we love God, but we can let other “gods” creep in—work, money, comfort, or even our reputation or self-image. How often do we prioritize these things over God? Just as importantly, we struggle to love our neighbors, especially those who challenge or inconvenience us.
Jesus reminds us that these commandments are inseparable. Loving God fully allows us to love others more deeply. The call to love requires us to act, not just to feel. Through prayer, Mass, and serving those around us, we can grow in this love, allowing it to shape our lives and draw us closer to God’s Kingdom. Let us ask for the grace to love God with our whole hearts, and to love others as He loves us.
Reflection Questions
- In your prayer, ask: Do I truly love God with all my heart, or are there areas of my life where I place other priorities above Him?
- Reflect on this: How do I view love? Is it more about my feelings or my willingness to sacrifice and act for others, even when it’s difficult?
- Consider in quiet reflection: Are there people in my life whom I struggle to love? How might loving God more deeply help me to love those around me better, especially those who are challenging to love?
Christ and the pauper | Andrey Mironov | 2009
Reflection:
Fear touches every part of our lives. We fear sickness, loneliness, financial loss, and ultimately, death. These fears can paralyze us, keeping us from moving forward. But in today’s Gospel, the story of Bartimaeus offers a profound reflection on how we can find hope through faith in Jesus.
Bartimaeus, whose name means “son of fear,” lived his life in darkness, unable to work or support himself, left to beg on the streets. Fear blinds us in a similar way, preventing us from seeing solutions, hope, or a way forward. Yet, when Bartimaeus hears Jesus is near, he doesn’t hold back. He cries out in humility, asking for mercy: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.”
His cry is a model for our own prayer—persistent, humble, and trusting. Even when others try to silence him, Bartimaeus continues to call out, trusting that Jesus will respond. And Jesus does stop, calling Bartimaeus to come to Him. In an act of faith, Bartimaeus throws aside his cloak, a symbol of his old life, and asks for healing.
Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus answers simply, “Master, I want to see.” This is more than a request for physical sight. It is a recognition of who Jesus is—a surrender to His will and a desire for true discipleship. Bartimaeus gains his sight, but more importantly, he gains the ability to follow Jesus.
This story calls us to reflect on our own fears. When we cry out to Jesus, are we ready to respond to His call? Are we willing to throw aside our old ways and trust in His mercy, even if His response is different from what we expect? Like Bartimaeus, we are called not just to receive, but to follow—through our fears, through the cross, and into the hope of resurrection. Faith is not just belief; it is trust, surrender, and a willingness to follow Jesus wherever He leads.
Reflection Questions
- In your prayer, ask: “Jesus, where are my fears keeping me from fully trusting You? Am I ready to call on You in my struggle and listen for Your voice?”
- Reflect on this: “Am I clinging to an old way of living that keeps me from following Jesus more closely? What do I need to ‘throw aside’ in order to walk with Him?”
- Consider in quiet reflection: “If Jesus asked me, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ how would I respond? Am I seeking to follow Him, or just asking for what I want?”
Mark 10:45
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, Hebrews, Mark
Reflection:
In reflecting on the role of the priesthood, we are reminded of the profound insights from the Letter to the Hebrews. In this passage, we are told that Jesus is our great High Priest, who has “passed through the heavens” and can sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tested in every way, yet without sin. This speaks to the depth of Christ’s love and solidarity with us. He understands our struggles, and as our High Priest, He intercedes for us continually before the Father.
In the Old Testament, the high priests offered sacrifices on behalf of the people to atone for their sins, but these sacrifices were temporary.
However, Jesus, as the perfect High Priest, offered Himself once and for all on the cross, providing a permanent way for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. His priesthood is not limited by time or human frailty—it is eternal.
Today, our Catholic priests participate in this priesthood of Christ. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and confession, they make present the grace of Christ’s sacrifice. As we reflect, let us approach the “throne of grace” with confidence, knowing that through Christ, we find mercy and help in every moment of need. Pray for more priests to continue this vital mission.
Reflection Questions
- In your prayer, ask: How does understanding Jesus as our eternal High Priest change the way I approach the sacraments, particularly confession and the Eucharist?
- Reflect on this: In what ways can I allow the example of Christ’s priestly sacrifice to influence my own willingness to serve and sacrifice for others?
- Consider in quiet reflection: How can I actively support and encourage the vocation of the priesthood, whether through prayer or conversations with young men who may be called to serve?
Mark 8:35
Whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.
Readings for Sunday: Isaiah, James, Mark
Reflection:
Even when Christians, including Catholics, think about death, they usually wind up actually believing different things. Many assume that immediate entry into heaven is the default outcome, relying on popular perceptions or selective interpretations of Scripture. Yet, Jesus offers a more nuanced perspective: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” This teaching underscores a crucial point: salvation is not merely a matter of avoiding the worst moral pitfalls but involves a profound transformation of life aligned with Christ’s teachings.
To understand this better, imagine standing before God at the end of your life and asking to enter heaven. If God were to question why you should be admitted, citing that you’re “not as bad” as notorious historical figures, such as Adolph Hitler, or professing a general love of humanity without a clear life of doing good to and for others, might not be convincing. Genuine love for God must be reflected in daily actions and choices, not just verbal affirmations.
Catholicism presents a comprehensive path to salvation, one that demands an active, daily commitment to living out the faith. We cannot earn our salvation, but at the same time it involves more than a single moment of acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior; it is a lifelong journey of faithfulness, much like a marriage. True love for God means dedicating time to prayer, seeking His will, and living a life that aligns with His teachings.
In contrast to some evangelical perspectives that emphasize a one-time declaration of faith, Catholicism calls for ongoing engagement and fidelity. It is a way of life where salvation is realized through persistent faith and practice through God’s grace. By adhering to this path, we prepare ourselves to be welcomed into heaven, fully united with Christ.
Reflection Questions
- How does your current understanding of salvation align with the idea of a lifelong journey rather than a one-time declaration? What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to living out your Catholic faith and nurturing your relationship with Christ?
- In what ways are you actively living out your love for God on a daily basis? Are there areas in your life where you could be more faithful or intentional about aligning your actions with His will?
- When you imagine standing before God at the end of your life, how do you think you would explain why you should be admitted into heaven? What does your response reveal about how you live your faith today?