Director of Pax Christi Theology Academy and Community Life

Pax Christi in Eden Prairie was founded in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities 45 years ago. It has approximately 8,000 registered parishioners. Around 100 lay-led groups are established in the parish and hundreds of volunteers support the ministries and serve the spiritual needs of the people every month. Pax Christi is known for its active participation of the lay faithful in parish life, its emphasis in promoting justice in society, and serving the needs of those who are marginalized and in need of support. Four Sunday Masses unite the parish as the source and summit of its parish life. 

In the fall of 2025, The Pax Christi Theology Academy (PCTA) launched Formed by Life, 12-months studies in Catholic theology. More than 75 students registered for the program, and overall, another 300 students have participated in other classes and courses in the first 6 months of the PCTA. The goal and purpose of the PCTA is to form lay people to become missionary disciples so they can better serve and love people and God.

Various groups are established at Pax Christi to maintain and support the spiritual life of the parishioners and those they serve. Many of them are supported by staff and lay councils. In the fall of 2025, Pax Pilgrimages were established to further enhance community life and spiritual nourishment. 

The following are among the responsibilities of the Director of PCTA and Community Life. 

·        Manage the day-to-day operations of the PCTA. Support the Formed by Life program and other formation programs in collaboration with staff and lay councils. 

·        Build up and support ongoing community engagement and community life. 

·        Build up new and maintain current parish programs. 

·        Create a strategic plan for the PCTA for the coming years.

·        Create possibilities for PCTA students to integrate into parish life.

·        Manage Pax Pilgrimages, and lead and organize local and external pilgrimages. 

·        Organize seminars, conferences, and larger parish events. 

·        Work on budgeting, finances, etc.

·        Coordinate formation for the OCIA-program, baptism-classes, marriage preparation programs, and schedule and organize celebration of the sacraments. 

·        Integrate new parishioners into the parish and organize quarterly welcoming events for all new parishioners. 

·        Work with staff and lay leaders to offer new parishioners opportunities to participate actively in the life of the parish. 

·        Cooperate with staff in training volunteers. 

·        Be present and prepared to work on time for all scheduled hours and events, participate in staff meetings and staff activities, have the ability to be flexible with scheduling, and availability to work on nights and weekends as needed. 

·        Serve as the staff liaison and resource to the assigned ministry council. 

Experience:     

·        Experience of Catholic education and faith formation.

·        Proven leader with interpersonal skills.

·        Project management experience preferred. 

·        Proactive, self-motivated, and self-managed. 

·        Experience working with budgets. 

·        Experience managing volunteers. 

Education:  

MA in Catholic Theology preferred. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree in theology, Catholic studies, education, philosophy, psychology, or similar, and with relevant experience in ministry, are also considered.

Proficiency in Spanish preferred, not required. 

Skill Dimensions: 

·        Well-developed oral and written communication skills. 

·        Excellent interpersonal and group communication skills, including public speaking and teaching. 

·        Knowledge of group dynamics, group processes, and group facilitation skills. 

·        Exceptional organizational skills. 

·        Proficiency in planning, organizing, and coordinating all details for events. 

·        Able to travel abroad for pilgrimages. 

·        Ability to generate and support others creative ideas and solutions to achieve agreed upon objectives. 

·        Ability to relate to people of all ages, cultures, and personalities. 

·        Ability to relate and communicate with lay councils and staff members. 

·        Ability to follow instructions and work independently to accomplish tasks within allotted time. 

·        Strong service orientation in support of ministry and community objectives. 

·        Ability to meet deadlines. 

·        Able to remain calm and always maintain a positive and helpful attitude, even during difficult times. 

·        Computer skills include Microsoft Office suite tools Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

·        Ability to lead and teach. 

 Mental and Physical Demands 

·        Adaptability to every task, responsibilities, personality styles and time requirements. 

·        Ability to lift 20 pounds. 

General Accountabilities: Employment in and by Pax Christi is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Catholic Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese, such that can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal. Adherence to confidentiality is required in all matters pertaining to members’ personal information. It is required that this employee be an active, participating Roman Catholic. 

The accountabilities listed above are representative accountabilities intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by staff members assigned to this position.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of accountabilities required of this position. Assigned responsibilities may change as directed by Pax Christi’s leadership team. 

Background Check: 

A successful completion of a background check is required along with Virtus training, and a signed archdiocesan Code of Conduct.

Please email your letter of interest and resume to Michelle Fox, Parish Director. 

mfox@paxchristi.com