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Director of Respect Life Apostolate

The Diocese of Belleville is seeking a part-time (20 hours per week) Director of Respect Life Apostolate (RLA) to educate Catholics – whether clergy, religious, or laity – on the issues surrounding the Catholic Church’s teachings regarding the dignity of the human person and sanctity of human life.  The Director provides leadership for the RLA and works towards collaboration among offices and agencies within the Curia.

The Director supervises, develops, and directs the Office in fulfilling the three-fold mission: to educate, to advocate, and to provide pastoral and spiritual programs that protect and respect human life from conception to natural death. RLA programs and ministries reach across age, gender, and location groups and are offered to the Catholics who reside in the five Vicariates, 103 parishes, 25 elementary schools, and three high schools within the boundaries of the Diocese of Belleville. The Director empowers parishes and schools in forming strong respect life ministry programs by providing support and resources.   

The Director oversees the coordination of respect life activities and programs within the diocese, representing the diocese at the Illinois Catholic Conference and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Pro-Life Secretariat; and establishes a working relationship with the media, as well as with other pro-life organizations. The Director takes direction from the Bishop, the Illinois Catholic Conference, and the USCCB. He/she serves as an advisor to the Bishop.

Essential qualifications include being a practicing Catholic; Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or equivalent experience; and 1-3 years’ experience in a related role plus knowledge in Microsoft Office and other computer programs/applications. 

TO APPLY:  Send resume, cover letter, and references to Human Resources, Diocese of Belleville, 222 South Third Street, Belleville, IL 62220 or email [email protected] Application Deadline:  September 24, 2021. 

The Vocations Office is excited to launch a new initiative in promoting opportunities for young men to learn more about the priesthood.  The events are known as St. Andrew Dinners and they give young men of high school and college age, along with their parents, a chance to gather with Bishop McGovern, Vocation Director Father Nick Junker, and some of the parish priests for a low-key evening of supper and conversation about priesthood.  

"I think it is important for us to offer opportunities for young men (along with their parents) to hear more about what it's like to be a priest, what goes into the decision to pursue the seminary or religious life, and what are the skills you need to develop in order to hear God's voice," said Bishop McGovern.  "Both young men and their parents have many good questions that they would like answered as they consider the future."

If you are interested in attending one of the St. Andrew Dinners, or have any questions, please contact Father Junker at [email protected] or call him at 618.722.5035. 

We have our new Parish App available for you to download - click the image below!