St Benedict's Inner Newcastle Parish is looking for an organised, customer-focused Parish Secretary to join our team on a permanent, full-time basis in Newcastle.
Reporting to the Parish Priest, you will play a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the parish. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced administrator who thrives in a community-focused environment and is motivated to contribute to the mission of the Catholic Church.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US
Make a real difference by directly improving the lives of many in the community.
Paid parental leave (for eligible employees).
Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport (T&Cs apply).
Ongoing training and development opportunities.
A friendly, supportive environment with dedicated and passionate co-workers.
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is organised into ten pastoral regions, each serving communities across the diocese's wide geographic footprint. The City Pastoral Region comprises three parishes:
St Benedict’s Inner-Newcastle, which includes Sacred Heart Cathedral (Hamilton), St Mary’s (Newcastle), St Joseph’s (The Junction) and Immaculate Heart of Mary (Tighes Hill)
Mayfield (Christ the King)
Stockton (St Peter-in-Chains)
As Parish Secretary, you will provide administrative support to the Parish Priest and work as an integral member of the parish administration team, helping to ensure the parish office runs smoothly and professionally.
In this role, you will welcome and assist visitors to the parish office, coordinate and implement day-to-day office procedures, and take responsibility for specific projects and tasks.
Desired Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
Well-motivated to work for the Church and possessing a strong commitment to its practices and values
Demonstrated ability in accurate and proficient performance of a broad range of administrative tasks
Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to work as a co-operative and effective member of a team
Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills and a pastoral attitude
The ability to relate to a variety of people and the capacity to develop and maintain sound working relationships with other parish workers and volunteers
Capacity to coordinate and/or oversee various parish events and ministries
Energetic and highly motivated, with the initiative and capacity to work with minimum supervision
Confidentiality (and the discernment to know what must be kept confidential) is essential
Computer competency in Microsoft Office Applications and Parish Data Systems (or willingness to learn)
Previous experience with Xero (preferred) or MYOB or an equivalent accounting package is essential
Driver’s licence and own reliable transport
QUALIFICATIONS
Tertiary Qualifications in office administration or relevant experience working in an administrative capacity
Current Class C Driver’s Licence
To Apply
Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:
Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
Your qualifications and experience in a similar position.
For further information please reach out to: Fr Gregory Barker, Vicar General and Parish Priest on gregory.barker@mn.catholic.org.au
Applications close 11:59pm on Wednesday, 04 November 2026.
Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.
Additional Information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.
All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.
