Careers for Laypeople?

[Rawb]

What careers, if any, are available to laypeople within The Church? Do religious do it all, or are all the lay positions done on a volunteer basis? What education do you have to have?

I’m deciding what to do with my future, I’m getting GE done now but am thinking of a variety of things and I’d really like to study theology or Biblical Studies. I just don’t know what I’d do with it. Director of Religious Education or something? Is that usually a layperson? I can’t see myself as an apologist or a priest, what does a theologian have to do, and how do they do it?

The other thing is the closest Christian college is a Protestant one (though there are Catholics who attend and it is a very good school). Would I have to attend a Catholic college? The closest ones are several hours away and I’d question their orthodoxy. Thanks!

 

[LSK]

The Director of Religious Education at our parish (St, Joseph’s in Modesto) is a married man with five kids. His wife not only homeschools but runs the Baptism Classes for parents.

Our Deacon is a married man.

Our Parish Business Manager is a lay person.

I think there are lots and LOTS of things a person can do - now, as I understand it, you will never get wealthy in terms of money but the riches you will gain are incredible…good luck!

 

[maria29]

What careers, if any, are available to laypeople within The Church? Do religious do it all, or are all the lay positions done on a volunteer basis? What education do you have to have?

Yes there are quite a few depending on the diocese, what your background and education are. I would check out any diocesean website for employment listing to get an idea.
I’m deciding what to do with my future, I’m getting GE done now but am thinking of a variety of things and I’d really like to study theology or Biblical Studies. I just don’t know what I’d do with it. Director of Religious Education or something? Is that usually a layperson? I can’t see myself as an apologist or a priest, what does a theologian have to do, and how do they do it?

A DRE can be a layperson, as for being a theologian are you wanting to teach at a University level?

The other thing is the closest Christian college is a Protestant one (though there are Catholics who attend and it is a very good school). Would I have to attend a Catholic college? The closest ones are several hours away and I’d question their orthodoxy. Thanks!

Yes you defintely need to go to a school that is Orthodox and is in line with the Church. That being said some dioceses will also not hire you if you’ve gone to certain conservative schools. Franciscan University of Stuebenville being one of them. But then why would you want to work for a diocese if they are" liberal" anyways? Franciscan has an online program that maybe you should look into if you are interested in pursuing it.

another thing to think about is the cost of your education versus how much the job will actually pay. Some dioceses will pay better than others, but most don’t pay well and after spending 50,000 on a degree its very difficult.

 

[Rawb]

as for being a theologian are you wanting to teach at a University level?

I wouldn’t mind it. Is it something I ever thought of before? No, but that doesn’t mean it’s not in the plan (I’ve recently learned that if I don’t have a lot of control over my future LoL. This time last year I was certain I was going to be up north studying to be a veterinarian at this school I was dead set on going to and was wondering how I’d find a good Protestant church. Now I’m in RCIA going to a small community college wondering what exactly I want to do.) So I could see myself doing that…maybe, but I’m not sure.

another thing to think about is the cost of your education versus how much the job will actually pay. Some dioceses will pay better than others, but most don’t pay well and after spending 50,000 on a degree its very difficult.

And, it may sound weird at my age, but I’m also worried about being able to provide for my future family. I was raised to believe that this is my responsibility, and so I think about when I’m planning a career (and I’d like to have a lot of kids, between 5 and 7 so I have to worry about that too).

What about careers sort of ‘outside’ the Church? Bible Translator maybe? Or what about teacher at a parochrial school? Religious Education or something? That’d be interesting.

Thanks!

 

[puzzleannie]

we have this discussion fairly frequently, a search may help you

you can do any job for the Church that you can do in the larger society: doctor, nurse or any health care profession in a Catholic hospital
administration, legal, clerical, writing, accounting, IT, programming, any business service for any Catholic institution, diocese, organization
teaching and all related professions in a Catholic school, university or parish RE program
On the diocesan level every ministry and apostolate has administrative people, and of course all the usual business, HRD etc. services.

Do you mean that you want to use whatever career you are drawn to in order to serve the Church? Then it is a matter of discerning that career path, with the help of the guidance people at your school for instance, and applying for relevant jobs at Catholic institutions. Bear in mind that like non-profits in general your salary and benefits will probably be lower than with a comparable job in the business world.

Do you mean you want to pursue some vocational path more directly tied to Catholic ministry, teaching, theology etc. That requires even more discernment, and would probably best be done in the context of an academically and doctrinally sound Catholic college. Examples would be a canon law degree, a theology degree etc. You would again be best served by the vocational and career guidance as well as spiritual discernment provided by a good Catholic university.