University Chaplain

About Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University, ranked as one of the most transformative colleges in the United States by Money Magazine, is a comprehensive Catholic University located in the scenic coastal community of Newport, Rhode Island. The University's commitment to academic success and personal discovery extends beyond its historic campus into a dynamic world where the application of higher thinking and skill are most valued. Salve Regina offers bachelor's and master's degree programs, graduate certificates, and doctoral programs in humanities, international relations and nursing. Enrollment includes more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. and around the world.

Job Description

BASIC FUNCTIONS: The chaplain, in cooperation with the Center for Spiritual Life team, fosters the liturgical, spiritual, personal and social justice development of the university community. Faithful to the Catholic tradition and our Mercy heritage, the chaplain reaches out to people of all faiths on campus. Through a vigorous ministry of presence, the Chaplain becomes part of the daily life of the University.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Liturgical and Spiritual Life

• Assume primary responsibility for the Catholic sacramental life of the University community.
• Deliver engaging homilies that are relevant to college students and that challenge and encourage the community to participate deeply in a life of faith and service.
• Work with the student liturgy committee and Student Assistant for Liturgical Ministries to create liturgies which reflect the spiritual life of the student community.
• Collaborate with the Campus Minister for Music and Worship to support and enliven liturgical experiences.
• Provide pastoral counseling and/or spiritual direction as requested by members of the University community. Be present to the community in times of loss and grief.
• Respond to expressed needs for scripture study, small faith communities or benediction as is possible.
• Work collaboratively with the Center for Spiritual Life team to minister to students and staff of all faiths and support opportunities for multifaith experiences.
• Participating in University functions such as convocation, memorial services, commencement, blessings, vigils, etc. offering prayer at times as well as presence.
• Preside at Catholic liturgies, weekday and weekend, during the academic year.

Campus Outreach

• Be a well-known and active presence on campus, attending sporting events, special campus events, and Center for Spiritual Life events. Using the dining hall and creating various visibility ministries (ex. Pop-Up Confessions) are always ways to have a meaningful presence.
• Form a vision of the best ways to engage the student community and serve their needs. Use best practices to implement new ideas for outreach to campus, identifying and responding to campus needs.
• Prioritize the formation of working relationships with athletics, student affairs (resident assistants, peer mentors, Student Government Association, commuter students), faculty and staff.

Campus Ministry

• Collaborate with the team of the Center for Spiritual Life in the planning and implementation of programs, events and retreats as time allows.
• Collaborate with the training and formation of student leaders and ministers.
• Be responsive to social issues on campus and globally; and promote the teachings of social justice of the Church.

Supervision

• Supervise work of the Sacramental and Liturgical Life Assistant

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

An academic appointment is also possible for the appropriate candidate. Perform other duties as required by the Director of the Center for Spiritual Life.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Roman Catholic priest in good standing.
• Approval from selected candidate's Bishop and/or Religious Superior to apply.
• Ability to relate pastorally to university students, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent preaching and pastoral ministry skills.
• Working knowledge of campus ministry practices.
• Commitment to promote and uphold the mission of Salve Regina University, the charism of the Sisters of Mercy, and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills.
• Ability to organize work assignments and demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to communicate effectively with administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to interpret diocesan policies.
• Availability to respond in cases of emergency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in campus ministry or working with college students.
• Experience engaging others in liturgical planning and celebrations.
• Personal computer proficiency.