The Community of Saint Peter, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is conducting a nationwide search to recruit a full-time pastor due to the retirement of our pastor.
Who We Are
The Community of Saint Peter is a vibrant, intentional Eucharistic community in the Catholic tradition. We are progressive, independent, and financially strong. The Community consists of about 200 members. In 2010 the Community was established by its members following the closing of our parish church by the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. Originally structured as an independent, not-for-profit organization, the Community was subsequently designated as a church by the IRS and is recognized as such in the State of Ohio.
At the center of our life together is the Eucharist, which draws us together, sustains our ministries and sends us forth in the service of the Gospel. Our sacramental life follows Catholic tradition, with a reverent yet participative Eucharistic liturgy and homilies that connect our daily life to the Gospel.
Our members, come from four northeast Ohio counties to celebrate the Eucharist each Sunday. During the week, we convene for a variety of educational presentations, meetings, and activities. We are an inclusive community that values diversity and welcomes all who are hoping to find a place of acceptance and a place to share their faith without judgment or prejudice. Leadership of the Community is composed of an elected board of trustees and a pastor who reports to the board. Currently, our pastoral staff also includes three part-time members: an administrative assistant, a director of music, and a pastoral minister. Presently, our pastoral staff functions as a team.
True to our mission, our congregation remains committed to a broad range of ministries, including religious education programs, community and urban outreach, support of the arts, and a variety of social justice initiatives. The Community is committed to its presence in the Midtown Corridor of Cleveland and has worked to establish ministries that aid the most vulnerable in our city. For more information about the Community and our most recent annual report, please visit our website: https://communityofstpeter.org.
How We Pray
Worship, faith formation, and action are central elements of our community:
Worship: Worship in the Catholic tradition is central to our community. Ritual, music, and preaching connect the Gospel message to our contemporary life. We invite everyone to celebrate the sacraments. Worshiping together nourishes our faith as we celebrate the various events of life—birth, growth, commitment, illness, death—and strengthens our bonds with one another.
Formation:Â We are a community involved in an ongoing search for a better understanding of what our Christian faith calls us to be and where the Spirit is leading us. We offer a wide range of educational experiences, with a special focus on understanding, exploring, and strengthening our faith. Our well-attended speaker series features local and nationally known authors, academics, and theologians. We have welcomed such speakers as the biblical scholars John Dominik Crossan and Marcus Borg; the liturgist Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman; theologians Kathleen Hughes, Peter Phan, Dan Horan, OFM, Ilia Delio, and Paul Lakeland; church historian Massimo Faggioli; social justice champion Sister Simone Campbell; author on spirituality Phyllis Tickle.
Action:Â The Community supports social justice projects and initiatives that make an impact in our neighborhoods and beyond through generous financial donations and active participation. Our members volunteer with many community-based organizations that serve the residents in the neighborhood and throughout Greater Cleveland. In addition, the Community has a very long-lived and active ministry tutoring students and supporting extracurricular programs in area schools. We donate clothing and household supplies to local organizations that serve low-income families. Most recently, we have committed to assisting with the settlement of refugees in the Cleveland area and supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives.
Community Building
The Community of Saint Peter occupies worship and office space in a historic office building in Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood, a fast-growing neighborhood of Cleveland. Friendship and community-building are nurtured with social activities throughout the year that include dinners and cookouts hosted by members in their homes, group visits to museums, plays, and concerts. For an independent report about the Community of St. Peter, please see a 2012 article in the National Catholic Reporter (https://www.ncronline.org/news/parish/cleveland-parish-remains-community-different-sort ).
Pastor Responsibilities and Qualifications
We are seeking an inspiring and engaging pastor who will serve as our spiritual leader, deliver thoughtful and well-prepared homilies, take leadership in our liturgy, and embrace our mission. We seek a person who is progressive, yet respectful of our history. Above all, we want a pastor whose ministry is informed by a commitment to personal spiritual growth.
Responsibilities include:
Provides leadership and vision in meeting the liturgical, spiritual, and pastoral needs of the Community, members, and ministries.
Directs, manages and supervises the day-to-day operations of the Community, budget, financial resources, and staff.
Report to the Board of Trustees and guide the work of the Director of Music, the Pastoral Assistant, and the Administrative Assistant.
Provides vision and strategic thinking in building and growing the Community and supports initiatives that reach out to and welcome new individuals and families.
Assists, enables, and empowers community members in ministries both within the community and as part of the community’s outreach and social justice work.
Requirements and Qualifications:
Holds a master’s or other advanced degree in ministry or a related field.
Possesses proven experience in ministerial and administrative leadership.
Demonstrates exceptional skills as a homilist and liturgist.
Demonstrates a commitment to social justice.
Possesses a strong aptitude for pastoral care.
Is committed to life-long learning and professional development.
Possesses excellent communication, listening, and organizational skills.
Works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and all others.
Position Benefits:
The Community offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement, professional development, and paid vacation.
Apply in Confidence
Qualified candidates may apply in confidence with their resume or CV to: pastorsearch@communityofstpeter.org