Cemeteries Sexton

Holy Cross Catholic Parish

Part-Time | 20–25 Hours per Week | Exempt

Holy Cross Catholic Parish is seeking a compassionate, organized, and mission-minded Cemeteries Sexton to oversee the day-to-day operations and care of our five parish cemeteries.

In the Catholic tradition, burying the dead is one of the seven corporal works of mercy. Our cemeteries are sacred places that reflect the Church's belief in the dignity of every human person and the hope of the resurrection. The Cemeteries Sexton plays an important role in ensuring that these grounds remain dignified, prayerful, and well cared for while providing compassionate assistance to individuals and families during some of life's most difficult moments.

About the Position

The Cemeteries Sexton will oversee the operations and ongoing care of:

• St. Bernard Cemetery
• St. Francis Xavier Cemetery & Columbarium
• St. Martin of Tours Cemetery
• St. Mary Cemetery & Rosary Garden
• St. Peter Cemetery

This position works closely with the Pastor, parish staff, clergy, Cemetery Advisory Committee, maintenance staff, funeral directors, vendors, and parishioners.

Key Responsibilities

Burial & Funeral Coordination

• Coordinate grave marking, grave openings and closings, and preparation of gravesites for committal services.
• Work closely with priests, funeral directors, families, maintenance staff, and vendors to ensure burials are carried out respectfully and efficiently.
• Serve as a backup for columbarium openings and closings at St. Francis Xavier.

Grave Sales & Family Assistance

• Handle grave and burial-right sales in a professional, compassionate manner.
• Maintain appropriate financial and ownership documentation.
• Prepare easements and assist with ownership transfers when plots are inherited.
• Serve as a caring and knowledgeable resource for families with questions about Catholic burial practices and cemetery procedures.

Records & Cemetery Administration

• Maintain accurate and secure burial records, cemetery maps, ownership information, payments, and inventory.
• Ensure records are preserved appropriately for future generations.
• Coordinate and verify columbarium engraving.
• Utilize cemetery and parish software and administrative tools to maintain accurate information.

Grounds & Maintenance

• Work in partnership with parish maintenance staff to ensure cemetery grounds are properly maintained.
• Oversee lawn care, trees and shrubs, snow removal, fence lines, water sources, and irrigation systems.
• Develop and maintain cemetery decoration policies and help ensure their consistent application.
• Coordinate biannual cemetery clean-up efforts.

Planning & Capital Needs

• Monitor remaining burial inventory and provide annual projections regarding cemetery capacity.
• Help identify and plan for future cemetery expansion.
• Advise parish leadership regarding anticipated needs for roads, fences, landscaping, structures, and headstone maintenance.
• Assist with budgeting and planning for future capital needs.

Policies & Cemetery Advisory Committee

• Collaborate with the Pastor, Cemetery Advisory Committee, and vendors to review and recommend updates to cemetery policies, procedures, fees, workflows, and promotional materials.
• Lead and participate in Cemetery Advisory Committee meetings and prepare necessary reports.
• Help implement committee recommendations and establish priorities for cemetery maintenance and improvement projects.

Parish Ministry & Collaboration

• Attend appropriate parish staff and operations meetings.
• Participate in staff spiritual development, prayer opportunities, diocesan training, and formation.
• Support Holy Cross Parish's mission and commitment to growing as Christian missionary disciples.

What We Are Looking For

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to interact compassionately and professionally with families experiencing grief.
• Ability to perform outdoor physical work in varying weather conditions, including occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and walking on uneven terrain.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and Diocese of Madison safe environment training.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or relevant experience in facilities management, horticulture, landscaping, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating contractors, vendors, and maintenance schedules.
• Customer service experience, particularly in sensitive or pastoral settings.
• Supervisory or volunteer management experience.
• Knowledge of cemetery law and regulations.
• Familiarity with Catholic funeral rites and burial practices.
• Experience working in a church, nonprofit, or faith-based organization.
• Experience with cemetery management, mapping, irrigation, horticulture, or monument installation.
• Basic financial management and budgeting skills.
• Familiarity with CIMS, Mass Intentions Online, Trello, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office.

Hours & Schedule

This is a part-time position of approximately 20–25 hours per week.

At least 16 regular office hours are expected each week, with the remaining schedule determined in consultation with the Director of Advancement. Because cemetery ministry is closely connected to funerals and liturgical life, occasional evening, weekend, holiday, and additional hours may be required.

Regular travel between Holy Cross Parish's five cemeteries is part of the position. Mileage compensation is available for cemetery-related travel.

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and responsibilities.

Why This Ministry Matters

The Cemeteries Sexton is more than a grounds and records position. This person serves families at significant moments of loss, helps preserve the dignity of those who have died, and ensures that our cemeteries remain places of prayer, remembrance, and hope.

The successful candidate will bring together professionalism, attention to detail, compassion, and Catholic faith in caring for our cemeteries and the people they serve.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in serving Holy Cross Catholic Parish as Cemeteries Sexton to [email protected]