Are you looking for an enriching senior pastoral care role with a values-driven, mission-centred organisation, where the focus is on quality rather than profit? This is the lead pastoral role with FMDM Ireland, reporting to the General Manager. It is particularly suited to someone who wants to make a difference, who wants to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others, who wants to be part of a team that is supported and appreciated for the work that they do. If these things are important to you, and you fit the criteria for this role, then you may be the person we are looking for.
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) are an international Congregation of Religious Sisters. In Ireland, the FMDM active ministry is mainly complete, and the focus now is on the healthcare and support of 47 Sisters.
We are seeking a qualified, experienced and values-driven Pastoral Lead to head-up the provision of pastoral care for the Sisters at our care campus in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, which is supported by 45 dedicated staff members. This is a new appointment, unfilled at present.
About the Role:
While a detailed Job Description/Person Specification is available on request, and is highly recommended to be considered prior to application, a short description of the key responsibilities is as follows:
The Pastoral Lead will head-up the pastoral team in providing spiritual, emotional and social supports to the Sisters residing on the Franciscan Convent campus, creating a compassionate and nurturing environment that honours the spiritual and personal needs of the Sisters, fostering their well-being and ensuring they feel individually valued and connected within the community. Additionally, the Pastoral Lead will co-ordinate the activities of the pastoral team to ensure consistent, high-quality, person-centred care, in a manner that reflects and expresses the spirit and mission of FMDM community life. The Pastoral Lead will continually foster a sense of presence and attentive listening to Sisters individually and collectively, and will animate the spiritual life of the community, taking account of the expressed preferences of individual Sisters and of the community as a whole. The Pastoral Lead will attend and contribute to the multidisciplinary meetings and planning of care, especially in relation to the pastoral dimensions of care.
Person Specification
Qualifications (essential)
· Degree or Masters in a relevant field, such as pastoral care, chaplaincy or theology, with clearly identifiable and transferable skills appropriate to this post
Qualifications (highly desirable)
· Certification in Healthcare Chaplaincy as granted by the Healthcare Chaplaincy Board (HCB)
· Completed Units of Clinical Pastoral Education
· A record of ongoing professional development since qualification
Experience (essential)
· Pastoral care / chaplaincy / counselling experience
· Knowledge of the healthcare system in Ireland, relative to the services required for older persons
Experience (highly desirable)
· Experience of working in a faith-based or not-for-profit organisation
· Relevant experience in a healthcare setting
· Management / leadership experience
Other Requirements
· A person whose personal values and empathetic approach to life are compatible with the Mission and Values of the FMDM
· A willingness to learn about, support and integrate with Franciscan core values and embody these in all aspects of work
· Full driving licence
Terms & Benefits
· Full-time, 39 hours per week, office-based in Ballinasloe, 5 days over 7, Monday to Sunday
· Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
· Defined Contributions pension scheme with employer contribution up to 5%
· Free parking; lunch facilities; sick pay scheme
· Unblemished Garda Vetting
TO APPLY: Please submit your CV together with a cover letter outlining your understanding of, and compatibility with, the specific requirements of this post, by email to to arrive not later than 5pm on Monday 22nd September 2025. Requests for full Job Description (if desired) and any other enquiries related to this vacancy should also be addressed to
PLEASE NOTE: Confidentiality of applications is guaranteed. There will be no disclosure or contact with employers without written consent of the applicant. Therefore, please do not send CV's that are vague or unspecific in terms of previous or current employers, as these cannot be assessed fully in relation to suitability.
Shortlisting will take place. Interviews are planned to be held in early October 2025.
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood are an equal-opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person