Job Title:

Roman Catholic Priest (Contractor – Space Base Delta 1 Chapel)

Location:
Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado Springs, CO
(With support to Schriever SFB and Cheyenne Mountain SFS as needed)

Job Type:
Independent Contractor (Part-Time; Non-Personal Services Contract)

Hours:
Approximately 25 hours per week (not to exceed 125/month), with flexibility for peak liturgical periods.

Position Overview

Space Base Delta 1 (SBD 1) Chapel is seeking a qualified Roman Catholic Priest to serve the Catholic community at Peterson Space Force Base and surrounding installations. This is a non-personal services contract to provide sacramental and pastoral care ministry, liturgical services, and Catholic programming in accordance with the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) and Air Force Chaplain Corps guidelines.

You’ll lead weekly Mass, perform sacraments, coordinate religious education, and support the Catholic Parish Advisory Council (CPAC). The ideal candidate is mission-driven, pastorally gifted, and comfortable navigating both ecclesiastical and military settings.

Key Responsibilities

Liturgical & Sacramental Duties

• Celebrate weekday and Sunday Masses, Holy Day Masses, and special liturgical services (Advent, Lent, Triduum, etc.).

• Administer sacraments: Reconciliation, Baptism, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and funerals.

• Offer pastoral counseling, especially for pre-marital preparation and sacramental guidance.

• Conduct invocations and benedictions as requested.

Community & Administrative Duties

• Provide leadership and pastoral care to the Catholic faith community.

• Collaborate with the Catholic Parish Advisory Council (CPAC) and attend meetings.

• Maintain office hours (posted and approved) for pastoral availability.

• Participate in chapel staff meetings and work collaboratively with other contractors and volunteers.

• Maintain sacramental records and documentation in line with AMS standards.

• Serve as liaison between AMS, local clergy, chapel staff, and military leadership for Catholic-specific matters.

Program Development & Education

• Oversee or provide guidance for:

  • Religious Education (children and adults)

  • RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

  • Sacramental preparation

  • Faith formation and retreats

• Assist in recruitment and training of Catholic volunteers.

• Provide input and planning for Catholic events, fellowships, and ministry goals.

Emergency & On-Call Responsibilities

• Respond to Catholic emergency ministry needs (e.g., death notifications, last rites, disaster ministry).

• Available within one hour of notification for emergency calls.

• Provide ministry to families within 24 hours of a death or request.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ordained Roman Catholic Priest in good standing with his diocese and the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS).

• Valid DD Form 2088 (Statement of Ecclesiastical Endorsement from AMS).

• Possess faculties for the duration of the contract (required for all subcontracted clergy as well).

• Compliant with DoDI 1304.28 educational standards:

  • Bachelor’s degree (120+ semester hours)

  • Graduate degree in theological or religious studies (72+ semester hours)

• Fluent in English (written and spoken); proficiency in other languages acceptable only for direct pastoral care.

• Ability to report ministry metrics in AFCCARS and follow funding protocols (CTOF/APF).

• Demonstrated experience in pastoral counseling, sacramental preparation, and community leadership.

• Must not use the title “Chaplain” per DoD guidelines; serves in a contractor capacity only.

Security & Background Requirements

• Must complete and maintain:

  • Tier 1 background check (CNACI)

  • FBI fingerprint check

  • Installation Records Check (IRC) for prior DoD affiliations

  • Line of Site Supervision (LOSS) compliance if required

• Completion of annual training in:

  • Privileged Communication (IAW Military Rule of Evidence 503)

  • Family Advocacy Program (FAP)

  • Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)

Contract Terms

• Hours: ~25 hours/week (not to exceed 125/month); up to 40/week during peak seasons

• Work Schedule: Includes weekdays, weekends, Holy Days, and emergency response

• Compensation: Hourly rate, negotiated upon contract award; contractor responsible for all taxes

• Period of Performance: One-year base with potential option years (multi-year government contract)

• Substitution: Contractor must designate a qualified substitute (with AMS endorsement) and cover all related costs

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Resume/CV highlighting relevant pastoral and liturgical experience

• Copy of DD Form 2088

• Proof of educational credentials

• Letters of recommendation (optional but encouraged)

• AMS-approved ecclesiastical faculties (or in process)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Space Base Delta 1 Chapel is an Equal Opportunity entity. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, religion (beyond position requirements), color, national origin, gender, disability, or veteran status.