The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

The Love that Compels

Claire Smith

Director of Donor Relations

Department: Office of Donor Relations
Position: Director of Donor Relations
Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Reports to: Executive Director and Passionist Leadership
Location: Province Offices – Park Ridge, IL

Passionist Mission:

We Passionists proclaim God’s love for the world revealed through the Passion of Jesus Christ.
The Passionists, a global family of priests and brothers, nuns and sisters, and lay men and
women, reach out with compassion to the crucified of today. We keep alive the memory of
Christ’s Passion through our commitment to community, prayer, ministries of the Word, and
service to those who suffer. We welcome all who seek renewed life through the power of the
Cross and the hope of the Resurrection.

Position Overview:

The Director of Donor Relations serves as a passionate ambassador for the Passionists of Holy Cross Province and the worldwide Congregation, advancing its mission, values and vision through meaningful engagement with donors, alumni and the broader community. This individual will cultivate strong relationships and inspire philanthropic support through strategic communication, personalized outreach and innovative fundraising initiatives.

As team leader for the Office of Donor Relations, the Director must be able to articulate the Passionists’ vision for the future clearly. Additionally, the Director must demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The Director will lead and grow major and planned giving efforts, securing transformative contributions through estate gifts, charitable gift annuities, life insurance, stock, donor-advised funds (DAFs) and retirement assets, including IRAs. They will also be responsible for strengthening and expanding the Province’s sustainer program.

Additionally, as the fundraising lead for Holy Cross Province, the Director will oversee a team of donor relations professionals, providing mentorship, strategic direction, and leadership to ensure a mission-driven and collaborative approach to relationship building. The Director will also mentor development professionals from Holy Cross Province and St. Paul Province, fostering a shared commitment to advancing Passionist ministries through effective and ethical fundraising.

Director of Donor Relations – Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

  • Lead, inspire and manage a team of seven donor relations professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
  • Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members, ensuring continued growth, engagement, and effectiveness.
  • Set clear goals, expectations, and performance metrics to guide the team in achieving strategic fundraising objectives.
  • Cultivate a mission-driven, donor-centered approach to philanthropy that aligns with the values of the Passionists.
  • Mentor development professionals from Holy Cross Province and St. Paul Province, strengthening fundraising capacity and collaboration across both regions.
  • Foster teamwork, innovation, and the sharing of best practices across donor relations and fundraising efforts.

Strategic Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

  • Cultivate, solicit and steward major donors and planned giving prospects, ensuring meaningful engagement and long-term support.
  • Build deep, mission-driven relationships with donors, alumni and benefactors to inspire investment in the Passionists’ ministries.
  • Maintain regular, personalized communication through print, digital, audiovisual and in-person, ensuring the Passionists’ message is conveyed with authenticity, transparency and impact.
  • Represent the Passionists at events and donor gatherings, serving as a visible and knowledgeable advocate for the mission.

Major & Planned Giving Leadership

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive planned giving strategy to grow legacy contributions, including estate gifts, annuities, life insurance, stock donations, DAFs, and retirement assets (IRAs).
  • Expand and strengthen the Province’s sustainer program, ensuring consistent and growing support from recurring donors.
  • Collaborate with financial and legal advisors, as well as donors and their families, to facilitate planned giving discussions and maximize impact.

Fundraising Strategy & Communications

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens direct mail, digital marketing and social media engagement to enhance donor outreach.
  • Partner with Province leadership and communications teams to craft inspiring narratives that connect donors to the Passionists’ work.
  • Create compelling fundraising appeals, impact reports, donor letters, emails and annual reports, ensuring all communications align with the Passionists’ mission and effectively engage supporters.

Data-Driven Fundraising & Accountability

  • Utilize donor analytics and moves management strategies to track engagement, forecast giving trends, and optimize fundraising effectiveness.
  • Ensure proper record-keeping and donor stewardship through the effective use of the Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system, specifically Aegis.
  • Provide progress reports to leadership, assessing key fundraising metrics and opportunities for growth.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Represent the Passionists of Holy Cross Province at regional and national gatherings, such as TNPA, to strengthen relationships with supporters and potential partners.
  • Take the lead in driving special fundraising initiatives, including capital campaigns and mission-driven projects, ensuring successful execution and alignment with the organization’s goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and advancement goals of Holy Cross Province.

Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is desired.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, sales, or marketing/communications, with a strong emphasis on relationship-building.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate the Passionists’ mission, impact, and the vital role of donors in advancing this work.
  • Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, including direct experience with face-to-face gift solicitation.
  • Strategic leadership and team management experience, with a demonstrated ability to guide, mentor, and inspire teams in a collaborative environment.
  • Deep understanding of donor engagement strategies, including major and planned gifts, sustainer programs, and moves management.
  • Self-motivated and adaptable team leader with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to excellence.
  • Knowledge of faith-based fundraising, preferably within a Catholic context, with an appreciation for Church traditions and religious life.
  • Proficiency with Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) systems, such as Aegis or Raiser’s Edge.
  • Willingness and ability to travel regularly nationwide to visit with donors.
  • Engaging, warm, and confident presence, with a natural ability to build relationships and inspire generosity.

Working Conditions:

The Province Offices is currently operating under a hybrid schedule.  The Donor Relations Team is in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays and works remotely on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  The Passionist Province Offices are situated in a safe and accessible neighborhood in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The Passionists offer a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work-life balance and professional development.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest about the position to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Passionist Province Controller

Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Park Ridge, Illinois (hybrid]
Reports To: Director of Finance
Status: Full-time | Exempt

About the Passionists

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province are a Roman Catholic religious order of priests and brothers founded by St. Paul of the Cross, dedicated to keeping alive the memory of Christ’s Passion through preaching, compassion and solidarity with the suffering. Our mission reaches across pastoral ministries, retreats, spiritual direction, social justice and care for creation. Rooted in community life and contemplative prayer, we serve with humility, simplicity and a profound sense of hope. See more at www.passionist.org.

We are seeking a mission-driven Financial Controller who shares an appreciation for our values and will help steward the financial well-being of our province and ministries.

Position Summary

The Financial Controller is responsible for the overall financial health and reporting of Holy Cross Province. This position oversees daily accounting operations, ensures compliance with nonprofit financial regulations, and supports leadership through clear, strategic financial reporting. The Controller plays a critical role in ensuring the responsible use of financial resources in support of the Passionists’ mission, charism and commitment to serving those most in need.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage all day-to-day accounting functions: general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, cash management and payroll.
  • Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit standards.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process, working collaboratively with the Director of Finance and ministry leaders.
  • Coordinate and manage annual audits and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and church-related financial and tax reporting requirements.
  • Develop and maintain financial policies and internal controls to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Track and report on restricted funds, grants, and designated contributions.
  • Supervise accounting staff or collaborate with external financial service providers.
  • Provide leadership with financial analysis to guide decision-making and long-term planning.
  • Communicate financial information clearly and respectfully to both lay staff, leadership and religious members.

Qualifications

Education & Certification

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  • CPA or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Experience

  • 5–7 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in a nonprofit, religious or mission-based setting.
  • Knowledge of fund accounting, nonprofit compliance and donor reporting.
  • Experience with financial operations in a religious or multi-ministry environment is a plus.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.

Technical Skills

  • Proficient in accounting software.
  • Strong Microsoft Office and financial reporting capabilities.

Personal & Mission Alignment

  • Respect for Catholic teaching and religious life.
  • Demonstrated ethical integrity, confidentiality and accountability.
  • Ability to work individually and collaboratively with religious leadership and lay staff.
  • Willingness to understand and be familiar with Passionist charism and spirituality.

Additional

  • Willingness to travel occasionally to Passionist meetings, communities and ministries.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a fair salary in accordance with the values and mission of The Passionists of Holy Cross Province. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support the overall well-being of our employees and may include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for spiritual growth and professional development. We strive to foster a supportive and faith-centered work environment rooted in respect, service and community.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest about the position to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Daily Scripture, April 23, 2025

Scripture:

Acts 3:1-10
Luke 24:13-35

Reflection:

In scriptural texts, when we read of the ‘days’ of the week my mind goes to the creation narrative. It may never have been the intention of the author (or of the Spirit that inspired the composers of the gospels), to see the resurrection as a new first day of ‘creation’, and the insights gained along the way to Emmaus as a new ray of light into the world, but at least it resonates with me.

In our story today – for me the loveliest of the attempts to explain or describe the experience of resurrection – we see not a movement from a dark void to light, but a movement from uncertainty, disappointment, and loss to new hope. It is akin to a light shining and illuminating the way forward for the two disciples.

The experience of Clopas and his companion, is ours too. They discover Christ amid their relationship and in its ordinary, mundane moments just as many couples and partners do. They sense him when their sharing is open and intimate as do many when they dare to reveal true feelings and become vulnerable to each other. They discover Christ in listening to the Word and being open to its message as we do in quiet moments and when the Word is broken open for us in homily or instruction. They discover his presence when they are invitational and hospitable an invite Jesus ‘in’, just as each stranger can be a face of Jesus for us too. However, all this does not come to fruition and insight, clarity, and empowerment till they share Eucharist – and they recognise him in the breaking of the bread.

So like them let us always be ready ‘to set out at once’ and bring the good news of the resurrection to our brothers and sisters.

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is the Provincial Superior of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.

Daily Scripture, April 22, 2025

Scripture:

Acts 2:36-41
John 20:11-18

Reflection:

Most of Jesus’ other disciples had run away, but not Mary Magdalene. She stayed with Him throughout his torture and gruesome death. So, she knew where he was buried. And, as she cared for His needs while he was alive, she was now concerned that He had a decent burial now that He was dead.

So, when she and some other disciples found the tomb empty on Sunday morning, she was distraught. The indignity and trauma of Good Friday continued for Mary, as she feared someone had disturbed the tomb and moved the body.

In today’s Gospel reading, we find Mary weeping at the empty tomb. And then she sees Someone in the Garden near the tomb. And we hear a tender conversation. Mary tells the gardener that, if he can tell her where the body is, she will move it back to where it belongs. But it is not the gardener; it is Jesus, whom she recognizes when he says her name “Mary”. And of course she embraces Him in ecstatic relief. And He says to her:

“Stop holding on to me,
for I have not yet ascended to the Father.

But go to my brothers and tell them,
‘I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.’”
Mary went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”
and then reported what he had told her.

Ever the disciple, Mary quickly reorients herself, and does what Jesus asks. As she grieves sharing Earthly life with Jesus as His friend and follower, she is transitioning to carrying His Spirit into the world. And she becomes the first witness to the resurrection!

In today’s first reading from Acts of the Apostles, we hear from another disciple of Jesus, Peter, who is also witnessing to the resurrection. And the people who heard him were deeply touched. Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, says the people who heard Peter were “cut to the heart.” And so, they asked Peter and the other apostles: “What are we to do, my brothers?”

In response, Peter tells them to “repent”, to turn their lives around.  Peter wants them to take on the mind and the mission of Jesus, to have a spiritual conversion.

In this Easter season, “what are we to do?” How do we witness to the resurrection in our life situations? How do we, who love Jesus, live out His mission? What does that look like?

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.

Daily Scripture, April 21, 2025

Scripture:

Acts 2:14, 22-23
Matthew 28:8-15

Reflection:

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Some people are talking about the potential impact of the rise in prices and what the market is doing to their retirement savings. Are you and your family worried? Today’s scripture readings may be helpful. The gospel describes the women’s initial encounter with Jesus after his resurrection. Jesus tells them “Do not be afraid” go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me. The phrase “Do not be afraid” is used 365 times in the bible. This is interpreted as God reminding us not to be afraid.

Jesus tells the women to go to Galilee. Galilee is the place where the disciples originated, lived, worked, and formed their identity. It is their hometown that the resurrected Jesus manifested himself to them. When and where do you experience the divine presence of Jesus? “Galilee” can be your home, your family, your workplace, your sacred space for silence and prayer. Galilee, where the resurrected Jesus chose to manifest himself, is with us to comfort us, assist us and to calm our fears and worries.

The women not only experienced fear but joy. Joy is a sign of the divine presence in our midst. To what degree are we joyful? How often do we allow ourselves to experience true joy within our family life, our work, our church gatherings? Lord, allow joy to overcome my fear, and help me to trust that your divine presence is with us always.

Carl Middleton is a theologian/ethicist and a member of the Passionist Family.

Easter Sunday

On Easter Sunday, Fr. Johnson Emmanuel, CP, reminds us that grief is the pathway to Resurrection.

"A Grief not witnessed, is a Grief not addressed:  A Grief witnessed makes space for the Love that Rises from loss."

Daily Scripture, April 20, 2025

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection

Scripture:

Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
John 20:1-9 or Luke 24:1-12

Reflection:

Why Do You Seek the Living One Among the Dead?

Happy Easter! Jesus is risen, just as He said! Can we believe it? Can we believe in the truth of Easter? I do not ask this question lightly, because it was a question for some of the apostles before they saw the Risen Jesus themselves. In the Gospel reading for the Easter Vigil (Luke 24:1-12), after the women see the tomb empty, and report to the apostles what the two angels told them about the Resurrection of Jesus, the apostles thought that “their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them.”

Another reason I do not ask the question lightly is because of what is going on in our world. When the women see the angels, the angels say, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.”

That opening question by the angels is a challenge to us. If we really believe in the truth of Easter; if we really believe in the vindication of Jesus’ sacrifice made out of love, why do we seek life in the things that bring death? What am I talking about? When people do violence in the name of Jesus, do they think that somehow that violence will bring them life because it punishes “them?” In the same way, do we hold on to resentments, thinking that hatred or vengeance will bring us life?

Do we hold on to the “dead” desires of control and domination, believing that power and wealth bring us true life? When we hold on to these dead ideas, we are dismissing the truth of Easter, which shows us that the power of God is shown in love and sacrifice and giving of oneself.

Why would we look for life in the death-dealing motives of hate or fear or greed? Or would we give in to despair, and think we can only survive if we are indifferent to the needs of others?

Or could we, possibly, put our trust in the love of God? Could we live in the hope of the Resurrection, and seek to do our part in building up the kingdom? Yes, Easter, to a lot of people, is nonsense, but that doesn’t make it less real. But we cannot share the hope of Easter if we keep looking for life in things which bring death.

Don’t turn your back on the reality of Easter! May we no longer look for life in the things that bring death! Trust in the love of God in Jesus Christ! Even when the crosses are heavy and seem unbearable, try to remember that God can lift you up now as He has done for you before!

Jesus is Risen! Alleluia!

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Holy Saturday

Let all the questions just fall away...

we invite you to simply be at the tomb.

The empty tomb of Jesus with bright light shining through the opening.