In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7, verse 7-8, it says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” For those seeking a new job, however, the ‘finding’ can be difficult at times. That’s where the JobWorks Career Ministry can help!
As the cofounders of the JobWorks Ministry, Paul Dean and Dana Gower, say, “Today’s workforce is undergoing unprecedented disruption. Job loss, career pivots, and uncertainty are increasingly common due to restructuring, artificial intelligence, and automation. The average worker now changes jobs every 3-5 years, yet most people find themselves unprepared with the strategies, tools, or networks needed to navigate these transitions effectively.” Both men are longtime Catholics in the Diocese of Raleigh and felt a calling to use their expertise to help those in need.
Dana and Paul found themselves uniquely qualified to help job seekers, both spiritually and practically, who, for a variety of reasons, found themselves without work. Whether they were recently displaced or returning to the workforce after time away, were new to the area and seeking community and connections, or recent graduates struggling to gain traction in a competitive job market, their ministry provides a structured, supportive environment focused on real-world results.
When asked about the current job search environment, they say, “The current environment is both more difficult and more full of opportunity than ever before. In the Triangle, we continue to see strong growth across sectors such as technology, healthcare, and life sciences. Talent demand remains high in specific areas, and the region attracts a steady influx of new residents.” However, there are some downsides to that sort of market. “That growth has created intense competition, especially for desirable roles. While at the same time, hiring across many industries feels slower and more cautious as companies reassess workforce needs in light of economic uncertainty and rapid technological change.”
Their experience has shown them that what’s truly different today is the emergence of several new challenges for job seekers. These include AI and automation reshaping roles and eliminating certain entry-level opportunities; ‘Phantom jobs’, a job posting for a non-existent or already filled position used to gather data by employers, or a prolonged hiring cycles that create frustration and uncertainty; the increased competition from local and especially remote candidates, and the fact that some skills have lost relevance, where what worked even 1-2 years ago may no longer be enough.
Some of these challenges are not entirely new; companies have always gone through cycles of restructuring, but the speed and scale of change are unprecedented. With that said, they point out, “There are also more pathways than ever before, including contract, consulting, and project-based work as entry points; remote and hybrid roles are expanding geographic opportunity to outside of the immediate area; and the ability to differentiate yourself through personal branding and networking.” The JobWorks ministry emphasizes that success today requires a shift from passive job searching to proactive opportunity creation, from one-time education to lifelong learning, and from relying on applications to building real relationships.
What does this practical, real-life support mean for individuals looking for a role? They have found that most successful job seekers are those who adapt, learn, and take initiative.
In short, they have found that those who treat their career like a living, evolving strategy, not a static resume, gain a significant edge. “One of the most important roles we promote is simple but powerful,” they say, “and that’s to become an active, intentional networker.” The ministry can provide practical job-search skills, mentoring and coaching, networking, and a community of support, and, again, a faith-based perspective and resources highlighting the dignity of work, one of the seven Catholic Social Teachings.
Their ministry is very practical, as well, not just for those seeking a role, but for those looking to fill them. “We strongly encourage employers and professionals to engage with JobWorks. Our ministry creates a natural bridge between individuals seeking meaningful work and employers looking for motivated, value-driven talent. For those offering roles, they get the chance to share opportunities with a highly engaged and supported network, attend or speak at our live meetings across Triangle parishes, and build those ‘real relationships’ mentioned above with candidates in a more personal, trust-based setting.
JobWorks is different from many of the ministries at St. Francis, but not all. Certainly, JobWorks is here to serve our community, but they also serve across the Triangle at many of our Diocese of Raleigh parishes. As they say on their website, “JobWorks is not only a service, but also a ministry that strengthens parish life by engaging parishioners in meaningful service through mentoring and outreach, building deeper parish community connections by helping members support one another, providing a tangible response to real-life challenges facing parish families, and supporting evangelization by demonstrating the Church’s relevance in everyday struggles.” They help people find dignity, direction, and hope through meaningful work.
Even if you aren’t currently looking for a role, there are opportunities to help. As Dana and Paul point out, “JobWorks is currently supported by a small group of dedicated volunteers, most of whom also have full-time professional responsibilities. These individuals act as liaisons within their parish, helping to coordinate and promote local JobWorks meetings; supporting fellow parishioners through mentoring, connections, and encouragement; and extending the ministry’s reach into the broader community. At its core, this role is about living out the dignity of work through service to others.” As they grow, they are seeking individuals who feel called to serve as ‘Careering Apostles’, the term they use to describe their roles.
As ‘Careering Apostles’, Dana and Paul share the prayer that inspires them in their ministry: “As a Careering Apostle, inspired by Saint Joseph and the Catholic Principles associated with the Dignity of Work, we will do our best to proactively share, connect, and mentor our parish members and other members of our community, with work, career, and employment support. Teach us to encourage everyone seeking employment and business opportunities to have faith, and to call upon us and our ‘JobWorks Ministry’ for any assistance we can give. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.”
To find out more, take a look at their JobWorks website or reach out to Paul at vpauldean@gmail.com, and be sure to follow them on LinkedIn.
