What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director - Sacred Music position at Archdiocese of St. Louis?
The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area. Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Job Summary
The Director Sacred Music is an integral member of the parish staff with professional preparation in, and sensitivity to, the celebration of Catholic liturgy and ritual. This ministry provides leadership in the planning, execution, and celebration of parish liturgies. In the faith life of the local community, the role of liturgy is to celebrate and challenge one’s relationship with God, one another, and the world. Therefore, liturgy necessitates a qualified person to coordinate this important aspect of parish life. The Director of Sacred Music shall be a practicing Catholic in full accord with the teachings of the Catholic Church, with a deep commitment to the principles of the Church and to the musical styles expressive of excellent Roman Catholic liturgy.
Job Responsibilities
Worship:
- Assesses parish worship needs and oversees liturgies, sacramental services, and music following The General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
- Acts as the resource for all music groups, promoting skill development for liturgy planning and execution.
- Develops the parish’s liturgical spirit, fostering hospitality and harmony.
- Directs from the bench.
- Plays organ/piano at 10 am Mass, holy days, and special liturgies as directed by the pastor.
- Serves as the primary contact for funerals and weddings.
- Coordinates schedules for parish musicians.
- Coaches cantors, song leaders, and instrumentalists.
- Hires vocal and instrumental soloists.
- Purchases music and supplies within budget.
- Builds a music repertoire and encourages congregation participation in liturgies.
Administration:
- Collaborates with the pastor and parish staff to integrate responsibilities into the overall parish mission.
- Directs worship and music planning for liturgical seasons, sacramental celebrations, and other events.
- Leads liturgical music efforts, coordinates musicians, ensures copyright compliance, and maintains instruments.
- Evaluates worship programs and ministries periodically.
- Collaborates with staff on worship-related responsibilities.
- Manages the liturgical and music budget with the pastor and business manager.
- Attends staff meetings.
- Flexible schedule, with some office hours, as a part-time employee.
- Assists with additional projects as needed.
Education:
- Provides ongoing formation for liturgical ministers and teams.
- Motivates and trains all music ministers, both paid and volunteer.
- Educates parish members on liturgical practices, planning, and sensitivity.
- Provides education and practical training for cantors, song leaders, and music groups.
- Shares information on growth opportunities like workshops and programs.
- Stays current on liturgy, music, Canon Law, and Archdiocesan guidelines, updating the parish accordingly.
Pastoral Services:
- Engages with key parish groups and events, addressing the faith and concerns of parishioners.
- Fosters unity among musicians and collaborates with liturgical ministers.
Job Requirements
1. Has an in-depth understanding of the theology and history of sacramental and liturgical practices.
2. Is knowledgeable of the historical and pastoral development of the liturgical year.
3. Is knowledgeable of the relationship between religion and culture and of the relationship between ecclesial spirituality and liturgy/devotional expressions of popular piety.
4. Has basic knowledge of the Church’s liturgical norms and regulations.
5. Has a basic understanding of the Church’s liturgical ministries and arts.
6. Is proficient in liturgical principles.
7. Is knowledgeable of and comfortable with Church music literature in all forms and styles for the congregation, choirs, vocalists, and instrumentalists.
8. Has a thorough understanding of the musical, liturgical, and pastoral judgments that must be made in selecting music for liturgy.
9. Is proficient in organ, piano or keyboard, and choral direction.
10. Has excellent computer skills.
11. Has exemplary communications skills.
12. Has a working knowledge of basic sound system functions.
Formation, Training, and Criteria for Readiness
This work demands professional training in liturgy and music. Minimally, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required, even though a more professional qualification, such as the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in liturgy or music, is preferred.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.
Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.
