What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Worship position at Catholic Diocese of Lansing?
St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Brighton is now accepting resumes for a full-time Director of Worship.
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Director of Worship is responsible for aiding the Pastor:
- in celebrating liturgies that are reverent and beautiful,
- by providing appropriate music at various events, and
- in guiding the prayer and devotional life of the parish.
KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS
Acts 2:42 states: "They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers." The Director of Worship ensures that 'the breaking of the bread" and "the prayers" are taken seriously and are integral aspects of parish life at St. Mary Magdalen. As such, there are three primary areas of responsibility:
Liturgical Ministry
- Collaborate with the Pastor and other stakeholders in the liturgical planning and celebration in order to deliver a reverent and beautiful liturgical experience.
Music Ministry
- Collaborate with the Pastor to form and lead a team of musicians/choir that will enhance and elevate all worship events and experiences at the parish.
Spiritual Life
- Collaborate with the Pastor to form and lead a team of parishioners in order to build up the prayer and devotional life of the parish.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES
In each of those Key Responsibility Areas, the Director of Worship is responsible for a number of Primary Duties, specifically:
Liturgical Ministry
- Lead liturgical planning meetings
- Direct recruitment, training, and scheduling for liturgical ministry volunteers
- Direct sacristy responsibilities, supplies, and church adornments in collaboration with liturgical personnel and ministry teams
- Research and advise the pastor on the rubrics for liturgical celebrations according to the Roman Missal, Rite Books, and the GIRM
- Research and implement any liturgical changes that are dictated by the Diocese of Lansing, the USCCB, or the Vatican
- Develop a strong working relationship with the Diocesan Office of Worship
Music Ministry
- Direct recruitment, training, scheduling and lead the musicians/choir for Sunday Masses, retreats, praise and worship nights, youth events, etc.
- Select appropriate songs and form playlists for Masses and other events
- Collaborate with the Pastor regarding musical styles and liturgical seasons
- Form and lead a children’s choir
- Be available for funerals and weddings as they are scheduled or find coverage
- Participate in parish events as appropriate (preschool Christmas program, parish picnic, etc.)
Spiritual Life
- Direct recruitment, training, and scheduling and lead the Encounter Team, a group of parishioners to assist with:
- Prayer Ministry
- Particular devotions (First Friday. Divine Mercy, etc.)
- Days of Adoration
- Praise and Worship nights
- Speaker series, classes, or workshops
- Facilitate the Encounter and Re-Encounter Retreats
- Direct and expand Eucharistic Exposition/Benediction
- Pray with and for the parish
Other duties may be assigned to the Director of Worship at the discretion of the Pastor.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for the Director of Worship must:
- Be a disciple of Jesus Christ
- Embrace the mission and values of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
- Be a registered parishioner at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
- Work well within groups and teams as both a leader and participant
- Be familiar with a wide range of musical styles
- Be familiar with a wide range of Catholic spiritualities and devotions
- Be familiar with liturgical documents and able to advise the Pastor accordingly
- Have accomplished proficiency in playing the piano and electronic organ
The ideal candidate for the Director of Worship is:
- Organized, dependable, and punctual
- Able to work with and troubleshoot technology
- Energetic and passionate
- Strategic and growth-oriented
The ideal candidate for the Director of Worship possesses:
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent certification, preferably in Liturgy, Music. Pastoral Ministry, or a related field
- Expertise in liturgy, worship, spirituality, and music
- Exceptional communication skills
- At least two years experience in leading worship
