Director of Music

Primary Function of this Position

As a Catholic parish family, guided by the Holy Trinity and the compassion of our patron, St. Gerard Majella, our parish seeks to bring the fullness of the Gospel to its members and community, collaborating with the Holy Spirit, to foster faith in Jesus Christ. To that end, the Director of Sacred Music is responsible for working with the pastor to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the sacred music in the service of the liturgy. The Director of Sacred Music will work to plan, direct, and execute music for parish liturgies including the Mass and other sacraments, as well as other special liturgical events, with the purpose of fostering a liturgical music program that promotes the active participation of the parishioners (both liturgically and spiritually), encourages musical excellence, and is rooted in the liturgical and theological richness of the Catholic Church.

Major Responsibilities

• Execute liturgical music in accordance with Archdiocesan guidelines, the Office of Worship, and the direction of the pastor

• Ensure that the music ministry maintains a high standard of musical proficiency, theological integrity, and liturgical appropriateness

• Manage/direct the parish choir, schola, cantors, and/or instrumentalists for two Masses per weekend, and for Holy Days as needed

• Support special parish events, such as seasonal concerts, parish festivals, parish worship or liturgy outside of Mass, and other community gatherings with music that enhances the event

• Coordinate with the parish priests and engaged couples to plan and execute music for weddings as needed

• Assist with funeral music planning and coordinate with cantors and other musicians as needed

• Practice with each group as required by their schedule (weekly for the choir, and for schola and cantors as needed)

• Foster the use of sacred music including chant, classical hymns, contemporary music, and new compositions within the keeping of liturgical norms, and enable parishioners to learn and sing it in communal worship

• Create and print necessary music sheets or programs for Masses and events

• Order pew resources (missalettes, hymnals, and additional resources)

• Manage and maintain an organized music library, both physical and virtual

• Secure appropriate copyright licensing with OneLicense.net, CCLI, etc. and follow all protocols and procedures to maintain proper adherence to copyright laws

• Provide guidance and change to music protocol to reflect the various liturgical seasons, selecting appropriate music as needed

• Oversee regular maintenance of parish musical instruments (organ, piano, handbells, etc.)

• Manage the budget and stipends for paid musicians in cooperation with the pastor and parish finance council

• Offer periodic formation workshops for musicians and the broader parish community to deepen their understanding of sacred music and its role in worship

• Serve as a spiritual leader and role model for the music ministry, encouraging prayerful participation and personal growth in faith for all musicians

• Participate in weekly staff prayer and meetings

Qualifications

• A deep personal commitment to the Catholic faith, a strong understanding of the meaning and purpose of the sacred liturgy, and a passion for using music to enrich the worship experience of the parish

• Undergraduate degree in music with proficiency in musical theory, keyboard (organ/piano), and choral conducting, with a demonstrated ability to lead and inspire singers and instrumentalists

• Familiarity with Catholic liturgical documents on sacred music including the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, and the 2020 USCCB document Hymnody at the Service of the Church: An Aid for Evaluating Hymn Lyrics

• Competence in chant, traditional hymnody, and contemporary liturgical music

• Ability to lead, manage, and inspire a diverse group of volunteers and professionals

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively

• Ability to work collaboratively with the pastor, other clergy, and parish staff in planning and implementing the parish’s liturgical life

• Ability to build relationships with a wide range of parishioners, musicians, and volunteers, creating a welcoming and supportive environment

• Familiarity with Sibelius music notation software or a comparable alternative (preferred)

Working Conditions

• Hours – Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate rehearsals, liturgies, and special events

• Compensation – Competitive salary based on experience, with potential for additional benefits such as healthcare and retirement contributions, as well as stipends for additional funerals and weddings

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $68,000