Director of Sacred Music

Job Description

St Patrick Catholic Parish is a large suburban parish that exists to make Spirit-filled missionary disciples of Jesus for the glory of God the Father. The recent renovation of the interior of the church reflects St Pat's unwavering commitment to celebrating the Sacred Liturgy with beauty and reverence so that the parishioners can offer themselves with Christ to the living God and receive the outpouring of his grace for the sake of evangelization.

Supporting the five Sunday Masses, one of which is a Vigil Mass, the parish's strong music program consists of a traditional adult choir, two music ensembles, and a renaissance quartet. The church is outfitted with a new sound system, a versatile 3-manual, 39-rank Letourneau masterpiece organ, a nine foot concert grand Steinway piano, and a relatively large music budget that provides for a professional choral accompanist.

The Director of Sacred Music assists the Christian faithful in offering praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and petition to God through various styles of music, song and chant, especially in the Sacred Liturgy.

Key Responsibility Areas:
1. Play music for parish/school liturgies and special events

--Play the organ and piano for Sunday Masses, school Masses, Holy Days, funerals, and weddings.

--Lead music for various prayer and liturgical services, including but not limited to Penance services, Holy Hours with Eucharistic Adoration, and other special events.

--Deepen liturgical understanding of the liturgy through the choice of songs and occasional catechesis for parish and school.

2. Plan and select music

--Select the music for various liturgies from the sacred treasury such as chant, hymns and contemporary styles that assist the faithful in worshipping the Father through Christ in the Holy Spirit.

--With the Pastor and Liturgy Coordinator, ensure that liturgical music is in accord with the magisterium of the Church on Sacred Music and the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

3. Direct and oversee parish volunteers, choirs and musicians

--Oversee, train, and administrate cantors, traditional, and renaissance choirs, contemporary music ensembles.

--Choir conducting and vocal coaching

--Schedule and oversee piano and organ accompanists

--Recruit, train, and sustain quality cantors and musicians

--Oversee sound technician leader

4. Administration

--Oversee entire music ministry budget

--Various administrative tasks, such as scheduling piano tuning, ordering music, ensuring copyright compliance, etc

--Attend parish staff meetings

The Ideal Candidate Must:

--Be a Spirit-filled disciple of Jesus Christ and passionate about making and forming disciples

--Be committed to growing in holiness through daily prayer and interior conversion

--Be able to sing and play the piano and organ. Experience in leading others in worship preferred

--Have a knowledge of Catholic music literature and Catholic teaching on the role of song and music in the liturgy

--Possess a working knowledge of Catholic Liturgy and Sacraments, especially a familiarity with all parts of the Mass and where music is required

--Bachelor's degree or equivalent in music. B.S. in Sacred Music or Liturgical Music preferred.

--Enjoy working with others and building a team environment, while staying self-motivated and reaching goals as a leader

--Be approachable, affable and winsome

--Be able to work well with volunteers

--Complete our safe environment training for the protection of children and youth. Must pass a criminal background check.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

To apply for the position, please submit a resume and Cover Letter that explains why you want this position.

About the Employer

St Patrick Catholic Church exists to make Spirit-filled missionary disciples of Jesus Christ for the glory of God the Father.