Assistant Director of Worship

Job Description

About St. John Henry Newman Parish: St. John Henry Newman was founded in December 1963 as a personal parish, with the "persons" defined as students, faculty, staff of the University and two Colleges as well as their dependents, plus anyone else who registers. We are a University Parish of more than 800 families and over 1,000 students. We serve the Columbia community as well as the collegiate campuses of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephen's College, and Columbia College. We are a full Parish with Campus Ministry as our primary apostolate. We proclaim the Gospel with its challenges and consolations to each other and to the world, and strive to be a community with dynamic worship, fellowship, hospitality, and Gospel values. Through the Holy Spirit, we are refreshed and become empowered to minister and serve.

Employment Classification: Full time, exempt. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours required.
Accountable to: Pastor and Director of Worship
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Start Date: Open until filled

Essential Functions:
Help with music direction and recruitment for all weekend Masses.
Direct/play (piano or organ)/cantor as needed at weekend Masses.
Attend staff meetings as scheduled and assist with scheduling liturgies on church calendar.
Special liturgies (Confirmation, penance services, OCIA rites, Mass on the Quad, Baccalaureate Mass, Triduum, Holy Days, Alumni Choir, etc.)
Recruit, teach and form college students in musical skills and liturgical spirituality.
Oversight/coordination of Mass binders (Priest and Ambo)
Upkeep of music library.
Retreat music support for Campus Ministry Awakenings retreats.
Seasonal planning and direction.
Keeping up on ordering liturgical and musical supplies/tidying the sacristy.
Soundboard training and oversight.
Work Towards:
Recruit and train a children's choir for periodic singing at Mass.
Recruit and train a men's choir.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to develop and execute short-term and long-term plans, direct and inspire others, and deal with change.
A knowledge of liturgical practices, especially of the Catholic Church, and an understanding of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, and other relevant documents and sacramental rites.
Experience in choral conducting
Knowledge of and experience in performing a broad and diverse range of sacred music choral repertoire including chant, hymnody, and contemporary/praise and worship pieces. Appreciation of the breadth of repertoire and various styles that can be used in sacred worship.
The ability to collaborate and work well with others, prioritize tasks, and manage time efficiently
Strong interpersonal communications skills with the ability to observe, question, listen, give and accept feedback.
Functional keyboard skills, appropriate for a choral conductor. Ability to accompany an ensemble on piano and organ required.
Functional understanding of and ability to direct ensembles with varying instrumentation (guitar, strings, wind, brass, percussion, organ, etc.).
Strong vocal ability in choral and solo singing as well as strong part singing skills.
Excellent written/oral communication skills.
Ability to work in a multigenerational setting.
Experience with various music technology or the ability to quickly learn: Sibelius, soundboard technology.

Qualifications:
Active Catholic
Bachelor's degree (in music preferred) or equivalent relevant education and experience
Experience working in a church and/or directing a choir

Application:
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume with three references and video recording of music leadership (during liturgy preferred but home recording is acceptable) to Fr. Dan Merz at frdan@comonewman.org

About the Employer

The St. John Henry Newman Catholic Church is a vibrant Catholic parish located adjacent to the University of Missouri (MU) campus. Newman serves 850 resident parishioner households with a full range of faith formation programs including a highly active Campus Ministry program that serves approximately 1,000 students at MU, Stephens College and Columbia College, all located in Columbia, Missouri.

Our mission is:
With the help of Grace, to form a Catholic community of faith who cultivates beauty, truth, goodness, communion, and justice.