Director of Sacred Liturgy

Job Description

Summary
In collaboration with and under the leadership of the pastor, the Director of Sacred Liturgy works for "the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful." The Director achieves this work through beautiful sacred music and robust and detailed liturgical programming toward this end. This full-time position is responsible both for developing and maintaining a comprehensive program of sacred music for the parish and school that assists the people of God in praying the liturgy well; and for supporting the pastor in the liturgical life of the parish. This position reports directly to the pastor and collaborates with other members of the parish staff and school faculty.

Qualifications
-Strong desire to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ in fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church
-At least 3 years of experience with strong background in sacred music and liturgy, including piano and organ proficiency
-Strong background in forming and directing cantors, choirs, and other musicians
-Strong attention to detail and well-organized
-Deep knowledge of and respect for Catholic liturgical norms and principles
-Facility with music notation software (Finale, Sibelius, etc.)
-Ability to communicate effectively, form, and work with a variety of constituents (especially children, the elderly, other musicians, and challenging parishioners), including ability to firmly yet gently say no when necessary
-Desire and ability to collaborate well with the parish staff

Principal Responsibilities

A. Planning of Sacred Liturgies
-Oversee planning of most sacred liturgies, in particular weekend Masses, Holy Day Masses, school Masses, funerals, weddings, and other special (para)liturgies, such as penance services, All Souls Day, Divine Mercy Sundays services, and Liturgy of the Hours
-Recruit, develop, and schedule liturgical assistants (EMHCs, readers, ushers, altar servers, sacristans, etc.); maintain all parish liturgical manuals
-As head sacristan, oversee all sacristan duties, including liturgical setup; ordering altar bread, wine, candles, incense, etc.; upkeep of all liturgical appurtenances, including vestments, linens, and sacred vessels. The Director collaborates closely with our team of sacristans for support toward this end.
-Support the pastor in his role to provide quality liturgical formation for our parishioners

B. Sacred Music
-Plan sacred music selections and lead as accompanist/choir director at most liturgies, especially those indicated above
-Create and implement a vision for growing the parish's sacred music program through catechesis and gradual changes as well other means, such as bulletin write-ups and seasonal concert series for both adult and children's choirs
-Rehearse, schedule, recruit, evaluate, and form choir(s), cantors, accompanists, and instrumentalists, including professionals when appropriate
-Prepare and monitor annual music budget

Professional Education and Development
The Director has a deep knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgy and a commitment to stay abreast of current developments in sacred liturgy and music. The Director may be asked to attend conferences put on by reputable institutes of sacred liturgy and/or music.

Working for the Catholic Church
Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their behavior must not violate the faith, morals, or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese of Louisville, such that it can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal. This position requires that the employee be a practicing Roman Catholic.

Key Information
-Reports to pastor
-Status: Exempt, 40 hours, available for funerals and weddings as needed.

About the Employer

Through Mary, we meet Jesus, love Him, and make Him loved (St. John Paul II).