Director of Music and Liturgy

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Director of Music and Liturgy
Location: Blessed Michael McGivney Parish
Reports To: Pastor
FLSA CODE: Exempt- Full Time
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Music and Liturgy is a key leader in the spiritual and worship life of the eight churches of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish, working directly under the Pastor. This role oversees all aspects of music and liturgical planning to foster a vibrant and engaging worship environment. Through the integration of music and liturgy, the Director seeks to inspire the parish community toward deeper faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ.

This role requires the ability to work in a Catholic environment of kindness, compassion, respect, integrity, mutual charity and dignity. The Director of Music and Liturgy Ministry must reflect the core values of the Catholic Church and Blessed Michael McGivney Parish

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Master's degree in music or a related field preferred with a strong knowledge of the Catholic worship and liturgy. The candidate shall participate in on-going courses related to changes in liturgy and be self-sufficient on the use of music software
• The qualified candidate must have a minimum of 1-3 years in directing a faith-based choir in a Catholic parish
• Strong proficiency and experience in playing both the organ (1871 Hook organ) and piano at a professional level, and proficient in conducting and singing
• This individual must be a practicing Catholic deeply rooted in faith
• Exemplary communication/people skills (working well with adults and children alike, as well as high school students)
• Eclectic/versatile musical knowledge and styles including standard modern Catholic music, traditional hymns, and Praise & Worship style of music. Must have the creativity and ability to arrange and/or compose music that inspires the congregation and helps enhance their church experience
Music Ministry Responsibilities:

• Supervise and manage a team of musicians
• Responsible for arranging music for all Liturgical and Para-liturgical services at Blessed Michael McGivney Parish
• Responsible for scheduling organist and cantor for all Parish masses, Catholic holidays, and Holy Day of Obligation masses
• Be on site at least 45 minutes before each liturgy to rehearse with musicians and provide appropriate preludes and postludes for every liturgy.
• Continually keep liturgies new and fresh by using different songs, settings and responses.
• May perform as Organist/Vocalist, Song leader for funerals and weddings, or arrange with other musicians for coverage
• Director of all choir leaders and choirs
• Conduct regular rehearsals with all instrumentalists, adults, children's and contemporary choir with special emphasis on seasonal rehearsals
• Overall responsibility for recruitment, training, and retention of choir members (adult, children, contemporary choirs)
• Coordinate and arrange for additional musicians (violin, cello, wind instruments, tympani, etc.) and ensure quality of musical performance during masses/events at which these they perform.
• Responsibility for arranging, transposing and composing materials as needed or required.
• Assist in preparation of parish weddings and funerals by meeting with individuals/families to plan music and play for liturgical service
• Provide sacred concerts and/or other fund-raising musical enterprises (i.e. Vespers in collaboration with Yale Institute of Sacred Music)
• Serve as resource on musical and liturgical matters for all staff, faculty, and volunteer ministers in the parish, as well as provide catechesis to the parish at large on matters of corporate worship and musical celebration

Liturgical Responsibilities:

• Organize, coordinate, provide education
• Prepare annual calendar of liturgical services in concert with other parish staff and submit for the approval of the pastor
• Oversee the training and scheduling of song leaders/cantors
• Review and evaluate overall quality of parish liturgical and musical program and make specific recommendations to the pastor (annual review and evaluation)
• Make sure all general liturgical items (song boards, announcements, intercessions, etc.) are in place for all weekend, holy day and special liturgies

Other Responsibilities:
• Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings
• Provides a visible, accessible presence at parish events
• Demonstrates concern for parishioner input
• Provide quarterly update in person to Pastoral Council on Music Ministry activities
• Prepare an annual music and liturgy budget for submission to the Parish Finance Council.

Miscellaneous:
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends
• Must be flexible with the work schedule, especially on Holy Days and for special events
• VIRTUS and CHRO certification required within two weeks of hire, as well as a background check

About the Employer

On July 1, 2023, seven New Haven parishes (Sts. Aedan & Brendan; St. Anthony; St. Martin de Porres; St. Mary; St. Michael; Our Lady of Guadalupe; and St. Stanislaus) were merged into a single entity named Blessed Michael McGivney Parish, in alignment with canon law
The aim of this merger was laid out by the Archdiocese of Hartford and parish leadership: to bring together priests, churches, ministries, and resources to form a stronger, more vibrant Catholic community and culture in New Haven.
The parish's designation as "uniting the Catholic Churches of the Elm City" reflects that core identity and pastoral mission