Organist and Choir Director - St. Francis Church

Job Description

Position Summary
Blessed Michael McGivney Parish is seeking a talented and dedicated Organist & Choir Director to serve the faith community of St. Francis Church in New Haven. The successful candidate will possess exceptional musical ability, a strong understanding of Catholic liturgy and sacred music, and a collaborative spirit. This individual will lead and develop the church music ministry while supporting meaningful and prayerful worship through music.
Essential Functions
• Serve as principal organist for the Sunday 9:30 AM Mass.
• Play the historic 1874 Hook pipe organ during liturgical celebrations.
• Direct, recruit, and foster the English-language choir for the 9:30 AM Mass.
• Plan and prepare music appropriate to the liturgical seasons in collaboration with the Pastor and Director of Music and Liturgy
• Work collaboratively with the directors of the Spanish-language choirs serving the 11:00 AM Mass.
• Provide musical guidance and support to the Spanish-language choir directors and singers.
• Play the organ at appropriate times during the Sunday 11:00 AM Mass.
• Assist with music for Holy Days, Triduum, Christmas, Easter, weddings, funerals, and other special liturgies as needed.
• Participate in parish-wide musical events and collaborate with other music ministries throughout Blessed Michael McGivney Parish as opportunities arise.
• Maintain a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative environment for clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners.
Qualifications
• Demonstrated proficiency in organ performance, preferably with experience playing a historic 1874 Hook pipe organ.
• Experience directing choirs and working with volunteer musicians.
• Thorough knowledge of Catholic liturgy and sacred music, including both traditional and contemporary repertoire.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, parish staff, volunteers, and fellow musicians.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
Schedule
• Sunday 9:30 AM Mass
• Sunday 11:00 AM Mass (organ accompaniment as appropriate)
• Choir rehearsals
• Holy Days of Obligation
• Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, weddings, funerals, and other special liturgical celebrations as scheduled.
Compensation
• Pay is 150 per mass, 150 per rehearsal. Average of 4 masses or rehearsals a week.

About Blessed Michael McGivney Parish
Blessed Michael McGivney Parish is a vibrant, multicultural Catholic parish serving the greater New Haven community through eight worship sites. We are committed to fostering reverent liturgical celebrations, outstanding sacred music, and a welcoming faith community rooted in worship, service, and evangelization.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references for consideration to Suzanne McDermott, Director of Operations, smcdermott@newhavencatholic.org

About the Employer

Blessed Michael McGivney Parish is a vibrant, multicultural Catholic parish serving the greater New Haven community through eight worship sites. We are committed to fostering reverent liturgical celebrations, outstanding sacred music, and a welcoming faith community rooted in worship, service, and evangelization.