Director of Sacred Music

Job Description

The Director of Sacred Music collaborates with the Rector and seminary faculty in the liturgical
formation of seminarians. Under the direct supervision of the seminary Rector, the Director of Sacred
Music assists in fostering active participation in the seminary liturgies and special events by coordinating
music and voice classes for the student body, schola cantorum, cantors, and student instrumentalists.
Our common sacred music regimen each Sunday includes chanted Morning Prayer, public Mass, and
chanted Evening Prayer. Weekdays generally include Morning Prayer, daily Mass, and Evening Prayer.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Sacred Music is responsible for music selections and curriculum development, as well as
fulfilling all the duties outlined below.
A. Liturgical Participation and Musical Accompaniment
• Adheres to seminarian horarium, providing in-person musical accompaniment, direction, and support.
• Rehearses with individual seminarians who are cantors for Morning Prayer, Mass, and Evening Prayer
and vocalists for other events, as necessary.
• Communicates general in-person availability and presence to staff and seminarians.
• Offers lessons to improve singing skills development, such as reading music, pitch matching, harmony,
and group singing dynamics.
B. Musical Leadership and Coordination
• Directs music under the supervision of the rector, who oversees all seminary worship.
• Oversees the scholae of the seminary, including the Spanish schola, the Sunday schola, and the special
event schola (mainly used for Tenebrae and Living Stations). In addition, there may be a daily schola as
needed.
• Oversees the seminary's general music practices. Specifically, there is one practice per week with the
Propaedeutic Stage men and one practice per week with the Discipleship Stage men.
• Coordinates activities with the assigned Student Music Coordinator.
• Assists the rector with other musical and liturgical formation as needed.
• Prepares music program to be performed at the annual fundraiser, Spes Gregis.
C. Planning and Resources
• Coordinates the planning of all liturgical feasts, especially concerning the selection of music and
preparation and printing of worship aids.
• Prepares a yearly Supplementum, a resource which includes musical resources that are used weekly by
seminarians, such as musical settings for the Benedictus and the Magnificat.
• Maintains a resource library of liturgy, liturgical music, and sacraments information.
D. Administrative and Professional Responsibilities • Attends the weekly staff/faculty meetings as
required.
• Ensures seminary instruments are tuned and maintained.
• Continues own professional development through workshops, seminars, etc.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
A. Knowledge and Skills
• Experience as an organist preferred
• Requires minimal supervision
• Collaborative worker
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Adequate computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and internet applications
• Adaptable to unknown situations and flexibility in creating innovative solutions
• Able to maintain confidentiality
B. Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in a music-related major required
• Minimum four years working with liturgical music in a Catholic environment
• Proficiency in leading liturgical music in Spanish and Latin
C. Special Requirements
• Must pass a background check and be Safe Environment cleared in the Diocese of Dallas
• Knowledge and commitment to Catholic teachings and practices • Strong commitment to the Catholic
priesthood and the Seminary's mission
• Some flexibility of hours beyond regularly scheduled workdays

About the Employer

Holy Trinity Seminary is a seminary for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas co-located on the campus of the University of Dallas.