Organist and Choir Master at the Basilica of Saint Peter

Job Description

Position Summary

A traditional, historic, and dynamically growing Roman Catholic parish, blessed with a recently updated three-manual pipe organ, is seeking a highly skilled Organist/Choir Master to lead a reverent and vibrant sacred music program. The ideal candidate is a practicing Roman Catholic who will foster a music program firmly rooted in the Church's sacred tradition, serving Novus Ordo Masses celebrated weekly in Latin, English, and Spanish.
Of key importance, the organist-choir master will have in the forefront of his or her ministry that music, while exceptionally important, remains always in the service of the liturgy.
This full-time leadership role requires a confident and experienced organist, proficient in improvisation and choral direction, who can direct a partially paid adult choir and a school choir.
The Organist/Choir Master will collaborate closely with the Pastor to elevate the liturgical life of the parish in harmony with the principles of Musicam Sacram.

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time (includes evening and weekend hours)

Salary Range: $70,000+ commensurate with education, experience, and ability.

Additionally, there are approximately 10+ funerals and 30 weddings per year - each with proper remuneration. The parish also provides a 50% tuition discount for children enrolled in our parish school as well as contributions to a diocesan-managed 403B account and health insurance.

Reports To: Pastor

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the parish music program with excellence and fidelity to the Church's liturgy.
• Grow and develop a Children's Choir, nurturing a love of sacred music in the next generation.
• Incorporate Gregorian chant, polyphony, motets, and traditional hymnody into all liturgies, including the use of English and Gregorian Propers and the Ordinary as the primary musical settings of the Mass.

• Direct and accompany:

o Saturday Vigil, Sunday, Holy Day, and School Masses
o Funerals, weddings, and special liturgical celebrations, including periodically scheduled Solemn Vespers and Exposition and Benediction

• Collaborate with the Pastor to select music in accord with the liturgical calendar and sacred tradition, supporting thoughtful liturgical planning and implementation.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor cantors, choir members, and instrumentalists.
• Lead regular rehearsals, prepare worship aids, and oversee the care and stewardship of parish music resources.
• Prepare worship aids for weekend, Holy Day, and School Masses.

Qualifications

• Practicing Roman Catholic, active in parish life, with a deep spiritual life and a strong love for the Church's liturgy.
• Thorough understanding of the principles contained in Musicam Sacram.
• Demonstrated excellence in organ performance, including accompaniment, liturgical repertoire, and improvisation.
• Proven experience in choral direction within the context of the Mass and other liturgies of the Church.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the desire and ability to work collaboratively as part of a cohesive parish team.
• Experience building, growing, and directing music programs in a parish setting.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, and telephones.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach above the shoulders as required in the performance of duties.
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds (e.g., music, equipment, materials).

Please include a resume, cover letter, and (if available) links to recordings or previous liturgical work.

About the Employer

The Chancery exists to serve the mission of the Bishop of Charleston to teach, sanctify, and govern the Catholic Church in South Carolina. Led by the Bishop, the Chancery supports the clergy, religious, and lay faithful in fulfilling the Great Commission given to us by the Lord Jesus (Mt 28:16-20).