Director of Music and Liturgy

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Liturgy and Music is responsible for the overall administration, planning, coordination, and execution of the liturgical and musical life of the parish in collaboration with the pastoral staff and Liturgy Committee, in accordance with the teachings and norms of the Roman Catholic Church.

This position supports and advances the mission and vision of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Parish by fostering vibrant worship, engaging parishioners through sacred music and liturgical ministry, and cultivating a welcoming and prayerful worship environment. The Director recruits, trains, and supports volunteers while providing leadership for all parish liturgical celebrations and music ministries.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Liturgical Music Leadership
• Serve as the principal organist/pianist and choral director for all parish liturgies.
• Direct and accompany the adult choir, children's choir, pastoral music groups, cantors, and soloists.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Music Director regarding the Spanish choir and multicultural liturgical celebrations.
• Select and coordinate music for all parish liturgies, including weekend Masses, holy days, weddings, funerals, and sacramental celebrations.
• Coordinate and lead rehearsals for all music ensembles and liturgical ministers.
• Hire and supervise professional instrumentalists and vocalists as needed.
• Willing to engage in the faith life of our parish.
Sacramental and Special Liturgies
• Plan and coordinate music and liturgical elements for major parish celebrations, including:
o Confirmation
o First Eucharist
o Easter Vigil
o Parish Reconciliation Services
o Baptisms
o Weddings
o Funerals
• Meet with engaged couples and funeral family members to assist in planning appropriate liturgical music and worship elements.
• Oversee guest choirs, concerts, and special musical events hosted by the parish.
Liturgy Coordination
• Facilitate and lead Liturgy Committee meetings.
• Ensure all liturgical celebrations, worship environments, and seasonal decorations are conducted in accordance with Catholic liturgical norms and parish standards.
• Collaborate with parish ministries and staff, including youth sacramental preparation, adult faith formation, and other pastoral areas.
Administrative Responsibilities
• Develop and manage the annual liturgy and music budget in collaboration with the Director of Operations.
• Maintain inventory and procurement of liturgical supplies, including candles, sacramental wine, worship materials, and related items.
• Design and prepare worship aids and printed liturgical materials as needed.
• Attend parish staff meetings and participate actively in parish leadership and planning.
Professional Development
• Maintain a high level of musical proficiency and liturgical knowledge.
• Stay informed on current sacred music repertoire, liturgical resources, and best practices in Catholic worship and music ministry.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Demonstrated proficiency in both organ and piano accompaniment.
• Bachelor's degree in Music, Music Education or a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience planning and directing liturgy and music ministry in a Roman Catholic parish preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgy and liturgical practices.
• Ability to select music appropriate to liturgical seasons and celebrations with pastoral sensitivity.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and team-building skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, parishioners, and families.
• Ability to recruit, motivate, train, and supervise volunteers and ministry leaders.
• Commitment to fostering a welcoming, prayerful, and collaborative parish environment.

About the Employer

The mission of our parish is to share Jesus in the Eucharist through God's word by community and service.