Director of Music Ministry and Organist

Job Description

Director of Music Ministry and Organist (Part-Time)
Saint Virgil Church
Morris Plains, NJ
Schedule: 12-15 hours/week (variable based on liturgical calendar)
Classification: Part-time, Exempt
Salary: $35,000 annually
Work Location: In-person

Saint Virgil Church is seeking a talented and collaborative Director of Music Ministry and Organist to lead the parish's liturgical music program.

The Director of Music Ministry is responsible for planning and providing music for weekend and special and Holy Day liturgies, coordinating volunteer cantors and substitute musicians, and working closely with the Pastor and parish staff to support vibrant, prayerful worship.

Position:
This is a part-time Director of Music Ministry position centered around the parish's three weekend Masses, with additional responsibilities for major liturgies, rehearsals, weddings, funerals, and other parish celebrations.

Saint Virgil Church welcomes candidates who combine excellent musicianship with an understanding that liturgical music is ultimately at the service of the prayer and participation of the worshipping community.

Responsibilities:
- Serve as the principal musician for the parish's weekend Masses: 5:00 PM on Saturday and 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM on Sunday.
- Must be available to play Christmas Eve and Day, all Holy Week Liturgies including: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday.
- Plan appropriate music for Sundays, Holy Days, and other parish liturgies in accordance with the liturgical calendar
- Plan for and provide appropriate accompaniment and support for healing Masses held every First Friday and Taize prayer held twice per year
- Provide organ and/or piano accompaniment and lead congregational singing
- Recruit, schedule, rehearse, and support volunteer parish cantors and other musicians
- Recruit, rehearse, and support the existing adult choir - Rehearsal on Sunday morning from 10:00 AM until 11:15 AM and weeknights as needed, including for Holy Days, special liturgies and Taize prayer
- Coordinate substitute musicians when necessary (two weekends covered by parish for vacation)
- Prepare and direct/play music for Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, Confirmation, First Communion, and other major parish celebrations
- Provide or coordinate music for weddings, funerals, and other sacramental liturgies (separate compensation)
- Maintain and develop the parish's music library and other music ministry resources
- Ensure the maintenance of the parish musical instruments
- Collaborate with the Pastor, parish staff, clergy, and liturgical ministers in planning worship
- Help foster strong congregational participation and continue developing the musical life of the parish

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong proficiency in organ and piano
- Experience accompanying and leading Catholic liturgical music
- Knowledge of the Roman Catholic liturgy and the role of music within it
- Strong sight-reading, accompanying, and leadership skills
- Experience working with cantors, choirs, or volunteer musicians
- Good organizational, scheduling, and communication skills
- The ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners
- A degree in music, sacred music, or a related field is preferred, though equivalent
professional and liturgical experience will be considered
- Vocal ability and experience directing choirs or ensembles are desirable.

Additional Requirements:
- Virtus Certification (Protecting God's Children) required upon hire
- The preferred candidate will reside within a 25-mile radius of the church.

Compensation and Benefits:
- $35,000 annually salary
- Flexible scheduling aligned with liturgical calendar
- Two-weeks paid time off
- Bonus opportunities
- Additional compensation for weddings and funerals

Application Process:
Please submit:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Optional: links to recordings, performances, or portfolio

Email: parishcoordinator@stvirgilparish.org
Applications accepted until position is filled

About the Employer

Saint Virgil Church is a Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Paterson