Director of Music Ministry

Job Description

Saint Mary Star of the Sea/Holy Savior Catholic Church seeks a faithful, practicing Catholic to serve as Director of Music Ministry (30 hours per week, benefits-eligible). The Director of Music Ministry is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the parish's liturgical music program, fostering active participation in the sacred liturgy through music that is prayerful, tasteful, and consistent with the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church. The Director works closely with the Pastor, who guides the direction and mission of the parish, in planning and implementing the liturgical and musical life of the parish.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep love for the sacred liturgy, an appreciation for the rich musical traditions of the Catholic Church, and the pastoral sensitivity necessary to serve a diverse parish community.

Essential Responsibilities
Plan, coordinate, and execute all musical aspects of parish liturgies in accordance with the norms of the Roman Catholic Church.

Select music appropriate to the liturgical season and individual celebrations while respecting the musical traditions and customs of the parish.

Direct and develop a variety of parish choirs and ensembles, encouraging participation among members of varying ages, backgrounds, and musical abilities.

Provide accompaniment on organ and piano for weekend Masses, holy days of obligation, sacramental celebrations, funerals, weddings, and other parish events.

Recruit, schedule, and support cantors, instrumentalists, choir members, and other music ministers.

Foster a spirit of cooperation, reverence, and service among all members of the music ministry.

Ensure that all music used in the liturgy reflects sound theological principles and serves the prayer of the Church.

Be available for special feast days, Holy Week, Christmas, parish celebrations, and other significant liturgical events.

Maintain and organize music resources, instruments, and choir materials.

Qualifications
Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church and committed to living and supporting the teachings of the Catholic faith.

Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Music Performance, Sacred Music, or a related field preferred.
Demonstrate proficiency in organ and piano accompaniment.

Ability to direct and instruct diverse choral groups and to work effectively with music ministers possessing varying levels of musical experience and ability.

Adequate knowledge of sacred music and its role within the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church.

Familiarity with liturgical documents and the principles governing music in Catholic worship.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

A cooperative and collaborative spirit, with the ability to work respectfully with clergy, parish staff, volunteers, and parishioners.

Commitment to fostering a prayerful, dignified, and beautiful celebration of the sacred liturgy.

About the Employer

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, encompassing the state of Delaware and the nine counties of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a believing community, professing its faith in God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Through Baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are joined not only to Christ, the Head of the body, which is His Church, but to all who believe in Him as Lord and Savior. In communion with the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome, and guided by the pastoral care of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Wilmington, we are called and commissioned.