Director of Liturgical Music

Job Description

Director of Liturgical Music
St. Anthony of Padua Parish and Schools, Effingham, IL

St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Effingham, Illinois, is an active and growing Roman Catholic Parish in Central Illinois seeking a full-time Director of Liturgical Music to lead and develop the musical life of our vibrant Catholic parish, in support of our parish's mission - utilizing our worship to form lifelong intentional disciples of Jesus Christ within His Church.

Working collaboratively with the Pastor, clergy, parish staff, school music staff, and parish musicians, the Director of Liturgical Music will plan and coordinate music for weekend Masses, school liturgies, sacramental celebrations, funerals, holy days, and other special liturgies. The Director will also recruit, develop, and lead choirs, cantors, accompanists, instrumentalists, and other volunteers while fostering the active participation of the assembly.
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Position Highlights
• Plan and coordinate music for parish and school liturgies in accordance with Catholic liturgical norms and the liturgical calendar
• Provide musical leadership as an organist or pianist and/or choir director for weekend Masses and major liturgical celebrations
• Recruit, train, schedule, and support cantors, accompanists, choir members, instrumentalists, and other music ministry volunteers
• Conduct weekly choir rehearsals and prepare choral music for weekend Masses, holy days, and special liturgies
• Collaborate with the parish's clergy, staff, and School Music Teacher
• Prepare music selections, worship aids, schedules, and other resources
• Maintain the parish's music library, instruments, music spaces, and sound-system needs
• Develop and manage the annual music ministry budget in collaboration with parish leadership
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Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
• A bachelor's degree in organ performance, piano performance, liturgical music, music education, choral conducting, or a related field; or CAGO certification; or equivalent experience in Catholic liturgical music ministry
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Catholic liturgy and the liturgical year
• Proficiency in piano and/or organ
• Demonstrated ability to direct a choir, including the ability to direct from the keyboard
• Strong vocal and music-reading skills
• Ability to sight-read and improvise on keyboard instruments
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• The ability to recruit and work effectively with volunteers, staff, adults, and students
• A willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings, holy days, and major holidays
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
Five years of Catholic parish music ministry experience, formal training in Catholic liturgical music or voice, and experience working with adult choirs, children, and youth are preferred.
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Salary, Benefits, and Schedule
• Salary: The anticipated salary range is $52,000 - $60,000 annually, with final compensation determined by the candidate's education, relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated musical proficiency.
• Benefits package includes:
o Health, dental, and vision insurance
o $25,000 life insurance paid by employer plus voluntary life insurance
o Participation in retirement/pension plan plus social security benefits
o Paid time off and holidays
o Paid parental leave
o Professional development opportunities
o Tuition discount (if applicable) for children of employees
• Schedule: This is a full-time, salaried position averaging approximately 40 hours per week. Regular weekend, evening, and holiday work is required, with additional hours during major liturgical seasons and special celebrations.
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Our Mission
The Director of Liturgical Music will help advance the mission of St. Anthony of Padua Parish by using the gift of music to glorify God, foster active participation in the sacred liturgy, strengthen our parish community, and form lifelong intentional disciples of Jesus Christ within His Church.
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How to Apply
Visit https://church.stanthony.com/employment/ for more information.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references to Carrie Koenig, Director of Operations, at ckoenig@stanthony.com.

Application deadline is October 15, 2026

About the Employer

For more than 150 years, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham, IL has been a center of spiritual, academic, and community growth through our many ministries with over 1,300 parish families, including a Catholic grade school and Catholic high school.

St. Anthony Schools are a Catholic, co-educational PreK-12 school system in Effingham, IL that provides a learning environment steeped in tradition and committed to excellence in education. St. Anthony Grade School currently has more than 500 students in grades PreK-8, and St. Anthony High School currently has more than 200 students in grades 9-12.