Diocese of Raleigh is hiring: Director of Music and Liturgy in Wilmington

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Position Summary: The Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary, a historic and vibrant faith community in downtown Wilmington, seeks a Director of Music and Liturgy (DML) to lead and coordinate the sacred music and liturgical life of the parish. Rooted in the Eucharist and the beauty of the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition, the DML collaborates closely with the Rector to ensure that all liturgies are celebrated with reverence, dignity, and full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful.

Key Responsibilities

• Liturgical Leadership
  • Collaborate with the Rector and clergy in planning and preparing all parish liturgies in accordance with the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and diocesan norms.
  • Coordinate all aspects of the liturgy, including music, liturgical ministers, environment, and technology (sound and livestream).
  • Prepare liturgical outlines and music selections for weekend and major liturgies.
  • Oversee the scheduling, training, and ongoing formation of liturgical ministers (lectors, extraordinary ministers, ushers, sacristans, servers).
  • Organize and chair regular Liturgy/Worship Committee meetings.
  • Ensure proper care of vestments, altar linens, and liturgical furnishings.
  • Design and set up special environments for major seasons (Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and other solemnities).
• Music Ministry
  • Serve as organist and/or pianist for weekend liturgies including the Spanish Masses and other major celebrations.
  • Direct and accompany parish choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists.
  • Lead weekly choir rehearsals (September–June) and seasonal rehearsals as needed.
  • Recruit, train, and mentor choir members and cantors.
  • Select and prepare music that reflects the liturgical season and fosters active participation of the congregation, balancing traditional and contemporary Catholic repertoire.
  • Plan and provide music for weddings and funerals, coordinate with guest musicians when applicable.
  • Oversee the maintenance of the parish organ, piano, and music library.
• Administration and Collaboration
  • Develop and manage the annual music and liturgy budget in collaboration with parish administration.
  • Communicate schedules, plans, and needs with staff and ministry leaders in a timely manner.
  • Maintain communication with the diocesan Office of Worship to ensure conformity with liturgical norms.
  • Supervise and coordinate volunteer and paid music staff as applicable.
  • Participate in parish staff meetings and liturgy planning sessions.
  • Support parish events of special pastoral significance, including school liturgies and diocesan visits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in Music, Sacred Music, or Liturgical Studies.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in Catholic liturgical music ministry, with demonstrated skill in organ, piano, and choral direction.
• Deep understanding of Catholic liturgy, theology, and musical repertoire.
• Proficiency in both traditional and contemporary Catholic music.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills; ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Familiarity with bilingual (English/Spanish) liturgical environments.
• Active, fully initiated, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Proficiency in standard office software and digital music/liturgy planning tools.
• Completion of diocesan Safe Environment Training and successful background check required.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

Religious Institutions