Director, Music Job at Archdiocese of St. Louis in St. Louis

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St Louis, MO, US, 63109-3157
The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area. Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Job Summary

St. Gabriel the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Hills neighborhood) is seeking a full-time Director of Music and Organist. Our vibrant, multi-generational parish of 1,500 households celebrates four weekend Masses (three with music). The Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading music for all liturgical celebrations. We aim to build on our strong tradition of sacred music and increase parish engagement in music ministry.

The ideal candidate will be proficient in both organ and piano, an accomplished choral conductor, deeply familiar with Roman Catholic liturgy, and have at least three years of experience serving as a Director of Music in a Catholic parish. This ministry plays a vital role in proclaiming the Gospel and deepening the faith through sacred music. A bachelor’s degree in Music, Sacred Music, or Liturgical Music is required, a master’s degree preferred.

Parish Overview

St. Gabriel is a vibrant, multi-generational parish of 1,500 families in a strong urban neighborhood, with a long-standing tradition of excellence in liturgy and sacred music. The parish has many active lay ministries and a K–8 school of nearly 500 students.

• Four weekend Masses (three with music):
  • Saturday 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 6:30 a.m. (no music), 10:00 a.m. (Adult Choir and cantor), and 5:30 p.m.
• Two weekday Masses and three weekly school Masses with music
• Approximately 20 weddings and 30 funerals annually
• Dedicated music suite with offices in the choir gallery
• Extensive choral library
• 3-manual, 30-rank pipe organ
• Experienced cantors and instrumentalists

Job Responsibilities

The Director of Music and Organist oversees all aspects of liturgical music at the parish, in close collaboration with the Pastor. This includes planning, coordinating, and executing music for all liturgical celebrations.

• Serve as the primary musician for Saturday and two Sunday Masses (10:00 a.m. with choir; 5:30 p.m. with cantor or volunteer musicians)
• Direct the adult choir and lead weekly evening rehearsals
• Prepare music for three weekly school Masses
• Provide music for all feast days, weddings, funerals, Confirmations, First Communions, graduations and other special liturgies
• Oversee and coordinate children’s choirs, rehearse choirs and cantors during or after school and foster youth involvement
• Recruit, train, and schedule cantors and other musicians
• Support the musical growth of cantors and soloists
• Program music appropriate to the liturgical season and character of each Mass, balancing quality traditional and contemporary repertoire
• Coordinate instrumentalists for major solemnities (Christmas, Easter, etc.)
• Promote and foster congregational singing and parish-wide musical participation
• Meet with couples and families to plan music for weddings and funerals
• Maintain and manage the parish music library
• Prepare worship aids for Sunday and special liturgies
• Manage the annual music budget
• Maintain parish audio and streaming systems, ensuring optimal performance; serve as primary liaison with sound system and acoustical consultants
• Attend liturgy committee meetings
• Oversee the care and functionality of the pipe organ and pianos, coordinating service with technicians while possessing sufficient knowledge to manage basic troubleshooting and maintenance as required
• Maintain and develop personal musical skills and professional development
• Weekend and evening availability required

Qualifications

• Accomplished organist and pianist
• Skilled choir director of both trained and amateur singers
• Ability to accompany and conduct simultaneously
• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Sacred Music, or Liturgical Music (required)
• Master’s degree (preferred)
• Minimum three years’ experience as a Director of Music in a Catholic parish or similar setting
• Strong knowledge of Catholic liturgy and music across styles
• Must be a practicing Catholic who understands and supports the Church’s teachings on sacred music

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.

Pre-Employment Screening All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.