Overview
Employment Opportunity - Director of Sacred Music Church of the Ascension in Johnstown, Ohio is seeking an experienced choir director and organist to assume the role of Director of Sacred Music (DSM). This is a part-time ministry position. Duties include direction and coordination of the adult choir, children's choir, and cantors, as well as serving as the organist for liturgical events and weekly Masses. There are three sung Masses per weekend which the DSM is expected to be the primary organist/director. The parish is beginning to incorporate more traditional music such as chant and sacred polyphony, while still utilizing quality hymnody. Heavy emphasis is placed on growing the sacred music program and educating members and congregants. The DSM reports directly to the pastor, who is very supportive of sacred music. A full job description is available upon request, and salary will be based on commensurate experience. About the Employer: Church of the Ascension is a Catholic community in Johnstown, Ohio that keeps Christ at the center of our hearts, families, homes and parish, so we can live the truth and share it with others. With the help of sacred scripture, tradition, and the sacraments, we strive to know, love and serve God in this world, while encouraging others to do the same, so we may live eternally in heaven with Christ, the angels, and the saints.
Responsibilities
Maintain the highest standard for liturgical music for all Masses
Grow and develop the sacred music program, emphasizing fidelity to Church teaching, tradition, and documents
Train choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists, particularly in the areas of chant and sacred polyphony
Educate the parish in sacred music
Serve as primary organist and director for weekends, obligatory days, and other Masses through the year
Meet with the pastor on a regular basis to coordinate various aspects of liturgies
Follow Church and civic law regarding copyrights etc.
Maintain music library with assistance from a choir volunteer
Create leaflets for funerals and certain liturgies
Qualifications and Experience
Faithful Catholic in good standing with the Church whose public and private life is consistent with Church teaching
Master’s degree in sacred music, theology, liturgy, or similar preferred, Bachelor’s degree required; participation in CMAA events or AGO certifications considered as well
Must possess deep knowledge of the Church's patrimony of sacred music
Five (5) or more years of experience working in a church music program
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit an application through the Diocesan Website Career opportunity page and (optional) send a letter of interest, resume with three references, and any relevant recordings to Rev. PJ Brandimarti at pastor@cotaj.org and to Maria DeLaTorre at madelatorre1@columbuscatholic.org. First round interviews will be conducted via video call, and top candidates will be invited to the church for an in-person audition. The position is available on January 1, 2026 and is hoping to be filled by March, 2026.
About the Employer
Church of the Ascension is a Catholic community in Johnstown, Ohio that keeps Christ at the center of our hearts, families, homes and parish, so we can live the truth and share it with others. With the help of sacred scripture, tradition, and the sacraments, we strive to know, love and serve God in this world, while encouraging others to do the same, so we may live eternally in heaven with Christ, the angels, and the saints.
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Employment Opportunity - Director of Sacred Music Church of the Ascension in Johnstown, Ohio is seeking an experienced choir director and organist to assume the role of Director of Sacred Music (DSM). This is a part-time ministry position. Duties include direction and coordination of the adult choir, children's choir, and cantors, as well as serving as the organist for liturgical events and weekly Masses. There are three sung Masses per weekend which the DSM is expected to be the primary organist/director. The parish is beginning to incorporate more traditional music such as chant and sacred polyphony, while still utilizing quality hymnody. Heavy emphasis is placed on growing the sacred music program and educating members and congregants. The DSM reports directly to the pastor, who is very supportive of sacred music. A full job description is available upon request, and salary will be based on commensurate experience. About the Employer: Church of the Ascension is a Catholic community in Johnstown, Ohio that keeps Christ at the center of our hearts, families, homes and parish, so we can live the truth and share it with others. With the help of sacred scripture, tradition, and the sacraments, we strive to know, love and serve God in this world, while encouraging others to do the same, so we may live eternally in heaven with Christ, the angels, and the saints.
Responsibilities
Maintain the highest standard for liturgical music for all Masses
Grow and develop the sacred music program, emphasizing fidelity to Church teaching, tradition, and documents
Train choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists, particularly in the areas of chant and sacred polyphony
Educate the parish in sacred music
Serve as primary organist and director for weekends, obligatory days, and other Masses through the year
Meet with the pastor on a regular basis to coordinate various aspects of liturgies
Follow Church and civic law regarding copyrights etc.
Maintain music library with assistance from a choir volunteer
Create leaflets for funerals and certain liturgies
Qualifications and Experience
Faithful Catholic in good standing with the Church whose public and private life is consistent with Church teaching
Master’s degree in sacred music, theology, liturgy, or similar preferred, Bachelor’s degree required; participation in CMAA events or AGO certifications considered as well
Must possess deep knowledge of the Church's patrimony of sacred music
Five (5) or more years of experience working in a church music program
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit an application through the Diocesan Website Career opportunity page and (optional) send a letter of interest, resume with three references, and any relevant recordings to Rev. PJ Brandimarti at pastor@cotaj.org and to Maria DeLaTorre at madelatorre1@columbuscatholic.org. First round interviews will be conducted via video call, and top candidates will be invited to the church for an in-person audition. The position is available on January 1, 2026 and is hoping to be filled by March, 2026.
About the Employer
Church of the Ascension is a Catholic community in Johnstown, Ohio that keeps Christ at the center of our hearts, families, homes and parish, so we can live the truth and share it with others. With the help of sacred scripture, tradition, and the sacraments, we strive to know, love and serve God in this world, while encouraging others to do the same, so we may live eternally in heaven with Christ, the angels, and the saints.
#J-18808-Ljbffr