Music Director Job at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Austin

Job Summary

The Music Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing music for the Liturgies of St. Thomas More, including Saturday and Sunday morning Masses, Feasts, and other important occasions. The selection of music should encourage singing in the congregation and follow guidelines from the U.S. Catholic Church’s documents such as Sing to the Lord and the Roman Missal, as well as directives from our Bishop and Pastor. The position reports to the Pastor of St. Thomas More and operates under general supervision with wide latitude for independent judgment and initiative.

Ministerial Character

Lead the efforts to foster musical worship that supports the Liturgy of St. Thomas More. Demonstrate strong leadership and foster spiritual growth within the ministry, support pastoral concerns, and encourage proper music for the liturgy in accordance with the rubrics of musical worship promulgated by the Vatican and U.S. Catholic Church.

Essential Job Duties

• Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in both professional and personal life.


• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.


• Continuously grow in ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.


• Lead music during Masses as singer, cantor, conductor, and instrumentalist (additional instruments not required, but piano/organ a plus).


• Rehearse choirs and ensembles for services.
  
  
  
  • St. Thomas More Choir
  
  
  • Funeral Choir
  
  
  
  


• Seasonal ensembles:
  
  
  
  • Holy Week Choir
  
  
  • Christmas Midnight Mass Choir
  
  
  
  


• Instrumental ensembles for regular Masses and major feasts.


• Participate in the Liturgy team at St. Thomas More in designing liturgy that conforms to the norms of the Catholic Church, responds to the particular needs of St. Thomas More, and effectively praises God. Periodically gather feedback on the effectiveness of music in the liturgy and adjust plans based on that feedback.


• Lead the music ministry, build it as a community of faith.


• Recruit new members.


• Hire pianists and other instrumentalists to cover needs for services.


• Plan and coordinate music for extra services as needed.


• Plan and approve music plans for weddings per wedding music policy; inform wedding coordinator and clergy of music plans in a timely manner. If the couple requests outside musicians, coordinate with them to ensure they are welcome and can join the music for the wedding.


• Plan and execute music for funerals. If possible, join the planning meeting with family to help pick music. Interface with outside musicians to ensure they are welcome and can join the funeral music if requested.


• Support music needs of other departments in St. Thomas More.


• Assemble music worship aid booklets when needed (music not in hymnals or the holy week aid).


• Supervise audio equipment on campus, including operation, upgrades, and maintenance.


• Arrange music for St. Thomas More ensembles.


• Compose music for St. Thomas More ensembles.


• Manage budget carefully, keeping full records and following guidelines from the finance committee.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of music rubrics of the Church.


• Knowledge of history of music in the Church.


• Advanced knowledge of choral, vocal, and instrumental music.


• Ability to conduct and rehearse choirs.


• Knowledge of music theory.


• Knowledge of music composition.


• Knowledge of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as passed down through tradition, sacred scripture, and Church documents, including the New American Bible Revised Edition, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Code of Canon Law, and Papal encyclicals.


• Skill in verbal and non-verbal communication.


• Ability to operate word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.


• Ability to operate music notation software.


• Ability to work effectively with staff, clergy, religious, and laity.


• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.


• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques.


• Ability to maintain respect at all times.


• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Trainings:
  
  
  
  • — Bachelor’s degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.
  
  
  
  


• Experience:
  
  
  
  • — Two (2) years of related full-time wage earning experience.
  
  
  
  


• Language:
  
  
  
  • — English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).
  
  
  • — Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Preferred but not required.
  
  
  
  


• Catholic Requirement:
  
  
  
  • — Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
  
  
  
  


• Licenses/Certifications:
  
  
  
  • — Valid Texas driver’s license.
  
  
  • — Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry policies throughout the employment period.
  
  
  
  

Working Conditions

• All employees of the parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.


• The parish is an at-will employer.


• All buildings and vehicles owned by the parish are tobacco free.


• Work is in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.


• Work on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.


• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.


• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.