Director of Music Ministries and Organist

Position Summary
The Director of Music Ministries and Organist is responsible for developing and overseeing a comprehensive music ministry that supports the liturgical, spiritual, and pastoral life of the parish. This role seeks to foster a prayerful and vibrant worshipping community through music rooted in the richness of the Catholic tradition while encouraging active congregational participation and discipleship through sacred music.

The Director of Music Ministries oversees all liturgical music, musicians, choirs, and music-related parish events while collaborating closely with clergy, parish staff, and ministry leaders to support the mission of the parish.

Key Responsibilities
1. Liturgical Music Leadership

Oversee all music associated with worship, religious education, social ministry, and evangelization within the parish

Plan, coordinate, and execute music for all regular and special liturgies throughout the liturgical year

Support and strengthen congregational participation in sung prayer and worship

Select liturgical music that reflects the richness of Catholic tradition and the needs of the parish community

Participate in and collaborate with the Parish Liturgy Committee in planning all regular and special celebrations

Serve as accompanist (organ and piano) and/or choir director for regularly scheduled liturgies and major feast days

2. Choir & Music Ministry Development

Recruit, train, support, and sustain cantors, accompanists, instrumentalists, and choir members

Oversee and provide leadership for the Parish Choir, Schola, Choral Scholars, Parish Ensemble, Sunday Night Contemporary Ensemble, Children's Choirs, and Handbell Choirs

Collaborate with choir directors and ministry leaders in planning and preparing liturgical music

Conduct regular rehearsals and planning meetings as needed

Evaluate the competence of musicians serving at parish liturgies, weddings, funerals, and special events

3. Liturgical Planning & Sacramental Celebrations

Coordinate music for all regular parish liturgies, including:

Weekend Masses

Holy Days and major feast days

Holy Week and Easter celebrations

Christmas liturgies

School liturgies

Sacramental celebrations

Weddings and funerals

Coordinate and prepare worship aids, including parish bulletin inserts and worship programs for special liturgies

Manage parish music copyright licenses and reporting requirements

4. Music Program Administration

Coordinate and schedule musicians for all liturgies and parish events

Oversee acquisition, maintenance, and care of musical instruments, sound equipment, church tower bells, and carillon

Supervise concerts and musical events held within the church or parish facilities

Coordinate facility usage and staffing for outside musical groups and events

Maintain and update the Music Ministry section of the parish website

Delegate responsibilities to the Associate Director of Music as needed

5. Organ Installation & Parish Music Initiatives

Collaborate with the organ builder during the installation and voicing of the new 3-manual, 67-stop pipe organ (approx. September 2026)

Plan and organize initiatives related to the introduction of the new organ, potentially including:

Dedication services

Concerts and recital series

Educational programs and docent tours

Community and parish publicity efforts

6. Leadership & Collaboration

Work closely with clergy, parish staff, liturgy committees, and ministry leaders to integrate music into parish life

Attend regular parish and diocesan meetings as required

Foster collaboration among parish ministries and music leaders

Provide pastoral leadership and support to volunteers and ministry participants

7. Administrative Responsibilities

Participate in the parish budget process and prepare annual music ministry budgets

Maintain records of expenditures and submit requests for major purchases

Oversee compensation recommendations and evaluations for parish musicians

Assist in developing job descriptions, hiring, and evaluating parish music staff

Ensure compliance with diocesan policies and parish procedures

8. Continuing Education & Professional Development

Pursue ongoing formation in musical, liturgical, and spiritual areas

Attend professional conferences and workshops such as the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), American Guild of Organists (AGO), or similar organizations

Stay current on developments in sacred music and liturgical ministry

Participate in annual personal retreat opportunities

Qualifications

Practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong commitment to the teachings and liturgical life of the Church, familiarity with the norms of the Roman Catholic liturgy or equivalent liturgical experience.

Master of Music (MM) in Organ Performance, Choral Conducting or Sacred Music preferred

Minimum three consecutive years of experience in liturgical music

Demonstrated proficiency in organ and piano performance

Strong choral directing and vocal leadership skills

Knowledge of Catholic liturgy, liturgical documents, and sacred music repertoire

Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to recruit, mentor, and manage volunteers and musicians

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and major liturgical celebrations as required

Proficiency in Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and music notation software (Dorico, Sibelius, or equivalent)

Requirements

An active liturgical musician or equivalent experience

Ability to multitask and work both independently and collaboratively

High level of professionalism

Ability to inspire and lead congregational worship

Strong pastoral sensitivity and collaborative leadership style

Excellent organizational and planning abilities

Ability to prioritize and to be flexible

Commitment to fostering a prayerful and welcoming parish environment

Ability to balance artistic excellence with pastoral needs

Fluent in English both written and oral

Work Environment

The position primarily involves work in an office setting, requiring frequent use of standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, printers, credit card terminals, postage machines, and filing systems.

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support department programs, operational needs, or campus events.

Must be available to adjust the work schedule as needed to meet organizational deadlines, operational demands, ministry activities or special projects.

Regular interaction with students, staff, faculty, volunteer groups and visitors in a professional and faith-based environment.

Some local travel may be required for meetings, training, or work-related events.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Frequent standing, walking, conducting rehearsals, and navigating parish facilities

Ability to play organ and piano for extended periods

Must be able to lift and move music equipment or materials up to 25 pounds

Must be able to access and navigate all parish facilities and worship spaces

Compensation
Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and in accordance with diocesan guidelines.

Benefits included, but not limited to:

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

403(b)

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