Organist

Organist
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Columbia, South Carolina

Position Overview
St. Joseph Catholic Church seeks a highly skilled and collaborative Organist to support the liturgical and musical life of a vibrant parish community. This full‑time position plays a vital role in enhancing worship through sacred music rooted in the Catholic tradition and works closely under the direction of the Director of Music and Pastor to plan and execute music for liturgies, sacraments, and parish celebrations.

St. Joseph is a thriving parish of over 1,400 families with a deep commitment to the beauty of Catholic liturgy and sacred music. With a long‑standing tradition of choral excellence and an ambitious vision for the future, including a landmark organ installation, the parish seeks a candidate who will help lead its music ministry into its next chapter.

St. Joseph Catholic Church is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates committed to supporting the mission of the Catholic Church.

A transformative moment in music ministry. This is a unique opportunity to join a parish at an exciting moment in its musical and physical development.

New Organ Project

St. Joseph has selected Mascioni Organs of Azzio, Italy, to build a new pipe organ for the parish

Instrument will be a three‑manual organ with approximately 52 ranks – 2,744 pipes (stop list attached)

A 6‑ft balcony expansion project is planned to support the installation and growth of the music program

The Mascioni instrument will be the first Mascioni organ ever installed in North America

This project reflects the parish’s deep commitment to sacred music and long‑term liturgical excellence.

Primary Responsibilities
Liturgical Leadership

Serve as principal organist for all weekend Masses and Holy Days (4)

Provide music for major liturgies including but not limited to Christmas, Easter, the Paschal Triduum, Ash Wednesday and solemn feast days, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, and Diocesan Liturgies (compensated separately)

Music Ministry Collaboration

Collaborate under the Director of Music and Pastor on liturgical planning

Participate in regular staff and music ministry meetings

Contribute to the continued growth of a comprehensive and collaborative sacred music program

Accompany parish choirs, cantors, and ensembles during Masses and rehearsals weekly

Fill in for Director of Music in the event of sickness or absence

Special Liturgies and Events

Provide music for weddings, funerals, and special Diocesan Masses (compensated separately for these services)

Professional Development

Maintain a high level of musical excellence and preparation through weekly practice (guaranteed time is reserved weekly in the Sanctuary throughout the workday)

Stay current with developments in sacred music and Catholic liturgy via involvement with national organizations

Administrative Responsibilities

Stay informed about parish‑wide events scheduled on the parish calendar to avoid practice and rehearsal conflicts

Maintain awareness of the master music planning database, including weekly hymns, anthems, Mass settings, and other liturgical music selections

Review the cantor schedule regularly to coordinate and schedule rehearsal times before Masses

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in organ performance, sacred music, or related field (required)

Strong proficiency in organ performance and liturgical accompaniment

Knowledge of Catholic liturgy and sacramental life

Experience working collaboratively in a parish setting

Ability to accompany advanced choral repertoire with ample advanced notice

Good sightreading abilities as needed for last‑minute changes to weekend music

Ability to improvise or utilize reharmonizations for hymns and other pieces to facilitate smooth transitions in liturgical moments (Gospel Acclamations, incensing of the altar, processionals, recessional, communion, clearing of the altar, etc.)

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $45,000.00–$66,000.00, commensurate with experience, with an hourly option available

Health, dental, and vision insurance (50% employer‑paid premiums)

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Paid vacation including standard vacation time, five weekends off annually

Continuing Education: $2,000 annually for professional development conferences, membership, workshops, etc.

Schedule

Approximately 30–35 hours per week

Includes weekends, major liturgies, and one weeknight rehearsal (currently on Wednesday)

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