Position Summary:
The Coordinator of Sacred Music serves in the Office of Missionary Discipleship and Evangelization (MDE) and collaborates closely with the Office of Worship on administrative tasks to support the liturgical life of the Diocese of Gary.
This position assists in planning and coordinating sacred music for diocesan liturgies and provides administrative support for liturgical initiatives, formation events, and clergy gatherings coordinated by the Office of Worship. The Coordinator collaborates with diocesan staff, clergy, and parish musicians to ensure the effective preparation and execution of diocesan liturgical celebrations.
The position supports the diocesan pastoral vision articulated in Synod '22 and Bishop McClory's pastoral letter, We Proclaim Jesus as Lord: A Pastoral Letter on Missionary Discipleship.
Essential Responsibilities:
Sacred Music for Diocesan Liturgies
Plan sacred music for diocesan liturgies in collaboration with the Office of Worship.
Coordinate rehearsals for the diocesan choir, cantors, and instrumentalists.
Prepare musical selections and assist in the preparation of worship aids and liturgical programs.
Provide music direction for diocesan liturgies as needed.
Diocesan Liturgies May Include, but are not limited to
Chrism Mass
Priesthood and Diaconate Ordinations
Adult Confirmation
Bishop's Guild Liturgy
Priests' and Deacons' Jubilee Liturgies
Liturgy of Thanksgiving for Women Religious
Diocesan Red Mass
Rite of Election and related OCIA rites
Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders
Installation of Lectors
Diocesan funerals for priests and deacons in collaboration with host parishes
Administrative Support for the Office of Worship:
Assist with the planning and coordination of diocesan liturgical events.
Prepare worship programs, liturgical materials, and planning documents for diocesan celebrations.
Participate in coordination meetings related to OCIA rites, clergy gatherings, and diocesan liturgical initiatives.
Assist with communication and coordination with parishes and liturgical ministers.
Formation and Events
Assist in the planning and coordination of:
Annual Training and Renewal Conference for Liturgical Ministers
Annual OCIA Workshop
Clergy gatherings, including priests' retreat, priests' convocation, Advent and Lenten days of reflection, and clergy study days
Reporting Structure:
The Coordinator of Sacred Music reports to the Director of Missionary Discipleship and Evangelization and works under the functional guidance of the Director of the Office of Worship for matters related to sacred music and diocesan liturgical planning.
Required Skills:
Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills
Proficiency with the piano and singing
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Strong collaboration skills with clergy, parish staff, and diocesan leadership
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Knowledge of Catholic liturgy and sacred music
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in theology, liturgy, sacred music, or related field required.
Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of five years of parish or diocesan experience in sacred music or liturgical ministry.
Work Environment:
Work is primarily performed in an office setting with regular computer use and occasional evening or weekend commitments for diocesan liturgies and events. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
