Scope The Music Director has primary responsibility for the planning and development of the parish's music ministry at St. Joseph Catholic Church. This role involves coordinating and overseeing all aspects of the Music Ministry, including recruiting, training, and accompanying music personnel while fostering an environment of collaboration with clergy, parish staff, and music ministry members. The Music Director ensures that all music supports and enhances the spiritual life of the parish in alignment with Roman Catholic tradition.
Character of the Position The Director is an expert in his/her area of responsibility and assumes overall responsibility for all choirs, ensembles, instrumentalists, and other related areas. The Director should be creative, flexible, enthusiastic, a good communicator, and enjoy working in a team environment. He/she must have practical experience in planning worship and in leading liturgical music. He/she must be prepared to work with all age groups and with both traditional and contemporary styles of music. This position is 5 days per week (Wednesday through Sunday) and reports to the pastor.
Specific Responsibilities • For the Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am, and Sunday 11:30 am Masses o Determine Mass settings to be used o Select hymns that correspond to the readings and celebration of the day o Accompany and direct the choir o Direct the rehearsals • For the 1:30 p.m. (Spanish) and 5 p.m. Sunday Masses o Attend rehearsals as needed o Provide theological/liturgical formation and professional development as needed • For the Friday 8:20 school Mass and for school Masses on holy days o Provide accompaniment for the Mass • Coordinate participation of choirs in regularly scheduled liturgies and special occasions (such as holy days) • Prepare recommendations for annual budget for all music-related areas and operate within the budget • Oversee the purchase of new music within the budget • Attend regular staff meetings • Evaluate and suggest equipment needed for music ministry; maintain instruments by arranging for repair and tuning as necessary • Arrange substitutes when personally unavailable • Coordinate music for funerals and weddings (fee schedule determined separately) • Report appropriate music information to licensing company • Oversee production of weekend worship aides as needed • For 5:00 Saturday and 9:00 Sunday Masses (outside of Lent), choose appropriate solo organ preludes and postludes to precede and follow Mass. • Oversee attendance, invoices, and payment of all paid singers and instrumentalists • Ensure that the Receptionist has information needed each week to create and print the worship aides before the weekend liturgies
Qualifications • Proficient in both traditional and contemporary styles of liturgical music with strong knowledge of Catholic Liturgy. • Bachelor's degree or higher in music • At least 2 years of church music experience • Proven solo performance and accompanying experience on piano and/or organ. • Experience in leading and mentoring choirs; excellent management, organizational, and interpersonal skills. • Strong oral, written, and public speaking skills. • Compliant with diocesan Safe Environment policy, including background check • Lead a life in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church
Preferred • A practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Church, both in faith and action.
