Director of Liturgy and Music

Hours Per Week: 40

Position Description:

The Director of Liturgy and Music has a thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgy and is a leader who possesses the knowledge and skills required to enhance worship through the varied expressions of liturgical music. With a vision of how a parish can achieve and maintain its full potential, the Director, in dialogue with the Pastor, will focus on defining, developing, and implementing a comprehensive liturgy and music program.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, inspire, and support the activities of the parish’s Liturgical Commission, working closely with its Chair and Ministry Coordinators. These activities include the recruitment, education, on-going training, and spiritual formation for liturgical ministers. Liturgical Commission ministries consist of Art and Environment, Altar Servers, Altar Bread Bakers, Altar Linen Caretakers, Audio/Video Team, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Greeters, Hosts, Lectors, Liturgy Planning Committee, Liturgical Ministry Scheduling, Mass Coordinators, Music Ministers and Sacristans.
• Coordinate and plan the Sunday Masses, Holy Days of Obligation, Holy Week, Easter Vigil, Liturgies of the Word, and Communion Services
• Coordinate and plan rites and liturgical services in conjunction with:
• -OCIA Team
• -Faith Formation Teams for First Eucharist and Confirmation
• -Other special liturgical events (e.g. Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, etc.)
• Coordinate and plan for Funeral Rites (Vigil, Mass, Committal)
• Coordinate and plan for Rites of Marriage
• Creatively select music (traditional and more contemporary) for parish liturgies - growing attendance at worship through the quality of music selected and learned
• Assume the role of leading musician, accompanist or choral director, for all liturgies including funerals and marriages. (Secure qualified substitute(s) as necessary and appropriate)
• Direct weekly rehearsals for cantors, choirs and musicians
• Select/provide/prepare worship aids, including hymnals/song books, for liturgies
• Prepare liturgical scripts
• Implement diocesan policies related to liturgy and music
• Schedule and host outside performing groups in conjunction with Pastor for concerts, workshops, etc.
• Maintain the music library and secure necessary copyrights/licenses
• Select and maintain liturgical resources and supplies
• Select and maintain musical instruments and assure that audio and video systems function appropriately
• Assure that sacristies and related sacred vessels, vestments, materials, equipment and liturgical supplies are resourced and maintained in good order
• Develop and monitor the parish’s liturgy and music budgets

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to clearly formulate long/short term plans and direct and inspire others
• Strong interpersonal communications skills with the ability to observe, question, listen, give and accept feedback, and deal with changes
• Knowledgeable in the liturgical practices of the Church (i.e. an understanding of the GIRM and other relevant documents, sacramental rites etc.) and the ability to integrate with music
• Proficiency as a keyboard player – piano and preferably organ
• Knowledge of various accompanying instrument’s techniques and use; group vocal techniques for adults and children; choral conducting
• Understanding of acoustics and audio systems, especially as they pertain to the space in which the parish worships
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently

Qualifications/Education

• Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church
• Bachelors/Masters Degree in music
• Experience serving a parish music ministry
• Employment is contingent upon applicant satisfactorily passing background and reference checks.
• Must complete diocese-sponsored Safe Environment Training.