Director of Music & Liturgy

Description

Established in 1881 as the first Catholic Parish in Columbia, we currently serve about 800 families, almost half of which are Hispanic. We also have many African families. Music is important to the Parish and there is a large and very competent choir that sings at the 8:30am Mass.

Employment Classification: Full time. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours required.

Accountable to:  Pastor

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Start Date: Open until filled

Job Responsibilities

Liturgy &  Music:

• Prepare weekly scripts for Directors of Worship (including prayers of the faithful)
• Plan music for all Masses (except one choir anthem at the 8:30am)
• Schedule Musicians – serve as substitute cantor/accompanist
• Plan special liturgies (e.g. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mass of Remembrance, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Triduum, Missions)
• Train new cantors and pianists
• Recruit and train additional choirs (including for the 4:30pm and 11am Masses) Create service booklets (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost)
• Member of Liturgy Commission (monthly meetings, usually first Thursday of the month)
• Serve in an advisory capacity to staff for decisions regarding music liturgy at Sacred Heart
• Liaison for bread and wine orders
• Join local NPM Chapter and liaison with other area musicians
• Try to keep up with continuing ed. and changes in the church
• Create scripts for special rites (e.g. commissioning of EMHCs)
• Other duties as needed

Administrative:

• Weekly church office staff meetings
• Track and submit payroll for musicians
• Liaison to choir
• Hire and terminate musicians
• Create contracts for staff musicians
• Create annual budget (music only)
• Track invoices

Funerals:

• Meet with family to plan readings and music (sometimes Pastor will meet with the families and pass along the readings and music)
• Arrange for musicians (cantor and pianist)
• Prepare binder with readings and petitions

Weddings:

• Meet with couples to plan music and liturgy, or arrange for musicians if requested
• Prepare binder with readings and petitions
• Update Wedding Guidelines when needed
• Collect musician stipends
• Recruit wedding coordinator
• Communicate wedding liturgy details to the coordinator

Baptisms:

• Write DOW announcement and petition for baptism
• Office space will be provided, including computer, office printer, music library, office supplies, etcMust perform your own secretarial duties such as letter & document writings and mailings
• Some weekly set hours and some weekly flex hours.

Qualifications:

• Active Catholic
• Bachelor’s degree (in music preferred) or equivalent relevant education and experience 
• Experience working in a church and/or directing a choir 

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to develop and execute short-term and long-term plans, direct and inspire others, and deal with change
• A knowledge of liturgical practices, especially of the Catholic Church, and an understanding of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, and other relevant documents and sacramental rites
• Experience in choral conducting
• Knowledge of and experience in performing a broad and diverse range of sacred music choral repertoire including chant, hymnody, and contemporary/praise and worship pieces. Appreciation of the breadth of repertoire and various styles that can be used in sacred worship. 
• The ability to collaborate and work well with others, prioritize tasks, and manage time efficiently 
• Strong interpersonal communications skills with the ability to observe, question, listen, give and accept feedback
• Functional keyboard skills, appropriate for a choral conductor. Ability to accompany an ensemble on piano and organ preferred.
• Functional understanding of and ability to direct ensembles with varying instrumentation (guitar, strings, wind, brass, percussion, organ, etc)
• Strong vocal ability in choral and solo singing as well as strong part singing skills.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills
• Ability to work in a multigenerational setting
• Experience with various music technology

Application:

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume with three references and video recording of music leadership (during liturgy preferred but home recording is acceptable) to Fr. Dan Merz at [email protected]