Director of Sacred Music Full Time

Position Summary
The Director of Sacred Music serves as the principal leader of the parish’s sacred music ministry. This position is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of music for the liturgical life of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Parish, in faithful accord with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the norms of the Roman Rite. The Director of Sacred Music collaborates closely with the Pastor, clergy, staff, and liturgical ministers to foster full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful through sacred music that is prayerful, dignified, and pastorally appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Liturgical Music Leadership

• Plan, select, and prepare music for all weekend Masses, Holy Days of Obligation, and major parish liturgical celebrations (e.g., Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, Triduum, patronal feasts), in collaboration with the Pastor and clergy.
• Provide musical leadership for parish liturgies celebrated in multiple forms and languages, including the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite (in English and Spanish) and the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.
• Coordinate with, lead, organize, and communicate clearly with musicians serving at English, Spanish, and Latin liturgies, fostering unity of mission while respecting legitimate liturgical and musical distinctions.
• Ensure that all music used in parish liturgies is consistent with Catholic liturgical norms, diocesan guidelines, and the parish’s pastoral vision.
• Provide organ and/or piano accompaniment as needed for parish liturgies.
• Encourage and support congregational singing, selecting repertoire that enables the assembly’s full, conscious, and active participation.

Choirs and Ensembles

• Direct, recruit, train, and support parish choirs and vocal/instrumental ensembles as appropriate.
• Schedule and conduct regular rehearsals; prepare choirs for liturgical celebrations and special services.
• Recruit, mentor, and schedule cantors, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
• Foster a spirit of prayer, service, and collaboration among all music ministers.

School Liturgies and Collaboration

• Collaborate with parish-affiliated schools to plan and provide appropriate sacred music for school Masses and other school liturgical celebrations.
• Coordinate with school administrators, religion teachers, and faculty to support the liturgical formation of students through music.
• Recruit, train, and rehearse student musicians and choirs as appropriate, fostering reverence and active participation in the Sacred Liturgy.
• Ensure that music for school liturgies is age-appropriate, pastorally sensitive, and fully consistent with Catholic liturgical norms.

Weddings, Funerals, and Special Liturgies

• Provide musical accompaniment for funerals in collaboration with the Director of Pastoral Care, who is responsible for planning and selecting funeral music.
• Coordinate with the Director of Pastoral Care to ensure that funeral music is prepared, executed reverently, and consistent with the Church’s liturgical norms.
• Plan, coordinate, and provide music for weddings and other special parish liturgies, in consultation with clergy and families.
• Offer guidance to couples regarding appropriate liturgical music selections for weddings.
• Maintain a list of qualified substitute musicians and arrange coverage when necessary.

Administration and Collaboration

• Collaborate with parish staff and liturgy committees as appropriate.
• Prepare and administer the music ministry budget in collaboration with the Pastor.
• Organize, maintain, and expand the parish music library and instruments.
• Ensure compliance with all copyright laws and licensing requirements (e.g., OneLicense, CCLI, etc.).
• Provide accurate music information for parish bulletins, worship aids, and other communications.

Professional and Spiritual Development

• Maintain and grow professional competence through continuing education, workshops, and diocesan or national conferences.
• Approach the role as a ministry rooted in faith, prayer, and service to the Church.

Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Sacred Music, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and experience considered.
• Demonstrated experience directing church music programs and working with choirs and congregational singing.
• Proficiency in organ and/or piano accompaniment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of Catholic liturgy, theology of sacred music, and the liturgical year.
• Familiarity with a broad range of sacred repertoire, including chant, hymnody, choral literature, and appropriate contemporary sacred music.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Personal Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing who supports the teachings, mission, and values of the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrates a spirit of prayer, professionalism, hospitality, and service.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holy days as required by the liturgical calendar.

Working Conditions

• Primary work takes place in church, rehearsal, and office settings.
• Attendance at liturgies, rehearsals, and parish events outside standard weekday hours is required.

Other Duties

• This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties may change at any time based on parish needs