Position Summary

The Director of Music and Liturgy will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the liturgical life of St. Brendan Church. The word “Liturgy” is rooted in the ancient Greek word leitourgia, which means “the work of the people.” It is the hope that the responsibility of this position will be fulfilled by an individual who is willing and able to work with the talents of the people of St. Brendan church. The individual should strive to enhance the faith journey of each member within the Parish Community.

The individual will work with the priests of St. Brendan and will be responsible for all aspects of Liturgy: Music, Art and Environment, Lectors, Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Ushers, and Hospitality. All professional staff of the Parish Community will be involved in this process as well.

In addition, the individual will be expected to direct the choir and be able to play an instrument, preferably the keyboard.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Pastor, under his supervision, and with other members of the parish staff, integrating his or her own area of responsibility with the overall parish endeavor.
• Directs the parish music program, and coordinates all liturgies.
• Provides leadership in areas related to liturgy and music.
• Selects and maintains musical instruments.
• Coordinates, serves, and schedules all the parish liturgical ministers.
• Sets up and maintains sound system, electronic components and technology.
• Collaborates with Parish and school staff to coordinate and ensure appropriate music for all sacramental celebrations and provides guidance and assistance to both the church and the school as needed.
• Provides music and musicians for all Sunday and all other major celebrations, including weddings and funerals.
• Acts as consultant to parishioners for planning sacramental liturgies, e.g., weddings and funerals.
• Builds repertoire and encourages participation of parish community in singing and playing at various liturgies.
• Invites, motivates, and trains all liturgical ministers.
• Has regularly scheduled choir rehearsals.
• Provides liturgical formation, music education, and practical preparation for liturgical celebration for cantors/leaders of song, choral, and instrumental groups.
• Serves as a resource consultant for both the church and school regarding: music, helping to educate staff, and ministers of music.
• Assists the congregation to develop their potentials and further their understanding of their role of music in worship and to celebrate liturgies of musical quality.
• Keeps up to date of current developments in liturgy and music.
• Is visibly present at principal parish events, keeping attuned to the living faith and real concerns of parishioners.
• Recruits new liturgical ministers throughout the year, particularly through the ministry fair.
• Works to foster unity among all liturgical ministers, the community, and the priests.
• Promotes good public relations both within and beyond the parish.

Job Type

• Full Time position, 40 hours per week.
• A background check and safe environment training are required of all parish employees and volunteers.
• Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications for the position.
• Employee benefits include vacation and sick time, health, dental and vision insurance.

Requirements

Education and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in music, theology, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Able to demonstrate competency in directing choirs and musicians.
• Is knowledgeable and comfortable with Church music literature in all forms and styles for the congregation, choirs (adult, teen, and children), vocalists, and instrumentalists.
• Is proficient with Catholic Church liturgical principles.
• Has a thorough understanding of the musical, liturgical, and pastoral judgments which must be made in selecting music for liturgy.
• Is proficient in at least one musical instrument (preferably, keyboard).
• Has experience as a cantor.
• Able to: maintain confidentiality, communicate both orally and written.
• Ability to perform and fulfill other duties and responsibilities for the good of the parish determined by the pastor.
• A minimum of 3 years of related work experience in Liturgy or Music.

Physical requirements:

• Occasionally be able to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Perform tasks requiring intermittent bending, stooping and walking.
• Sustain frequent movement of the fingers, wrists, hands and arms.

Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.