Job Summary

St. Bridget of Kildare (Pacific), St. James (Catawissa), and St. Mary of Perpetual Help (Villa Ridge) are seeking a Music Director that will be responsible for planning and leading music at weekend liturgies and other major liturgies (estimated 234 major liturgies a year). They will also be expected to supervise and train other musicians, choirs, and cantors as needed to support worship by the congregation. The will participate with parish staff in ongoing improvement of weekend liturgies and produce a clean sound feed. The position is full time, about 1900 hours a year. Salary Range - $45K - $50K depending on experience and qualifications. Email Fr. Nord at alexandernord@archstl.org with any questions.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for music at weekend liturgies including Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings (Currently: 4:00 pm Saturday Holy Mass at St. Bridget of Kildare, 7:30 am Sunday Holy Mass at St. Mary of Perpetual Help, 9:15 am at St. Bridget, 11:00 am at St. James) and other major liturgies.
• Rehearses to attain excellence in music for liturgies.
• Participates in the planning and preparation of liturgical celebrations (Sunday Eucharist, holy days, holy hours, etc.).
• Selects music for all liturgies and prepares the musical accompaniment and visual aids.
• Obtains, prepares and maintains the congregational aids for music for liturgies.
• As needed, recruits and rehearses with choirs and other musicians to achieve excellence in music at liturgy.
• Oversees the equipment and the volunteers necessary to produce a clean sound feed.
• Research and coordinate improvements to instruments, sound systems, and acoustics.
• Participates with other staff in parish planning and leadership.
• Works with Pastor on other tasks in line with the above to elevate the liturgy.

Job Requirements

Knowledge & Experience Requirements

• Three to five years of successful music experience in a parish setting.
• High proficiency in organ and/or piano (if not both a willingness and ability to learn.)
• Experience singing well without accompaniment, e.g., chant or acapella.
• Experience directing a choir well.
• Knowledge of Gregorian chant, especially selections suitable for congregational participation during liturgy.
• Knowledge of sound systems sufficient to diagnose problems and introduce improvements to sound quality.
• Experience leading other musicians in collaboration for music at liturgy. 

Skills & Attitudes Required for Success in Job

• Active practice of personal faith in Jesus Christ as a Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church.
• Sharpens skills through personal practice.
• Strong knowledge and appreciation of Roman Catholic Liturgy.
• Maintains and develops personal and professional skills.
• Ability to read and sing music in the capacity of a cantor.
• Ability to recruit musicians and assist in developing their musical talents.
• Ability to choose music which will engage the congregation in worship.
• Ability to understand the proper use of sound equipment, diagnose problems and suggest improvements.
• Ability to work under the direction of a pastor.
• Ability to collaborate with other staff in making disciples and growing disciples.

Relationships Requirements

• Collaborate closely with Pastor and collaborate as needed with other Musicians.
• Weekend and evening hours required on a regular basis.
• Provide music for additional services during Holy Week, Christmas, holy days, sacramental celebrations funerals, and holy hours.