We are seeking a full-time Pastoral Associate for Music & Liturgy, well-versed in a variety of musical genres, to lead our congregation and volunteer choir. A successful candidate must be familiar with the broad musical tradition of the Catholic Church, a gifted organist and/or pianist, choral director, comfortable working with adults and children, self-motivated, and able to work collaboratively under the supervision of the Pastor to encourage full and active participation by the faithful during the liturgy. Preference will be given to those who are proficient organists. Talented pianists, with a capacity to develop as organists, will also be considered. The Pastoral Associate of Music & Liturgy must exhibit a love and knowledge of sacred music and liturgy, which flows from a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. They should have a respect for both traditional and contemporary styles of worship.

The minimum requirements for the position of Pastoral Associate of Music & Liturgy are:

• A practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• A Bachelor of Arts degree in music, theology, or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in Catholic parish music ministry.
• Demonstrated proficiency as an organist and/or pianist.
• Demonstrated experience and competency directing volunteer choirs and working with adults and children.
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and volunteers.
• Completion of a diocesan background check and diocesan ministerial training of “VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children” will be required.

The Pastoral Associate of Music & Liturgy is primarily responsible for:

• Directing the choirs, musicians, cantors, soloists, and ensembles that serve the primary weekend Masses.
• Hosting weekly rehearsals, with extra rehearsals for the liturgical seasons and other special events, as needed.
• Scheduling and selecting music for weekly Children’s Choir rehearsals, along with occasional performances of the Children’s Choir at Mass or other events.
• Scheduling and training of sound technicians for all Masses.
• Scheduling of cantors for all Masses.
• Planning, selecting of music, and playing for all primary liturgies (weekend Masses and Holy Days).
• Planning, selecting of music, and playing for the St. Pius X School weekly liturgy.
• Composing the Universal Prayers for the weekend Masses and various parish liturgical celebrations.
• Cataloging and maintaining all music resources, as well as researching and choosing new music each year.
• Scheduling regular maintenance of the church pianos and organ.
• Collaborating with the Pastor, Pastoral Associate for Formation & Evangelization, and other members of the parish staff as they relate to liturgy.
• Planning of all music and liturgy, including music selection and program design and preparation for special liturgies such as: First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Adoration, and the Graduation Mass for St. Pius X School.
• Supervising the Assistant Music Minister and the direction of the Handbell Choir.
• Planning, selecting of music, playing, and for summer Vacation Bible School.
• Planning, selecting of music, and playing for the annual parish “Jubilee” weekend retreat.
• Planning and hosting of an annual fall “Coffee House” event.
• Working with engaged couples to plan, play, and sing for weddings. o Stipend comes directly from families, commensurate with current market.
• Working with the Consolation Ministry to plan, play, and sing for funerals. o Stipend comes directly from families, commensurate with current market.
• Finding a replacement musician when unable to play for weddings and funerals.
• Planning a yearly ministry budget under the guidance of the Finance Council each spring and demonstration of competence with maintaining and promoting the music program within the given budget.
• Attending parish staff meetings and scheduling regular office hours.
• Staying informed of the latest trends in Catholic liturgy and Catholic sacred music.
• Attendance at least one yearly conference/workshop at the expense of the parish.
• Keeping the choir room and office in a neat and organized manner.
• Working collaboratively with parish staff for a wide variety of parish activities.
• Reporting directly to the Pastor.

Salary/Benefits: Commensurate with educational credentials and experience with full Diocese Benefits Package.