Our Lady of Lourdes in Washington, Missouri, is seeking a Parish Director of Sacred Music to enhance the beauty of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass through planning and coordinating music selections, playing the organ, cantoring, forming and conducting choirs, and coordinating the various talented volunteers within the parish. Our Lady of Lourdes is a parish of 1000 families with three weekend Masses and 400 children in the school. Interested candidates should read the full job description at http://www.ollwashmo.org/musicjob/ (below) and send a resume, cover letter, and references to Fr. Nick Winker, Pastor pastor@ollwashmo.org The position is full-time, but candidates seeking a part-time position will be considered.

Director of Sacred Music

The Director of Sacred Music assists the pastor and parish clergy in the planning, executing, and celebrating of parish liturgies. The liturgy, most centrally the Sunday celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is the source and summit of parish life. It is the divine worship of God and the deification of the faithful by God’s grace and the Church’s prayer for the world. The Director of Sacred Music shall be a practicing Catholic in full accord with the teachings of the Catholic Church, with a deep commitment to the principles of the Church and the musical styles expressive of excellent Roman Catholic liturgy.

 

Liturgical Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Assist the parish clergy in discerning parish worship and prayer needs and oversees the liturgical music per The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Musicam Sacram, Archdiocesan, and USCCB guidelines.
2. Lead the music at two to three liturgies per weekend and holy day of obligation, either alone, as organist and vocalist, as accompanist with volunteer cantors, or as choir director.
3. Develop and sustain a parish choir program. This includes the ability to direct from the bench.
4. Join with others to develop the liturgical spirit of the parish and foster an atmosphere of hospitality and harmony.
5. Serve at Sacrament Masses and other principal liturgies outside of the normal weekend schedule as accompanist and vocalist or choir director at the pastor’s direction.
6. Coach, encourage, and oversee all parish musical ensembles to achieve a more

cohesive, parish-wide direction for the music ministry of the parish.

7. Build repertoire and encourage participation of the parish community in singing at various liturgies.
8. Has the right of first refusal to lead music for weddings and funerals at the negotiated additional stipend.

Administrative Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with the Pastor, under his supervision, and with other parish clergy and staff members, integrating his or her own area of responsibility with the overall parish mission.
2. Collaborate with the other staff members (paid and volunteer) and the parish school to provide any needed assistance or consultation of their worship responsibilities.
3. Coordinate and/or staff all other services with musicians or parish ensembles.
4. Hire instrumental and vocal soloists as needed.
5. Ensure maintenance of musical instruments and music-related equipment.
6. Prepare and manage the budget for the parish liturgy and music programs in collaboration with the Pastor and the Business Manager.
7. Design worship aids when needed.
8. Attends parish staff meetings.
9. Due to the unique nature of this position, the Director of Sacred Music is to be flexible in their schedule. This is a full-time position and is expected to be flexible with parish needs as needed.
10. Assists with other projects as needed.

Education

1. Provides for the initial and ongoing formation of liturgical music volunteers.
2. Invite, motivate, and train all parish ministers of music (whether volunteer, stipend, or salaried).
3. Serve as a resource on liturgical musical matters for all parish staff, faculty, and volunteer ministers.
4. Educate the Christian faithful and provide input for parish organizations in matters of

liturgical understanding, sensitivity, and planning.

5. Provide music education and practical preparation for liturgical celebrations for parish musicians.

Pastoral Services

1. Consult pastorally on music selection and relevant logistics with all wedding couples and as needed with families planning funerals.
2. Attends parish events and is attuned to the living faith and genuine concerns of parishioners.
3. Is involved in Archdiocesan networks of professional peers and fosters good public relations within and outside the parish.
4. Works to foster unity among all parish musicians and ensembles and to create harmony with the presider and other liturgical ministers.

Competencies and Skills

1. Has an understanding of the theology and history of sacramental and liturgical practices.
2. Has a working knowledge of the liturgical year.
3. Has knowledge of the Church’s liturgical norms and regulations.
4. Is knowledgeable of and comfortable with the musical tradition and heritage particular to the Roman Catholic Church: Gregorian Chant and Sacred Polyphony, or is willing to learn.
5. Is comfortable coordinating music for contemporary ensembles.
6. Has a thorough understanding of the musical, liturgical, and pastoral judgments that must be made in selecting music for liturgy.
7. Proficient in organ accompaniment, solo singing, and choral direction.
8. Is dedicated to continued skill and knowledge development.