MUSIC DIRECTOR/ORGANIST

Diocese of Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 24,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Ann’s Parish in Ancaster, Ontario, within the Diocese of Hamilton, seeks an experienced Music Director / Organist for a part-time role.

As the principal musician for all weekend Masses, you will lead the organ, plan liturgical music, and direct choirs while collaborating with the Pastor. The position includes recruiting volunteers, coordinating cantors, and providing music for major celebrations; weddings and funerals are paid separately.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in organ performance and accompaniment.
• Experience directing choirs and leading vocalists.
• Strong understanding of Catholic liturgical music.
• Ability to plan music for weekend liturgies and major celebrations.
• Good organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal organist and musician at all three weekend Masses.
• Plan and select liturgical music for weekend Masses and major celebrations, in collaboration with the Pastor.
• Build, develop, rehearse, and direct a strong choir at each of the three weekend Masses, fostering greater participation in the parish’s music ministry.
• Actively recruit, encourage, and support new and existing choir members, cantors, and volunteer musicians.
• Coordinate and schedule cantors and additional instrumentalists as needed to complement the organ and enhance the celebration of the liturgy.
• Provide musical leadership for major parish celebrations throughout the year, including Christmas, Holy Week and the Easter Triduum, Easter, and other significant parish celebrations.
• Be available for the principal liturgical celebrations of the parish year, including those outside the regular weekend Mass schedule.
• Coordinate and, as required, provide music for weddings, funerals, and other special liturgies. Weddings and funerals are compensated separately from the regular part-time position.

Skills

Organ performance

Choir direction

Liturgical music knowledge

Collaboration with Pastor

Recruiting choir members

Job description

Location: St. Ann’s Parish, Ancaster

Employment Type: Part-Time

Hours: Approximately 15 hours per week, with additional hours required during major liturgical seasons and celebrations.

Position Summary

St. Ann’s Parish in Ancaster, Ontario, within the Diocese of Hamilton, is seeking an experienced Music Director / Organist for a part-time position.

The Music Director / Organist will serve as the principal musician at all three weekend Masses, with the organ as the primary instrument, while providing leadership and direction for the parish’s overall music ministry in collaboration with the Pastor.

Responsibilities include planning and preparing music for weekend liturgies, accompanying Masses on the organ, and building, developing, and directing a strong choir at each of our three weekend Masses. The Music Director will actively recruit and encourage new choir members, develop the musical abilities of existing members, and work with cantors and other musicians to foster prayerful, reverent, and engaging liturgical music.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal organist and musician at all three weekend Masses, with the organ as the primary instrument.
• Plan and select appropriate liturgical music for weekend Masses and major celebrations, in collaboration with the Pastor.
• Build, develop, rehearse, and direct a strong choir at each of the three weekend Masses, fostering greater participation in the parish’s music ministry.
• Actively recruit, encourage, and support new and existing choir members, cantors, and volunteer musicians.
• Coordinate and schedule cantors and additional instrumentalists as needed to complement the organ and enhance the celebration of the liturgy.
• Provide musical leadership for major parish and liturgical celebrations throughout the year, including Christmas, Holy Week and the Easter Triduum, Easter, and other significant parish celebrations.
• Be available for the principal liturgical celebrations of the parish year, including those occurring outside the regular weekend Mass schedule.
• Coordinate and, as required, provide music for weddings, funerals, and other special liturgies. Weddings and funerals are compensated separately from the regular part-time position.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• A good understanding of and respect for Catholic doctrine, liturgy, and practice, as determined at the sole discretion of the Bishop of the Diocese.
• Proficiency in organ performance and accompaniment, with the ability to confidently lead and support congregational singing.
• Demonstrated experience in choir direction and choral leadership, including the ability to rehearse, develop, and encourage singers of varying levels of musical experience.
• Knowledge of Catholic liturgical music and hymnody, with an understanding of the musical requirements and character of the different seasons and celebrations of the liturgical year.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with the Pastor, parish staff, choir members, cantors, musicians, and volunteers.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Diocese of Hamilton is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you are contacted for an interview and require accommodation, please inform the Human Resources Manager.