Parish Pianist

Collage; Port Elgin; On-site; CAD 5,200 - 6,500; Part time

Job summary

St. Joseph Parish in Port Elgin, Ontario, seeks an experienced Pianist to provide weekend musical accompaniment for Masses and liturgical celebrations.

The role collaborates with cantors, choirs, and musicians to support congregational singing and meaningful liturgies, without directing the parish's overall music ministry. The position is part-time with roughly 4–5 hours weekly, including weekends, and may require weekday flexibility.

Qualifications

• Advanced piano/keyboard skills for liturgical settings.
• Working knowledge of Catholic liturgical music and hymnody.
• Ability to read music and prepare for Mass.
• Experience accompanying cantors, choirs, and musicians.
• Reliable and team-oriented with good interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide piano accompaniment for weekend Masses (5:00pm Saturday, 11:00am Sunday).
• Support congregational singing with suitable accompaniment.
• Select and prepare music for Mass and liturgical celebrations; rehearse in advance.
• Accompany cantors and parish choirs as required.
• Assist with music for weddings and funerals as requested.
• Collaborate with parish musicians to support liturgies.

Skills

Piano/keyboard skills

Liturgical music knowledge

Music reading ability

Collaboration with cantors/choirs

Reliability

Job description

St Joseph, Port Elgin/Southampton Part Time Port Elgin, ON

Location: St. Joseph Parish, Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores) | 920 Wellington Street, Port Elgin N0H 2C3

Employment Type: Part-Time

Hours: Approximately 4-5 hours per week, which consistently includes weekends and may require flexibility during weekdays.

Position Summary

St. Joseph Parish in Port Elgin, Saugeen Shores, Ontario, with the Diocese of Hamilton, is seeking an experienced Pianist to provide musical accompaniment for weekend Masses and other parish liturgical celebrations.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with cantors, choirs, and other musicians to support congregational singing and contribute to prayerful and meaningful liturgies. This is a focused musical role and does not include responsibility for directing the parish's overall music ministry.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide consistent piano accompaniment for weekend Masses (5:00pm on Saturdays & 11:00am on Sundays).
• Supporting congregational singing through confident, appropriate, and sensitive accompaniment.
• Select and prepare appropriate music for mass, as well as rehearse music in advance of Masses and other assigned liturgical celebrations.
• Accompany cantors and parish choirs as required.
• Assist with music for major liturgical celebrations, weddings, and funerals as requested.
• Collaborate with parish cantors, choir members, and other musicians as required.

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.
• Advanced and consistent piano or keyboard skills, with the ability to accompany congregational singing.
• Possess a working knowledge of music in the Catholic Liturgical tradition.
• Experience playing piano, keyboard, or another instrument for Catholic liturgy.
• Experience playing the organ is an asset.
• Familiarity with Canadian Catholic hymnody and liturgical music; ability to read music and prepare effectively for Mass.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with cantors, choirs, and other musicians.
• Highly reliable individual with strong interpersonal skills.

Additional Information

This position is intended to provide consistent, high-quality musical accompaniment for parish liturgies while the parish continues to develop its music ministry. Opportunities to contribute beyond the core responsibilities of the position may be considered based on the candidate's experience and interest.

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.