Cantor

Archdiocese of St. Louis; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is seeking a Cantor to lead sung prayer during Mass and liturgical services. You will foster reverent participation and collaborate with the Director of Music Ministry, clergy, and accompanists to prepare liturgies reflecting the liturgical season.

The role requires strong vocal ability, music literacy, and a commitment to Catholic worship. A practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred, with ongoing formation and participation in parish music ministry.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience as cantor or liturgical musician preferred.
• Formal vocal training desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead congregational singing at weekend Masses and other services.
• Proclaim the Responsorial Psalm and other sung portions with reverence.
• Collaborate with the Director of Music Ministry and clergy on liturgies.
• Prepare music ahead of each liturgy and attend rehearsals.
• Provide confident leadership encouraging active congregational participation.
• Demonstrate reverence and discretion in liturgical contexts.
• Maintain knowledge of liturgical calendar and parish repertoire.
• Engage in ongoing liturgical formation and vocal development.
• Support a welcoming environment among clergy, staff, and parishioners.

Skills

Vocal ability

Music reading

Liturgical music knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Experience as cantor or liturgical musician

Job description

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The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area. Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Job Summary

The Cantor serves as a liturgical minister who leads the assembly in sung prayer during the celebration of the Mass and other liturgical services. Through reverent leadership, musical excellence, and a spirit of prayer, the Cantor fosters the full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful in the Church’s worship.

This ministry requires both musical proficiency and a commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church. The Cantor recognizes that this role is a ministry of prayer and service rather than a performance, and carries out all responsibilities with reverence, professionalism, and respect for the sacred nature of the liturgy.

Job Responsibilities

Lead congregational singing at weekend Masses, Holy Days of Obligation, weddings, funerals, school liturgies, and other parish celebrations as assigned.

Proclaim the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and other sung portions of the liturgy with clarity, reverence, and musical excellence.

Collaborate with the Director of Music Ministry, clergy, accompanists, and other music ministers in preparing liturgies and selecting music that reflects the liturgical season, scriptural readings, and the norms of the Roman Catholic Church.

Prepare all assigned music thoroughly prior to each liturgy and attend scheduled rehearsals as required.

Provide confident, prayerful leadership that encourages and supports the active participation of the congregation in sung worship.

Demonstrate an understanding of the sacred nature of the liturgy and serve as a visible witness to the Catholic faith through appropriate conduct and ministry.

Maintain a working knowledge of the liturgical calendar, worship aids, parish music repertoire, and applicable liturgical practices.

Participate in ongoing liturgical formation, vocal development, and professional growth opportunities as recommended by the parish or Archdiocese.

Support a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative environment among clergy, staff, volunteers, musicians, and parishioners.

Perform other duties related to the parish music ministry as assigned by the Director of Music Ministry or Pastor.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Previous experience serving as a cantor, liturgical musician, or vocalist in a church setting preferred.

Formal vocal training or music education desirable but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong vocal ability with accurate pitch, clear diction, appropriate tone, and expressive interpretation suitable for Catholic liturgy.

Ability to read music and learn new liturgical repertoire efficiently.

Familiarity with Catholic liturgical music, hymnody, and the structure of the Mass.

Understanding of the liturgical year and the principles governing sacred music within the Roman Catholic Church.

Ability to confidently lead congregational singing both independently and in collaboration with accompanists or ensembles.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, musicians, and parishioners.

Dependable, organized, and punctual, with a commitment to fulfilling assigned liturgical responsibilities.

Demonstrates professionalism, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality when appropriate.

A practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred, with a commitment to supporting the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.

Pre-Employment Screening

All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.

Our Mission

We are a unique community—diverse in our talent, but unified in our drive to create together, face challenges together and grow together. Our values push us to empower, propel and inspire new ways of turning possibilities into realities. Our competencies define the behaviors that guide who we are, how we are inspired and how we inspire of others to succeed.

Work/life balance is so important to the archdiocese. After all, our business is about making life easier and better—and we want that for you and your career just as much as our consumers and their day-to-day lives. That’s why we offer flexible working times, remote working options, generous paid vacation increasing with service, and personal leaves of absence.

As well as being able to make the most of life at home, you’ll also be able to contribute to the Archdiocese sponsored volunteer events. You can discover more about who we’re working with near you, and you can always ask us more about this at events and interviews—we love to see how passionate our people are about giving back.