Children's Liturgy Choir Director

Archdiocese of St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Ambrose Catholic Church, in St. Louis, seeks a faithful Part-Time Children’s Liturgy & Choir Director to cultivate a vibrant music ministry for young parishioners.

The role focuses on teaching sacred music, directing the children’s choir, and leading youth participation during liturgical celebrations. The ideal candidate has strong vocal and keyboard skills, a deep Catholic faith, and the ability to collaborate with church leadership. Bachelor’s in music or related experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in vocal instruction and keyboard performance (piano required; organ proficiency preferred).
• Minimum 2 years of experience leading youth choirs or similar programs.
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership with families and parish staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct and conduct the parish children’s choir for designated Masses and holy days.
• Plan, organize, and run engaging weekly rehearsals for school-age children.
• Collaborate with the Pastor and Liturgy Committee to select sacred music.
• Provide keyboard accompaniment and/or vocal leadership during liturgies.
• Recruit children from St. Ambrose School and parish programs, fostering a welcoming environment.

Skills

Vocal instruction

Keyboard performance

Leadership

Communication

Organ proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music, Music Education, Sacred Music

Tools

Piano

Organ

Job description

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The Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Education and Formation features an expansive coalition of schools that allow our children to develop a sense of purpose and value, receive a higher quality education, join a welcoming community and feel secure in a a dynamic future. We have a rich history, with its establishment 200 years ago by St. Rose Phillppine Duchesne. A coalition of schools serving over 50,000 students (PreK-12) within an 11-county area. The educational experience provided to our students and their families is rooted in a higher calling from God to honor and celebrate the gifts He has given us.

Job Summary

St. Ambrose Catholic Church, located in the heart of "The Hill" neighborhood in St. Louis, seeks a faithful, collaborative, and musically talented Part-Time Children’s Liturgy & Choir Director. This position is responsible for cultivating a vibrant children's music ministry, teaching sacred music, and leading youth in active participation during liturgical celebrations. The ideal candidate possesses a deep appreciation for Catholic liturgical traditions, strong vocal and keyboard skills, and an energetic, welcoming approach to youth music education.

Job Responsibilities

Youth Choir Leadership & Direction: Direct and conduct the parish children’s choir for designated Sunday Masses (e.g., Family/Youth Mass), holy days, Christmas Eve, Easter, First Holy Communion, and special parish celebrations.

Rehearsal Management: Plan, organize, and execute engaging weekly rehearsals that focus on vocal technique, pitch, rhythm, choral discipline, and liturgical understanding suitable for school-age children.

Liturgical Planning: Collaborate with the Pastor, Director of Music, and Parish Liturgy Committee to select sacred music that aligns with the liturgical calendar, and church guidelines for sacred music.

Liturgical Participation: Provide keyboard (piano/organ) accompaniment and/or vocal leadership during rehearsals and designated children's liturgies.

Program Growth & Recruitment: Proactively recruit children from St. Ambrose School, the parish PSR program, and the broader parish community. Foster a warm, encouraging environment that inspires youth to share their gifts.

Administration & Communication: Maintain choir music libraries, manage rehearsal schedules, and maintain regular, clear communication with parents, guardians, parish staff, and school leadership.

Child Safety: Maintain strict compliance with the Archdiocese of St. Louis Safe Environment Program (Prevent and Protect STL), ensuring a safe space for all children at all times.

Job Requirements

Faith & Mission Alignment: Practicing Catholic in good standing who understands and supports the teachings, traditions, and mission of the Roman Catholic Church.

Musical Expertise: Proficiency in vocal instruction and keyboard performance (piano required; organ proficiency preferred). Understanding of sacred music styles, traditional hymnody, and contemporary liturgical music.

Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, Sacred Music, or equivalent practical experience in parish music ministry preferred.

Youth Engagement: Minimum 2 years of experience leading or assisting youth choirs, classroom music, or youth ministry programs.

Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to build strong relationships with children, parents, and parish leadership.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Education and Formation 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.