Director of Liturgy and Music

Diocese of Winona-Rochester; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester, MN seeks a part-time Director of Liturgy and Music to lead the parish liturgical music program and support planning for weekend Masses, weddings, and Holy Days.

You will collaborate with the Pastor, staff, cantors and choirs, coordinating volunteers and ensuring music enhances worship. This role requires organ/piano ability and strong liturgical knowledge.

Qualifications

• Ability to play piano or organ for liturgies.
• Knowledge of Catholic liturgy and worship.
• Ability to coordinate music for liturgical celebrations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to lead rehearsals with choirs and cantors.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate music for Sunday and Holy Day Masses and other liturgical celebrations.
• Ensure appropriate music for all Masses; consult with Pastor for planning.
• Play piano or organ for scheduled Masses and liturgical events.
• Arrange substitute musicians when unavailable; schedule cantors and choirs.
• Lead rehearsals and coordinate music for weddings and funerals.
• Oversee maintenance of parish music equipment and services.

Skills

Piano

Organ

Liturgical music knowledge

Planning music for liturgy

Organizational skills

Communication with volunteers

Collaboration with Pastor and staff

Leading rehearsals

Education

Music/Liturgy degree (preferred)

Job description

ABOUT ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is a vibrant and faith-filled Catholic parish in Rochester, Minnesota, serving the community since 1937. Our parish is made up of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures who come together to grow in faith, celebrate the Sacraments, and serve others.

We are an active parish with Anglo, Hispanic, Vietnamese community with strong emphasis on community and service, and many opportunities for parishioners to participate in the life of the Church. We seek to create a welcoming environment where faith, worship, music, and service come together to build a strong parish community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Liturgy and Music is responsible for coordinating the liturgical music program and supporting the planning and preparation of parish liturgies. This position works closely with the Pastor, parish staff, musicians, cantors, choirs, and liturgical ministers. The position includes responsibility for music at weekend Masses, Holy Days, weddings, funerals, and other special liturgical celebrations, as well as coordinating volunteers and supporting the overall preparation of parish liturgies.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Liturgical Music

• Plan and coordinate music for Sunday and Holy Day Masses and other parish liturgical celebrations.
• Ensure that appropriate music is provided for all Sunday and Holy Day Masses.
• Consult with the Pastor regarding liturgical and music planning.
• Play the piano or organ for scheduled Masses and other liturgical celebrations as assigned.
• Arrange for qualified substitute musicians when the Director is unavailable.
• Schedule and coordinate cantors, musicians, and choirs.
• Lead regular choir rehearsals and rehearse with cantors and musicians as needed.
• Coordinate music for weddings and funerals, including working with couples and families to select appropriate music.
• Provide or coordinate music for parish funerals and other special liturgies.
• Oversee the maintenance of parish music equipment, including coordinating piano tuning and other necessary services.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required

• Ability to play the piano and/or organ at a level appropriate for leading and accompanying Catholic liturgies.
• Knowledge and appreciation of Catholic liturgy and worship.
• Strong knowledge of liturgical music and an understanding of how music supports and serves the liturgy.
• Ability to plan and coordinate music for liturgical celebrations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to lead rehearsals and work effectively with choirs, cantors, and volunteer musicians.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Pastor, parish staff, musicians, volunteers, and parishioners.
• Commitment to serving the Catholic Church and parish community.

Preferred

• Degree or formal education in music, liturgy, or a related field.
• Previous experience directing music or coordinating liturgical music in a Catholic parish.
• Experience playing piano or organ for Catholic Masses.
• Experience working with choirs, cantors, and volunteer musicians.
• Experience coordinating weddings, funerals, and other Catholic liturgical celebrations.

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a part-time position of approximately 15-19 hours per week. The schedule includes regular parish office hours for planning and preparation, as well as weekend Masses, rehearsals, and other liturgical celebrations. The Director is currently expected to be available for the parish's regular weekend Masses at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 9:00 a.m. Sunday. The parish Mass schedule may change, and the Director's schedule will adjust accordingly.

Additional evenings and weekend hours may occasionally be required for Holy Days, weddings, funerals, rehearsals, and special liturgical celebrations. Because this position includes regular weekend responsibilities, requested weekends off must be approved by the Pastor at least three weeks in advance, and appropriate musical coverage must be arranged.