Director of Music Ministry

Church of the Holy Spirit; Bartlett (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Director of Music Ministry to enhance the spiritual experience through music. This role involves overseeing the music program for liturgical celebrations, collaborating with the Pastor, and fostering a vibrant music community. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of Church music literature and liturgical principles, as well as strong interpersonal skills to connect with parishioners. If you are a person of faith with a vision for music ministry, this opportunity allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the congregation.

Qualifications

• Must be a Catholic in good standing and VIRTUS trained.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Directs the parish music program and selects music for liturgies.
• Provides leadership in liturgical music and coordinates musicians.
• Educates and trains parish ministers of music.

Skills

Church music literature knowledge

Liturgical principles proficiency

Organ and piano proficiency

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Training for pastoral ministers in liturgy

Job description

Position Summary:

The Director of Music Ministry is a professional who holds specialized credentials in music and who has a thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgy. This person of faith is responsible for the effective planning, coordination, and execution of music within the liturgical celebrations of the parish. He or she is gifted with a vision of how a local church can develop its potential.

The Director of Music Ministry supports and promotes the Pastor’s initiatives and decisions regarding the mission and operation of the Parish.

Responsibilities:

Administration:

• Collaborates with the Pastor (or any celebrating priest), under his supervision, and with other members of the parish staff, integrating his or her own area of responsibility with the overall parish endeavor.
• Directs the parish music program, selects and plans music for use in parish liturgies.
• Provides leadership in areas related to liturgical music, e.g., selects and develops participation aids for the congregation, selects and maintains musical instruments, coordinates services and schedules of parish musicians, assures copyright permission, etc.
• Prepares and administers the budget for the parish music program, subject to approval of the Pastor and Office Manager.
• Coordinates and ensures appropriate music for all parish sacramental celebrations and provides necessary consultation and assistance.
• Responsible for the use of the projection system during Mass.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by Pastor or Office Manager.

Worship:

• Provides music and musicians for all Sunday and other major celebrations, including weddings, funerals, etc.
• Performs music at assigned celebrations.
• Builds repertoire and encourages participation of parish community in singing at various liturgies.
• Acts as a consultant to parishioners for planning sacramental liturgies, e.g., weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc.
• Introduces new songs to the congregation before Mass.

Educating:

• Invites, motivates, and trains all parish ministers of music (whether volunteer, on stipend, or salaried).
• Provides liturgical formation, music education, and practical preparation for liturgical celebration for cantors/leaders of song, choral, and instrumental groups.
• Serves as a resource consultant for parish concerns regarding music, helping to educate staff, ministers of music, and congregation in developing their potential to understand the role of music in worship and to celebrate liturgies of musical quality.
• Keeps abreast of current developments in liturgy and in music, and directs music ministers to available training workshops, and formational opportunities.

Pastoral Services:

• Is visibly present at principal parish events, keeping attuned to the living faith and real concerns of parishioners.
• Recruits needed musicians, within parish guidelines, and attempts to involve newcomers and a broad spectrum of parishioners.
• Works to foster unity among all parish musicians, and to create a spirit of harmony with the pastor and other liturgical ministers.
• Promotes good public relations both within and beyond the parish, and is involved in ecumenical cluster, Deanery, and Archdiocesan networks of professional peers.

Requirements:

Qualities:

The Director of Music Ministry possesses the qualities common to all pastoral ministers. Effective functioning of this ministry requires, in particular, that the Director of Music Ministry is a person of prayer, is sensitive to the cultural experience of parishioners, and understands their spirituality and worship life. The Director of Music Ministry must be a Catholic in good standing, VIRTUS trained, and with a clean background check.

Competencies and Skills:

• Is knowledgeable of, and comfortable with, Church music literature in all forms and styles for the congregation, choirs (adult, teen, and children), vocalists, and instrumentalists.
• Is proficient in liturgical principles.
• Has a thorough understanding of the musical, liturgical, and pastoral judgements which must be made in selecting music for liturgy.
• A positive personality that connects with all people and a drive to grow the music ministry.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent certification.
• Training for all pastoral ministers in liturgy.
• Availability to work nights and weekends.
• Proficient in organ, piano, choral, and voice.
• Strong verbal and written communications, organizational, multi-tasking and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and has a “Service Mindset” when working with others.
• Able to identify issues and propose recommendations/solutions.

Serious inquiries can contact:

Roxanne Sleszynski

St. Peter Damian Catholic Church

630-837-5411 ext. 121

[e-mail]