Director of Sacred Music

St Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary of Sorrows Parish in Fairfax, VA seeks an experienced Director of Sacred Music to lead a traditional liturgical music program, including chant and hymnody, for four to five weekend Masses.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished organist who can direct the choir, coordinate cantors and musicians, and collaborate with the pastor and staff. A strong background in sacred music is essential.

Qualifications

• Faithful Catholic in good standing with the Church's teaching.
• Degree in sacred music or related field preferred; professional credentials considered.
• Five+ years in a church music program; competence as organist preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a high standard of liturgical music aligned with Church teaching.
• Direct and rehearse the adult choir.
• Serve as organist, director, and/or cantor for weekend Masses and liturgies.
• Coordinate cantors, organists, and other musicians as needed.
• Schedule volunteer musicians and engage professionals when appropriate.
• Meet with the pastor to coordinate liturgies and the parish music program.
• Adhere to licensing and copyright requirements.
• Maintain the parish music library and create worship aids as needed.

Skills

Organist competence

Choral direction

Coordination with clergy

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in sacred music, theology, liturgy, or related field

Tools

Experience with liturgical music programs

Job description

St. Mary of Sorrows Parish - Fairfax, Virginia

Director of Sacred Music

Position available January 4, 2027

Overview

St. Mary of Sorrows Parish is seeking an experienced church musician to serve as Director of Sacred Music.

The parish seeks a Director who can lead a strong sacred music program rooted in the Church's musical tradition, including chant and quality hymnody. The parish currently uses the Source & Summit Missal and digital platform. The music program includes an adult choir, with other Masses generally led by cantors.

The ideal candidate will be a competent organist who can direct the choir and provide music for most of the parish's four to five sung weekend Masses while coordinating other musicians as needed. Exceptionally qualified candidates whose primary strengths are choral direction or vocal leadership will also be considered.

The position does not require traditional office hours but does require reliable presence for assigned liturgies and rehearsals and effective coordination with the pastor, parish staff, and musicians. Compensation will be based on the responsibilities assigned.

The Director of Sacred Music reports directly to the pastor. The parish has a newer four-manual Rodgers Infinity organ.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a high standard of liturgical music consistent with Church teaching and tradition.
• Direct and rehearse the adult choir.
• Serve as organist, director, and/or cantor for weekend Masses, Holy Days, and other parish liturgies.
• Coordinate cantors, organists, and other musicians as needed.
• Schedule volunteer musicians and, in consultation with the pastor, engage professional musicians when appropriate.
• Meet with the pastor as needed to coordinate liturgies and the parish music program.
• Follow Church and civil requirements regarding music licensing and copyright.
• Maintain the parish music library.
• Create worship aids for funerals and other liturgies as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Faithful Catholic in good standing with the Church whose public and private life is consistent with Church teaching.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in sacred music, theology, liturgy, or a related field preferred. Relevant professional credentials and experience will also be considered.
• Deep knowledge of the Church's patrimony of sacred music.
• Five or more years of experience working in a church music program.
• Competence as an organist preferred. Exceptionally qualified candidates with strong backgrounds in choral direction or vocal leadership will also be considered.
• Strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with clergy, parish staff, volunteers, and professional musicians.

Application

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief letter of interest to:

Fr. Vander Woude, Pastor

St. Mary of Sorrows Parish

[e-mail]

Additional materials, including references or examples of musical work, may be requested during the interview process.

Anticipated start date: January 4, 2027.