Director of Sacred Music - Saint Louis, MO

Director of Sacred Music - Saint Louis, MO St. Gerard Majella Parish in Kirkwood, Missouri is searching for a Director of Sacred Music! 40 Hours/Full Time Reports to the Pastor As a Catholic parish family, guided by the Holy Trinity and the compassion of our patron, St. Gerard Majella, our parish seeks to bring the fullness of the Gospel to its members and community, collaborating with the Holy Spirit, to foster faith in Jesus Christ.

To that end, the Director of Sacred Music is responsible for working with the pastor to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the sacred music in the service of the liturgy.

The Director of Sacred Music will work to plan, direct, and execute music for parish liturgies including the Mass and other sacraments, as well as other special liturgical events, with the purpose of fostering a liturgical music program that promotes the active participation of the parishioners (both liturgically and spiritually), encourages musical excellence, and is rooted in the liturgical and theological richness of the Catholic Church. Major Responsibilities

Execute liturgical music in accordance with Archdiocesan guidelines, the Office of Worship, and the direction of the pastorEnsure that the music ministry maintains a high standard of musical proficiency, theological integrity, and liturgical appropriatenessManage/direct the parish choir, schola, cantors, and/or instrumentalists for two Masses per weekend, and for Holy Days as neededSupport special parish events, such as seasonal concerts, parish festivals, parish worship or liturgy outside of Mass, and other community gatherings with music that enhances the eventCoordinate with the parish priests and engaged couples to plan and execute music for weddings as neededAssist with funeral music planning and coordinate with cantors and other musicians as neededPractice with each group as required by their schedule (weekly for the choir, and for schola and cantors as needed)Foster the use of sacred music including chant, classical hymns, contemporary music, and new compositions within the keeping of liturgical norms, and enable parishioners to learn and sing it in communal worshipCreate and print necessary music sheets or programs for Masses and eventsOrder pew resources (missalettes, hymnals, and additional resources)Manage and maintain an organized music library, both physical and virtualSecure appropriate copyright licensing with OneLicense.net, CCLI, etc. and follow all protocols and procedures to maintain proper adherence to copyright lawsProvide guidance and change to music protocol to reflect the various liturgical seasons, selecting appropriate music as neededOversee regular maintenance of parish musical instruments (organ, piano, handbells, etc.)Manage the budget and stipends for paid musicians in cooperation with the pastor and parish finance councilOffer periodic formation workshops for musicians and the broader parish community to deepen their understanding of sacred music and its role in worshipServe as a spiritual leader and role model for the music ministry, encouraging prayerful participation and personal growth in faith for all musiciansParticipate in weekly staff prayer and meetingsQualifications A deep personal commitment to the Catholic faith, a strong understanding of the meaning and purpose of the sacred liturgy, and a passion for using music to enrich the worship experience of the parishUndergraduate degree in music with proficiency in musical theory, keyboard (organ/piano), and choral conducting, with a demonstrated ability to lead and inspire singers and instrumentalistsFamiliarity with Catholic liturgical documents on sacred music including the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, and the 2020 USCCB document Hymnody at the Service of the Church: An Aid for Evaluating Hymn LyricsCompetence in chant, traditional hymnody, and contemporary liturgical musicAbility to lead, manage, and inspire a diverse group of volunteers and professionalsStrong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectivelyAbility to work collaboratively with the pastor, other clergy, and parish staff in planning and implementing the parish's liturgical lifeAbility to build relationships with a wide range of parishioners, musicians, and volunteers, creating a welcoming and supportive environmentFamiliarity with Sibelius music notation software or a comparable alternative (preferred)Working Conditions
Hours – Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate rehearsals, liturgies, and special eventsCompensation – Competitive salary based on experience, with potential for additional benefits such as healthcare and retirement contributions, as well as stipends for additional funerals and weddings To apply, please send your resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio (if available) that includes examples of your musical leadership, references (including a clergy reference), and a statement of your philosophy of liturgical music to: St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church Attn: Fr. Michael Grosch [email protected] 1969 Dougherty Ferry Road Kirkwood, MO 63122 314-965-3985, ext. 2813 To participate in the discussions on Catholic church music, sign in or register as a forum member, The forum is a project of the Church Music Association of America.