Music Director

JOB DESCRIPTION: DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Summary Of The Position

The Director of Music oversees the liturgical music program of the parish, serves as a member of the parish staff, provides leadership and consultation for various groups, and is an integral member of the worship community. This position collaborates with the Pastor, the parish administrator and parish staff, school principal and school staff, as well as parish organizations, volunteers, and members of the parish at large.

The Director of Music works in consultation with the Pastor in planning and providing music for the parish’s liturgical celebrations, with the Pastor providing overall pastoral direction and, as appropriate, making changes to the music program, selections, or arrangements in keeping with the teachings and liturgical norms of the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Detroit. This position reports to the Pastor of the parish.

Main Responsibilities

Coordination and Administrative ResponsibilitiesParticipates as a full and active member of the parish staffParticipates, on occasion, in meetings of various leadership groups and committeesIdentifies pastoral needs within the parish community and makes recommendations for future services, programs, etc.; coordinates, develops and implements plans and programs to respond to those needsRecruits, supervises, supports and evaluates volunteer ministers in the music program including choir members, cantors, and instrumentalistsMaintains contact with appropriate Archdiocesan officesMakes recommendations for preparation of the portion of the parish budget which pertains to the music program; administers the music portion of the worship budget through the fiscal yearMaintains parish instruments (organ, pianos, etc.) and church sound systemSelects and purchases music and suppliesMaintains the music libraryObserves all copyright and other relevant laws; arranges for reprint licenses as requiredContributes as appropriate to the parish bulletin and the parish websitePrepares participation aids and music supplements for various occasionsHires qualified musicians for special celebrations as budgetedSecures qualified substitute musicians in his or her absencePlans and provides music for the following events; works with cantors and choirs in preparation for these events, which can be found in the parish liturgical calendar.Weekend and Holy day MassesSchool and religious education program MassesSacramental celebrations such as First Communion and Confirmation MassesParish liturgical events such as Advent/Christmas, Lent/Holy Week/Easter, Stations of the Cross, Corpus Christi Procession and Benediction; children’s involvement in the Christmas gospelScheduled Masses of various parish groups and organizations, such as the Ushers and Tabernacle SocietyPenance services for parish, school and religious education programAnnual programs or concerts; musical events associated with the liturgical yearThe rituals associated with the Rite of Christian Initiation of AdultsBaptismsFuneralsWeddingsCivil holidaysChoirs and Cantors

The Director of Music is responsible for planning and executing rehearsals with the following choirs and scheduling their regular participation at weekend Masses and parish worship events. The Director will regularly evaluate each group and arrange for continuing training and formation for participants.

Parish ChoirChildren’s ChoirCantorsHandbell Choir oversight & supervision of the handbell coordinator. Coordination and AdministrationKnowledge of Catholic and parish organizational structure.Knowledge and skill in using and budgeting parish resources in the spirit of good stewardshipProfessional office, computer, organizational, and planning skills, including the ability to engage in both short- and long-range planning.Familiarity with Archdiocesan policies and procedures.Ability to participate actively and collaboratively as a member of the parish staff and to work effectively with a wide variety of personalities, temperaments, perspectives, and groups within the parish.Ability to work collaboratively with others and to recruit, motivate, supervise, and support volunteers and parishioners in the fulfillment of parish ministries.Ability to organize and coordinate parish programs, events, services, and musical activities.Flexibility and adaptability in response to the changing needs of the parish and the nature of the position.Strong active listening, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of people and at various levels of the parish and Archdiocese.Knowledge of Catholic theology and practice, Church teaching, local and national adaptations, and relevant aspects of Canon Law.Understanding of the mission of the parish, the Archdiocese, and the greater Church, with the ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in and live out that mission.Ability to integrate faith with ministry and daily responsibilities and to share that faith appropriately with others.Openness to a broad range of legitimate styles of liturgy and music, with a willingness to develop and expand the musical repertoire of the parish community to include a range of music from traditional to contemporary.Openness to developing and establishing new musical ensembles or ministries as appropriate to the needs and mission of the parish.Ability to lead public prayer and to serve as a visible and engaged member of the worshipping community.

Education, Training And/or Experience

College Education or equivalent to years of experience in parish music ministry.

Excellent keyboard skills (organ and piano), vocal abilities, choir and cantor formation experience.

Working Environment

The nature of the position necessitates evening and weekend hours.

Process

Interested candidates should apply (including resume and cover letter) via https://aod.org/careers

Please contact Selma Yaldo with any questions at: [email protected] or (313) 278-5555