Full-Time Director of Sacred Music
Job Description
Position Summary
The Director of Sacred Music oversees, develops, and leads the music ministry of the
parish in accordance with the teachings and liturgical norms of the Roman Catholic
Church. This leader supports full, conscious, and active participation in the Sacred
Liturgy through reverent, beautiful, and theologically grounded sacred music. The
Director collaborates closely with the pastor, clergy, and liturgical ministries to ensure
that all parish liturgies—Sunday Masses, Holy Days, weddings, funerals, sacramental
celebrations, and special liturgies—are supported by well-prepared and prayerfully
executed music.
Key Responsibilities
1. Liturgical Music Planning & Leadership
Plan, select, and prepare appropriate music for all parish liturgies, ensuring
fidelity to the Church’s musical tradition and rubrics.
o Using the Source and Summit Hymnal and Planning Program.
Direct, accompanies, or arranges for accompaniment at weekend Masses, Holy
Days of Obligation, Triduum and Holy Week liturgies, sacramental celebrations,
parish events and School Masses.
Work closely with clergy and coordinator of Sacred Liturgy to coordinate daily
and weekend Masses, liturgical feast days, rituals and other parish
considerations.
2. Choirs & Ensembles
Recruit, train, and rehearse parish choirs, cantors, instrumentalists, and
ensembles.
Foster musical excellence, spiritual growth, and community among volunteers.
Develop programs with the assistance of the Principal and School Music Teacher
for children’s choirs for school day Masses and weekend Masses.
3. Musical Formation & Pastoral Leadership
Provide liturgical and musical formation to all members of the music ministry.
Introduce the parish community to the Church’s rich treasury of sacred music,
including chant, polyphony, and hymnody.
Encourage the congregation’s active participation in the sung parts of the Mass.
4. Administration & Coordination
Maintain a calendar of rehearsals, music selections, and volunteer schedules.
Oversee the care, maintenance, and tuning of parish musical instruments (e.g.,
organ, piano).
Manage the sacred music budget: purchasing scores, hymnals, licensing (Source
and Summit, OneLicense, USCCB.org etc.), and other needed resources.
Collaborate with the parish office to prepare worship aids and announcements.
5. Collaboration with Parish Staff & Liturgical Ministries
Serve on the parish pastoral team.
Coordinate with the Director of Liturgical Ministries (or sacristans, altar servers,
lectors) to ensure seamless liturgical execution.
Support wedding and funeral planning by assisting families with appropriate
music selection.
Qualifications
Required
Practicing Catholic in good standing with a love for the Church’s liturgy and
sacred music tradition.
Bachelor’s degree in music, sacred music, liturgy, or related field (or equivalent
professional experience) also to include Music Education.
Strong proficiency in organ is required, choral conducting, and vocal coaching.
Understanding of Catholic liturgical documents (GIRM, Musicam Sacram,
Sacrosanctum Concilium, etc.).
Ability to lead and form volunteers with patience, clarity, and pastoral sensitivity.
Strong inter-personal skills. We are looking for someone who has the ability to
work well with others.
Availability for daily Masses, evenings, weekends, rehearsals, and major
liturgical seasons.
Preferred
Master’s degree in Sacred Music, Music Performance, or Pastoral Studies,
Liturgy
Competence in Gregorian chant and choral conducting.
Experience directing a parish music program or working in a Catholic liturgical
setting.
Ability to arrange or compose music when needed.
Familiarity with digital music tools and score-preparation software.
Personal Qualities
Deep love for the Church and commitment to the beauty and reverence of liturgy.
Inspiring leadership and interpersonal skills.
Collaboration-oriented, flexible, and pastoral.
Strong organizational, communication, and time-management abilities.
A spirit of prayerfulness and professionalism.
Working Conditions
Work conducted in parish offices, church, rehearsal spaces, and liturgical
venues.
Regular lifting/moving of music equipment, hymnals, stands, and instruments.
Variable schedule aligned with parish liturgical needs.
