OVERVIEW

• The Sacristan collaborates with the Cathedral Pastor, the Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy, and other staff in implementing the mission of the parish.
• Specifically, the Sacristan supports the liturgical ministry of the Cathedral, and assists the Cathedral facilities staff with the overall cleaning and maintenance of the Cathedral building.
• The Sacristan must be knowledgeable about the Roman Catholic liturgy and the established liturgical practices and norms of the Archdiocese of Seattle and St. James Cathedral.  The Sacristan has no responsibility for liturgical planning or the setting of liturgical practices.
• The Sacristan is a member of the Liturgy Department and works under the supervision of the Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy.

QUALIFICATIONS

            The successful candidate for this position will:

• • Be a practicing Roman Catholic, and an active member of a parish
  • Have an understanding of and love for Roman Catholic tradition and sacraments
  • Have a strong commitment to excellence in Liturgy
  • Be able to collaborate with the Pastor and Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy and other Cathedral staff and volunteers
  • Have strong interpersonal skills in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers
  • Be willing to work very flexible hours and overtime during key liturgical seasons (including but not limited to Advent, Christmas, Easter)
  • Be able to multitask and to maintain calm in a sometimes stressful atmosphere
  • Have strong organizational ability (computer proficiency preferred, but not essential)
  • Have a working knowledge of basic maintenance and repairs
  • Be able to maintain inventory and work within a budget

III     LITURGICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

            The Sacristan at St. James Cathedral…

• Oversees the care of the Blessed Sacrament, and ensures that the Sacrament is always handled with due reverence according to the rubrics of the Church and the practices of St. James Cathedral
• Is aware at all times of events scheduled to take place in the Cathedral and in the Cathedral Chapel.  This requires regular consultation of the Cathedral calendar, the official Ordo and the calendars produced by the Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy
• Is visibly present at all liturgies at which he/she functions, including daily and weekend Masses, Holy Hours, Taizé, as well as funerals and weddings
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge about the cathedral and environs
• Prepares vestments, vessels, and other materials needed for each liturgical celebration, consulting with the presider or Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy regarding special and particular arrangements for different liturgical celebrations
• Participates in meetings and rehearsals for major liturgies and liturgical seasons.  Carefully reviews any liturgy notes, checklists, or other guidance provided by the Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy, as well as the readings and prayers associated with the day or the feast
• Assists the presider or the Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy as requested, both prior to and during liturgical celebrations.  Such assistance may include serving as Master of Ceremonies, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Altar Server, or any other needed ministry
• Is prepared to answer questions from all ministers about their role in the liturgy by understanding Cathedral practice and carefully reading the liturgy notes provided
• Maintains and ensures the security of all vestments, linens, and sacred vessels
• Works with the lead sacristan to ensure all supplies—hosts, wine, candles, etc—are ordered in a timely fashion
• Supervises the secure handling of votive and weekend collections, which may include weekly transfer of Sunday collections and daily votive offerings to the Rectory safe

IV     CUSTODIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

            In addition to the above liturgical responsibilities, the Sacristan:

• Oversees the opening and closing of the Cathedral and security system
• Maintains a visible presence in the Cathedral throughout the day
• Supervises day to day maintenance of the Cathedral, including:
  • Assuring cleanliness and good order throughout the Cathedral, including keeping chairs in the right places; replacing and rearranging hymnals as necessary; picking up litter; cleaning the altar platform on a regular schedule; sweeping and dusting platforms, cathedra, and statues
  • Maintaining all vestments (including a large collection of historic vestments), ministers’ albs, and altar linens
  • Cleaning of the sacristies and readying them for all weekend and other major liturgies; emptying trash, recycle, and compost in the north and south sacristies; working with the Cathedral maintenance team to clean vestibules and Chapel
  • Polishing of brass railings, urns, thuribles, etc., and the dusting and polishing of sanctuary, sacristy and chapel woodwork
  • Ensuring that Sanctuary lamp is always lit
  • Maintaining altar candles in the sanctuary and chapel
  • Maintaining votive candle racks, ensuring that sufficient candles are available for the faithful at all times
  • Watering flowers and removing dead foliage
  • Working with security team to address any issues in the Cathedral
  • Has received basic training on how to interact with people in crisis

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.

Salary : $26