What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Musician of Sacred Music position at Aod?
Position Title: Assistant Musician of Sacred Music
FLSA Status: Exempt/Salary
Hours Authorized: Full-time – 40 hours per week, hours vary
Immediate Supervisors: Director of Sacred Music
Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, pension, disability insurance, paid time off, 403b, 403b Roth
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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Serious candidates must complete both of the following steps to be considered for this position:
- Submit an application through this job posting.
- Submit two hymn recordings and one postlude of your choosing demonstrating your Sacred Music abilities.
You may submit your recordings in one of the following ways:
- Email a link to your recordings to alexandra.polega@sthugo.org, or
- Upload your recordings using our Google Form: https://forms.gle/L66EgXDMWpeQzzDH8
All recordings and application materials will remain private and will be accessible only to the hiring committee. Candidates whose applications and recordings are selected to move forward will be contacted for next interview steps.
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Position Summary
The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music assists the Director of Sacred Music in supporting the parish's music ministry by providing musical leadership for liturgies, rehearsing parish ensembles, and collaborating in liturgical planning. In accordance with the mission of the Church and the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Assistant Musician fosters the full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful in worship through sacred music.
Responsibilities
1. Ministry Leadership
- Assist the Director of Sacred Music in developing and implementing the parish music ministry in accordance with the vision and directives of the Pastor.
- Collaborate in establishing goals, priorities, and initiatives for the parish music program.
2. Coverage Responsibilities
- Assume all responsibilities of the Director of Sacred Music during the Director's regularly scheduled day off and approved absences, including vacation, sick leave, and personal leave.
3. Regular Liturgical Schedule
Weekday Masses (8:30 a.m.)
- Director of Sacred Music: Monday–Wednesday
- Assistant Musician: Thursday–Saturday
Weekend Masses
- Director of Sacred Music: Saturday 5:00 p.m, Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
- Assistant Musician: Sunday 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.
Weddings-Fridays and Saturdays, shared with the Director.
Funerals- Monday–Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Additional funerals at 12:30 p.m, shared with the Director.
4. Liturgical Music Ministry
- Accompany congregational singing of hymns, psalms, and Mass settings for assigned weekend, Holy Days, Christmas, Holy Week, and civil holiday liturgies.
- Provide appropriate organ preludes and postludes for assigned weekend and Holy Day liturgies.
- Accompany daily Masses as assigned by the Director of Sacred Music.
- Assist with music for Reconciliation services, Evening Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and other liturgical celebrations approved by the Pastor.
- Provide music for weddings and funerals, including meeting with couples and families to prepare music selections.
- Collaborate in Scripture readings, prayers, and music for monthly Marriage Preparation.
- Share responsibility for accompanying the Liturgical Choir during rehearsals and liturgical celebrations.
- Coordinate a practice schedule for the church organ and piano with the Director.
- Prepare and print worship aids for weddings, funerals, and other liturgical celebrations in conjunction with the Director.
- Direct and recruit the parish Handbell Choir.
5. Other
- Attend and participate in meetings, including: Staff Huddle, Liturgy Committee, Worship Staff meetings.
- Pursue ongoing professional and spiritual formation in sacred music and liturgy.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Pastor or Director of Sacred Music.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information obtained through ministry and parish service.
- Maintain a clean and organized choir loft, organ area, and music storage spaces.
- Be present for rehearsals and concerts involving outside musical groups and other organizations using the Church or Chapel.
Qualifications
- Active practicing Catholic.
- Demonstrates a commitment to Gospel values and supports the Parish mission.
- Master's degree in Music, Sacred Music, or a closely related field required.
- Minimum of three years of experience in Catholic liturgical music ministry preferred.
- Thorough knowledge of Catholic liturgy and sacred music.
- Strong organ, piano, and vocal accompaniment skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Publisher, and willingness to learn new software as needed.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while performing musical duties.
- Frequent repetitive hand movements associated with keyboard performance.
- Ability to answer telephone calls and perform routine office tasks.
- Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds.
- Ability to regularly be present onsite during evenings, weekends, and holy days.
- Must pass a background check and be Safe Environment compliant.