What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Music Ministry position at Catholic Diocese of Lansing?
General Summary: St. Joseph Catholic Church is seeking an enthusiastic, practicing Catholic, Director of Music for our parish of 1400 families. This successful candidate is ready to embrace our Pastor’s vision to enter the heavenly worship present in every Mass, and support the Gospel message during the liturgy through prayerful and joyful music.
Accountability: Reports to Pastor
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hours: Full-time
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To be a living witness to the Gospel through living as a disciple of Jesus Christ
- To be an integral member of the parish ministry team
- To assist the parish in worship during liturgies and other times of prayer through song
- Form and lead parish choirs; ideally an adult choir, a children’s choir, and a resurrection choir to assist at funeral Masses
- To deepen the liturgical understanding of the assembly through the choice of music, including traditional and contemporary genres
- To help plan and lead the worship during parish retreats and at special parish holy hours
- To lead praise and worship for the youth group at special holy hours
- To recruit, train, and sustain quality cantors for the parish liturgies
- Responsible for all music associated with worship, religious education, youth ministry, and on-site outreach ministries as needed
- Coordinates the staffing of all liturgies with competent musicians and singers
- Participates in planning the liturgies with the liturgy director and pastor, and is primarily responsible for the music selections of all worship celebrations including holy days, weddings, funerals, and special liturgies
- Select and maintain the musical instruments used for the liturgies
- Obtain copyright permission for music
- Provide liturgical formation, music education, and practical preparations for cantors/leaders of song, choral, and instrumental groups
- Must attend all parish staff meetings and other required meetings/staff retreats as directed by Pastor or Business Manager
- Participate in the parish budget process by formulating and submitting annual music ministry budget for finance committee approval, and adhering to said annual budget.
- Continue to develop music ministry skills by taking courses/workshops and participating in conferences that are generally related to music ministry, the mission of pastoral liturgy, and the future direction of the parish. (Parish will help offset partial costs of approved professional development).
- Make regular practice of your music skills a part of your daily routine at the parish
- Meet with the pastor and other key staff members annually for performance evaluation and goal setting
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in music. B.S. in Sacred Music or Liturgical Music preferred.
Experience: Must have at least 2 years of music experience in music ministry. Ability to play the piano for liturgy (and organ a plus). Knowledge of and willingness to embrace traditional musical repertoire a plus.
Required: Must complete our safe environment training for the protection of children and youth. Must pass a criminal background check.
Physical Demands: While performing other duties, employee has to sit for long periods of time, and use hands in repetitive motion tasks. The position also requires some standing, stooping, and bending as needed. The candidate must be able to lift 30 pounds
Additional: Demonstrate good judgment and able to discern when direction is needed. Proficient in computer applications using Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher and Google Suite. Diocesan employment requirements must be met. Complete Virtus training. Employee is expected to work all liturgical services on weekends and several weekdays or evenings per week. Ability to speak Spanish a plus.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of the work required of this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. While employees are asked to serve in a variety of roles, each employee’s duties and responsibilities are primarily religious. An employee must exemplify the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. An employee must not teach, advocate, model or in any way encourage beliefs or behaviors that are contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church.