Director of Sacred Music

Posted: Jul 10, 2026

Director of Sacred Music

St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church - Grand Rapids, MI

business_center Full-time

Salary: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00

Application Deadline: Aug 10, 2026

The Director of Sacred Music is responsible for the planning and execution of the Parish’s sacred music program, most especially the sacred music used at Sunday and Holy Day Masses, school Masses, funerals, weddings, and other liturgical celebrations. In close collaboration with the pastor, the director reviews all liturgical music programs, procedures, and budgets. The director will recruit and rehearse parish volunteer choirs, as well as form, train, and foster an appreciation and understanding of sacred music at the parish.

Responsibilities

• Culture & Participation: Promote and foster the development of an authentic liturgical music culture, understanding sacred music’s essential role in Catholic liturgical ministry. Encourage and promote "fully conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations" (as called for by the Second Vatican Council) across all age groups.
• Education: Regularly educate the parish about Roman Catholic sacred music repertoire, fostering an appreciation for the depth and beauty of sacred singing.
• Choir Direction: Recruit, audition, rehearse, and conduct all parish choirs; build up choral and parishioner participation as part of the parish’s mission and discipleship culture.
• Liturgical Music: Serve as the organist/pianist and choir director at all Sunday Masses (including the Saturday Vigil), Holy Days, Christmas Midnight Mass, Holy Week liturgies, and weekly school Masses.
• Repertoire Selection: Periodically review the sacred music repertoire for all liturgies with the Pastor to ensure alignment with the liturgical teachings of the Roman Rite.
• Coordination & Scheduling: Schedule and coordinate the choir for all parish funerals. Hire and supervise cantors and instrumentalists as needed for special liturgical celebrations.
• Special Services: Plan sacred music selections for other liturgical celebrations, such as quarterly solemn Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction, Lessons & Carols, devotions, prayer services, and First Reconciliation.
• Administration: Perform administrative office work, including producing worship aids or musical inserts for Masses. Prepare and oversee the annual music program budget.
• Instrument Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance of the parish organ, piano, and other musical instruments, and ensure the proper functioning of the church sound system.
• Outreach & Concerts: Organize concerts and events showcasing the musical patrimony of the Church and classical music to help the parish experience "the True, the Good, and the Beautiful" (potentially collaborating with local musicians).
• School Integration: Work with school choirs to introduce them to the Church’s sacred music tradition and integrate them into parish liturgical celebrations.
• Compliance: Observe national and diocesan guidelines regarding youth and young adult ministry and religious education policies.
• Other Duties: Perform other occasional duties as assigned.
  
  

Accountability & Schedule

The Director of Sacred Music reports directly to the parish manager and pastor. Office hours will be mutually agreed upon and flexible to accommodate weekend duties. Attendance at the weekly staff meeting is expected.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary and benefits are commensurate with education and experience, in accordance with parish and diocesan policies.
• Weddings and funerals are compensated separately; the director retains the right of first refusal for these events.
• Professional development opportunities and vacation leave are available.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

• Practicing Catholic registered in his/her parish.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Music (Master’s preferred).
• Proficient organ skills and excellent piano performance ability.
• Excellent choir directing and strong vocal ability.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work with individuals of diverse liturgical music sensibilities as intended by the Church's official teachings.
• Pastoral experience working with diverse parish congregations.
• A working familiarity with the 20th-century Catholic Liturgical Movement.
• Knowledge of Catholic teaching documents on the Eucharist and sacred music, including Tra Le Sollecitudini, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Musicam Sacram, the Chirograph of John Paul II, Sacramentum Caritatis, GIRM, and the USCCB's Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship and Catholic Hymnody at the Service of the Church.
• Comfort with a broad range of Catholic sacred music, from chant and polyphony to contemporary sacred compositions.
• Demonstrated ability to discern and distinguish music appropriate for the liturgy versus other parish gatherings.
• Working knowledge of Latin and an understanding of the Second Vatican Council's and U.S. Bishops' guidance on its liturgical use.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications And Skills

• Fervent disciple of Christ, deeply committed to the Church’s mission of evangelization.
• A strong willingness to develop a vibrant, growing parish music program.
• Excellent organ performance ability.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead, and retain volunteers.
• Active membership in professional organizations (e.g., CMAA, NPM, AGO, AFPC, ACDA).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with local area musicians.
  
  

To apply for this position, please send cover letter and resume to Meghan Brennan at Mbrennan@spagr.org

Attachments

Director of Sacred Music - Job Description 2026.docx

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