Director of Music and Liturgy

Job Description

Job Description

Position : Director of Music and Liturgy

Date Revised : August 12, 2024

Reports to : Pastor

Location : St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

861 Wildwood Lane

Grapevine, Texas 76051

www.sfatx.org

The principal duty of all employees is to assist in the mission of the Church in the Diocese of Fort Worth. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

General Position Summary : St. Francis of Assisi is a dynamic faith community located in Grapevine near Dallas / Ft. Worth airport.

We are seeking a well-qualified individual to build on our vibrant music and liturgy program, which is a hallmark of our parish.

The Director of Music and Liturgy oversees all music, prepares (with the Pastor) all parish liturgies, and serves as the parish liaison with all liturgical ministry leaders.

This individual should be an experienced choral director and experienced pianist / accompanist and should possess the ability to communicate with and manage volunteers.

Principal Accountabilities :

Report directly to the pastor and responsible for arranging all liturgy and music associated with worship within the parish : weekend and holy days masses;

sacramental celebrations of Confirmation, Reconciliation and First Communion; Triduum; devotions such as Stations of the Cross, civic holidays such as Thanksgiving; parish retreats.

• Direct the adult choir at Sunday mass and major feasts as necessary; accompany one additional weekend mass; provide oversight and support to other music ministry leaders.
• Recruit, train, rehearse and evaluate choir members, cantors and musicians for which the Director provides direct leadership.
• Arrange for additional musicians for special celebrations such as Easter and Christmas.
• Accompanist for Weddings (additional pay).
• Coordinator for funerals : meets with the family to prepare the liturgy, schedules all ministers including cantor, prepares the worship aid, prepares the worship space and serves as accompanist (additional pay).
• Supervise musical resources, instruments and sound system to include their purchase, maintenance and distribution.
• Research new music and remain abreast of developments in the understanding of the liturgy to broaden the parish musical repertoire and further enhance worship.
• Arrange, transpose and / or compose music as needed or required.
• Maintain a level of knowledge and skills required for the position. Participate in diocesan-sponsored training, attend workshops, conferences and classes.

Maintain membership in relevant professional organizations.

• Provide encouragement, evaluation and appreciation to musicians and liturgical leaders of the parish.
• Prepare and produce worship aids for worship.
• Obtain and maintain compliance with copyright laws and requirements on behalf of all parish ministries.
• Oversee Ministry Scheduler Program (MSP) to schedule liturgical ministers for designated liturgical celebrations. Directly supervise and support MSP Administrator.
• Act as parish liaison with liturgical ministry leads, providing communication and support.

Typical Decisions and / or Recommendations Made in This Position :

• Work closely with Pastor in the planning for liturgical seasons, to assure creativity and pastorally responsible integration of music within the liturgy and parish spirituality.
• Prepare an annual liturgical calendar with the pastor and parish staff.
• Prepare a budget for music and liturgy and provide necessary input and advocacy in the parish budgeting process.

Supervision Given and / or Received :

• Direct supervisor for paid parish musicians.
• Supervise approximately 75 music ministry volunteers.
• Report directly to the Pastor.

Internal Contacts :

• Interface with pastor and staff regularly.
• Remain visible and accessible to the entire parish community and open to parishioner feedback.

External Contacts :

Establish strong working relationships with the diocesan Office of Worship and other parishes within the diocese.

Working Conditions and / or Physical Requirements :

This position works primarily in a typical office environment, but also requires mobility as respects choral conducting.

It is subject to stress due to the evolving and quickly expanding business needs, tight deadlines and heavy workloads.

Travel Requirements :

None

Education and Experience Preferred :

• Must be a fully initiated Catholic actively participating in the liturgical life of the Church.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in music. A Master’s degree or equivalent in education and experience is preferred.
• Considerable instrumental, vocal and directing skills.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the Roman Catholic Liturgy.

Knowledge and Skills Preferred :

• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to organize and arrange music and prepare liturgies.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and honor diversity within the parish community.
• Demonstrated successful ability to coordinate, motivate and support volunteer liturgical ministers.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to balance and appropriately prioritize multiple projects and requirements.

Other

• Instruments : Allen Renaissance R-250 Digital Computer Organ (church), Steinway Model B Grand Piano (church), Kohler & Cable Grand Piano (rehearsal).
30+ days ago