Organist (Part Time), Annunciation B.V.M. Parish

DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN

Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Catasauqua

Position Description

Job Title : Organist

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Job Status : Part Time

Reporting Functions : Reports to Pastor

Job Function : Plans, rehearses and performs organ music for the church in coordination with the parish Pastor. Provides organ music for all regularly scheduled Saturday evening, Sunday morning Masses, as well as additional holy days of obligations and any event as needed.

The Church is awaiting a 2003 Allen Organ (Renaissance Series Diane Bish Model 40) by Advent. In the meantime, organist will play on the current organ / piano.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Rehearse once a week with the parish choir including additional rehearsals during Easter and Christmas seasons.
• Select music in coordination with the Pastor. Learn, study and review all music for Masses and determine organ registrations.

Learn and adapt all necessary choir accompaniments to the organ.

• Provide organ music for all regularly scheduled Sunday Masses as well as additional holy days of obligation.
• Provide prelude music beginning ten (10) minutes prior to liturgies. Provide music during services including preludes, hymns, offertory, etc.

Provide recessional music at conclusion of liturgy.

• Serve as organist, when needed and if available, at other Masses and liturgies held in the church with compensation given at a substitute rate.
• Serve as organist for ministry of church weddings, if so desired and available, with the stipend to be established by the Pastor.

Attend wedding consultations with engaged couple and / or soloist(s) if requested.

• Report to the appropriate person(s) on the condition and needs for the maintenance of musical instruments including quarterly organ tuning and annual piano tuning.
• As a musician, be diligent in preparation and performance and cooperate with others to provide and enable the highest possible standard of worship in the church.

Educational Requirements :

• Bachelor's degree in music preferred but not necessary
• At least 5 years experience as a church organist

Other Conditions :

• Due to the nature and mission of the Catholic Church, all employees are bound to exhibit respect for the teachings and discipline of the Church regarding matters of faith and morals.
• Knowledge of liturgical practices, worship and special functions of the Catholic Church.
• A good knowledge of repertoire available for catholic liturgical music programs for both organ and congregation.
• A high degree of proficiency in the use of the organ as well as other keyboard instruments.
• Basic understanding of music theory; ability to sight read music.
• An enthusiastic willingness to work with other people, good communicational skills.

Working Conditions : Normal parish environment. Will be required to work Saturday evening Mass (4 pm) and Sunday morning Masses (8 am & 10 : 30 am), as well as religious holidays and any other event requested by the Pastor.

Physical Conditions : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and arms to play musical keyboards, direct music, type, handle, feel, or operate objects or controls, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee frequently is required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch.

The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to :

Parish Secretary : Kim Smith

Kim Smith