Director of Music

St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church is seeking a talented, prayerful, and faithful Catholic musician to serve as our Director of Music and lead our parish's music ministry.

The Director of Music plays an important role in the life of our parish, using the gift of music to help our community pray, participate in the Sacred Liturgy, and grow closer to Christ. We are looking for someone who loves the Catholic Church, appreciates the beauty of the Mass, and sees music as a ministry of prayer and service.

The Director of Music will provide musical leadership for our weekend Masses, Holy Days, funerals, weddings, seasonal celebrations, and other special liturgies. The Director will also work with cantors, accompanists, choir members, and parish volunteers to support and strengthen our music ministry.

Working closely with the Pastors and Director of Formation and Mission, the Director of Music will help foster a welcoming, prayerful, and cohesive music ministry that supports the liturgical and spiritual life of our parish.

Key Responsibilities

Music Planning and Leadership

• Plan and coordinate music for weekend Masses, Holy Days, funerals, weddings, and other special liturgies and seasonal celebrations.
• Select music that is appropriate to the Catholic liturgy, supports congregational participation, and reflects the liturgical season.
• Prepare music plans and worship aids for weekend Masses, Holy Days, and major liturgical celebrations.
• Lead music for Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, and other significant parish celebrations.

Choir and Musician Development

• Direct parish choir rehearsals and performances.
• Coordinate and schedule cantors, accompanists, and other musicians.
• Recruit, train, and encourage parishioners to participate in the music ministry.
• Develop seasonal and special music opportunities, including children's choirs and small ensembles as appropriate.
• Coordinate weekend Mass coverage and arrange for a qualified substitute when unavailable, with prior approval.

Music Ministry Administration

• Maintain the parish music library, subscriptions, licensing, and other music resources.
• Coordinate the care and maintenance of musical instruments and music equipment, working with parish staff or vendors as needed.
• Collaborate with the Pastor, Director of Formation and Mission, Liturgy Committee, and parish staff regarding liturgical music and upcoming celebrations.
• Maintain an organized schedule of rehearsals, musicians, and liturgical music responsibilities.

Parish Engagement

• Foster a welcoming, prayerful, and collaborative music ministry.
• Encourage and develop the musical gifts of parishioners and volunteers.
• Serve as a resource to clergy, staff, and parish volunteers regarding sacred music and liturgical celebrations.
• Support special parish events and music initiatives as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music, Sacred Music, Liturgical Music, or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency in piano and/or organ, with the ability to accompany and lead liturgical worship.
• Demonstrated vocal and cantoring ability, with confidence leading congregational singing.
• Experience directing choirs, ensembles, or parish music programs.
• Prior parish music ministry experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of Catholic liturgy, the liturgical year, and the Church's tradition of sacred music.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with clergy, staff, musicians, and volunteers.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing.

This position requires evening, weekend, Holy Day, and holiday availability.

Mental Demands

Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities in a timely manner while maintaining a prayerful, positive, and collaborative approach to ministry. Ability to remain focused and composed during liturgies, rehearsals, and special events and to adapt to changing needs.

Physical Demands

Ability to perform on piano and/or organ for extended periods during liturgies and rehearsals. Ability to lift and transport musical equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. This position requires evening, weekend, Holy Day, and holiday availability.

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and optional recordings or samples of musical leadership to Celina Sheppeck, Business Administrator at busadmin@stjudeofthelake.org.