Leader of Music Ministry

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Reporting Relationships:

• Directly Reports to the Pastor.
• Supervises Accompanists and Vocalists for Family Liturgies
• Provides work direction to all music ministry volunteers.
• Resource person to and works collaboratively with Parish Business Administrator, Coordinator of Faith Formation, Youth Minister, Coordinator of OCIA and OCIC, Custodians, and Administrative Assistants.

Hours:  Part-time, approximately 20-29 hours per week

Benefits:  Eligible to participate in the Archdiocesan 403(b) plan with employer contribution. Eligible for paid holidays and PTO. Not eligible for medical benefits.

Position Purpose:

Directs the work of the parish vocal and instrumental music groups for liturgical music at the Church of Saint Henry in order to promote a spirit of humility in service, desire for growth in one’s music ministry, and energetic collaboration among members of the ministry.  In this cooperative effort, works to foster full, conscious and active participation of all assembled to worship through use of a variety of traditional to contemporary liturgical music.  In doing so, promotes meaningful and positive experiences of public prayer and shared sacramental life in a manner that is faithful to the Church’s guidelines on sacred liturgy.

General Responsibilities:

Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment.  Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church.  Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals, or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese, such that can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal.  It is required that this employee be an active, participating Roman Catholic.

Role Responsibilities:

 * Be present where needed, ready to work, and on time for all scheduled hours.  This includes recognizing when situations require more effort, seeking approval to put in more time if needed, and adhering to the pastor’s discretion, satisfying responsibilities in a timely manner, providing an example of punctuality and attendance, and generally ensuring all is ready and taken care of.

* Work collaboratively with staff to accomplish overall parish goals including shared worship space usage.  Attend bi-monthly staff meetings.

* Organize an overall music plan for Sunday Masses and other liturgical events according to liturgical seasons and overall needs.  Work closely with the Pastor to accomplish this plan.

* Introduce new music including hymns, acclamations, and responses, on a regular basis according to seasons anticipating appropriate needs for musicians’ performance needs and rehearsal time.

* Plan and implement the music ministry for all Sunday and Holy Day Masses.  Choose music that each group is required to perform, reflecting on the readings and using planning resources. Offer some flexibility in choices of music in accord with the pastor’s vision for music and in cooperation with one group leader for each group. The music choices should fit the needs and capabilities of each group. Coordinate instrumental support from instrumentalists, cantors and group vocalists according to vocal needs. Organize groups and individuals in this manner to lead the congregation’s participation in music for each event.

* Prepare music resources for each group (assemble packets, etc.)

* Develop a general repertoire of music for families with funerals and weddings. Develop a repertoire of music for Holy Days, penance services, Divine Mercy celebrations and other liturgical or prayer events.

* Plan and implement the music ministry for funeral liturgies and other liturgical events. Do so by selecting music in which families can choose from coordinating instrumental support from instrumentalists and coordinating cantors and group vocalists according to vocal needs.  Organize groups and individuals in this manner to lead the congregation’s participation in music for each event with direction provided by the Pastor.

* Plan and implement the music ministry for wedding liturgies according to the above considerations for engaged couples. Meet with each engaged couple in order to assist them in planning music for the wedding.

* Oversee the scheduling of rehearsal time for each group. Work with staff cooperatively to ensure good usage of the church space according to overall parish need and good communication in this regard.

* Make music ministry schedules and decisions in scheduling members according to vocal and instrumental needs as well as the needs of the parish. Communicate by e-mail and postings in these regards to each member.

* Receive postal and electronic mail, ensuring that administrative details are taken care of and completed. Submit bills to Parish Business Administrator for payment.

* Ensure the piano is tuned according to a regular schedule and watered approximately weekly.

* Develop and update the music ministry member database. Assign members to work within groups in a flexible manner and according to parish needs. Respond to changing needs and availability of members. Work to recruit new members.

* Maintain organization of musical resources including music, tapes, supplies, equipment, copies and filing system.

* Familiarize oneself with the office computer files and resources. Prepare for planning for the next liturgical season and special upcoming liturgies.

* Prepare worship aid for special liturgies during the year such as Easter and Triduum liturgies if deemed necessary in consultation with the pastor.

* Prepare bulletin articles and announcements at Mass as needed

* Take inventory of the music equipment in order to determine needs for future equipment purchasing or maintenance

* Coordinate the set-up and control of the sound board operation, including training group leaders to adjust during the liturgy and including troubleshooting the system directly or enlisting the help of those in the community who have expertise in this area.

* Plan music for, rehearse with, and direct the adult choir who is typically scheduled once per month plus some holy days.

* Plan music for, rehearse with on Wednesday evenings, and direct the children’s choir and teen choir who will likely be scheduled 4-5 times per year.

* Lead rehearsals for ensemble groups scheduled for Sunday twice per month (one of which is the Spanish liturgy) in addition to children’s and adult choirs in consultation with the pastor, where need most arises in order to teach new music or new music concepts and help all musicians in Music Ministry continue to grow in liturgical music capabilities and proficiency.

* Lead musical groups for Sunday liturgies twice per month (including Spanish) in addition to children’s and adult choirs, where need most arises, and in consultation with the pastor.  Lead by example in punctuality, service, and humility.  Work to enhance the skills in service to the congregation of each musical group.

* Lead music for some holy days and special liturgies according to the same considerations as above.  Be present as a leader during Christmas season and Holy Week liturgies as an addition to the above.

* Hold a meeting initially and once per year with all music ministry volunteers and paid staff to describe your vision for liturgical music at The Church of Saint Henry.  Include specifics on how you can help them, song selection, level of flexibility, and ways to enhance the music and the ministry.

* Hold seasonal meetings twice per year primarily with musical group leaders in order to discuss overall direction and approach, introduce new music selections, and review good liturgical principles as they relate to sacred music.

* Attend 2-3 liturgy committee meetings per year or as needed according to consultation with the pastor.

Other responsibilities: Includes other responsibilities identified as needed by the employee and approved and/or assigned by the supervisor.

The responsibilities listed above are representative of the position and are not all-inclusive.

• Successfully complete required employment background check and Virtus training.
• Successfully complete periodic updates of these above.
• Some education in music or a minimum of three years of experience in music ministry in Roman Catholic liturgy.
• Competency with organ, piano, guitar, or other instruments.
• Familiarity with music in Roman Catholic liturgy and with Roman Catholic liturgy itself.
• Familiarity with documents on music in Catholic worship.
• Some knowledge of sound systems.
• Strong computer skills especially Microsoft Word and Microsoft Publisher
• Proficient typing skills.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.

Mental Demands:

• Utilize good listening and communication skills (phone, written, and public speaking)
• Utilize skills involved with using a computer including word processing, databases and presentations.
• Project a professional image as musician, choir director, and cantor.
• Work well with staff, parishioners, volunteers, and the extended community in a team environment, motivating musicians to serve with humility, to grow in their ministry, and to find an experience of the divine in their ministry.
• Recruit and retain choir members and members with instruments to join music groups.
• Coordinate and implement multiple concurrent tasks.
• Plan, organize and meet deadlines.
• Be self-motivated and work with little supervision.
• Be professional, pleasant, courteous, service-oriented, and in keeping with Catholic, Christian values even when exposed to negative influences.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Keep supervisor, committees, and others informed in a timely manner
• Work under stress and remain calm and in control
• Be flexible in working a wide variety of hours, including weekends and evenings.

Physical Demands:

• Work the hours required to perform job duties which should normally be accomplished in about 20-29 hours per week.
• Lift and move up to 30 pounds using proper techniques.
• Move quickly and easily to and from various locations in the complex.
• Hear and talk by phone and communicate with adequate proficiency by electronic means.
• Utilize computer keyboard and other office equipment for at least one hour at a time.

Please submit cover letter and resume to Father Barnes at frbarnes@sthenrycatholic.com