Archdiocese of Chicago

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Opportunities at Parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago

Contact:

Michael Nacius
Pastor

mnacius@churchofstmary.org

Posted 7/19/2022

Job Title:

Director of Music & Liturgy

Hours:

Full time

Parish:

Church of St. Mary
201 E. Illinois
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045

Description:

Introduction:

The Director of Music & Liturgy is a practicing Catholic providing leadership in the area of Music & Liturgy for all parish liturgies. The Director of Music & Liturgy will maintain the parish musical instruments and church sound system. As a Parish Staff member, he/she will work collaboratively with the Parish Staff and volunteers in developing and maintaining worship opportunities in which the parish community will deepen their relationship with Christ.

Job Responsibilities:

Director of Music & Liturgy (DML) will minister as a member of the Parish Staff by attending designated meetings and activities, while enhancing internal and external communication.

I. Music Leadership

- Responsible for planning, directing and coordinating music for all the Church of St. Mary liturgical celebrations on Sundays, Holy Days, feast days, seasonal special events, funerals and weddings.

- Responsible for recruiting, scheduling, and rehearsing the various music ministers (i.e. choir members, cantors, bell choir and instrumentalists) for all liturgical celebrations.

- Responsible for further developing the parish's knowledge of traditional and contemporary hymns for Catholic worship.

-  Responsible for recruiting and coordinating musicians for Christmas and Holy Week/Triduum/Easter celebrations (brass, strings, woodwinds, etc.), as well as conducting rehearsals and arranging music for the musicians.

II. Liturgical Preparation

- Assist those involved in the preparation of parish liturgies.

- Assist in composing the Universal Prayers of the Faithful.

- Assist Bereavement Ministers in preparation of funeral liturgies.

- Assist brides and grooms in preparing music for their wedding liturgies.

- Work with the Director, Religious Education (DRE), School staff and Youth Minister in the preparation of liturgies for the parish youth ministry.

- Design seasonal worship aides and maintain copyright information on music used at the Church of St. Mary.

III. Liturgy Committee and Pastoral Staff

- Participate in Liturgy Committee meetings.

- Attend Parish Staff meetings.

- Serve as liaison between the ministers of music and other liturgical ministers.

- Prepare and coordinate the Music Ministry Budget in collaboration with the Pastor and the Director of Operations.

IV. Music Resources

Will manage the parish music department budget for:

- Developing and maintaining a parish music library.

- Providing for the maintenance of the parish sound system and instruments.

- Making recommendations for the purchases of new equipment.

V. Qualifications:

- Excellent communication and organizational skills.

- Working knowledge of Catholic Theology, Scripture and Liturgy.

- Ability to recruit, develop, and work with volunteers.

- Ability and willingness to collaborate with Parish Staff.

- Time manager and delegator.

- Ability to lead music with voice and instruments.

Training Provided:

- Approved seminars and workshops in accordance with the parish budget and approval of the Pastor.

Requirements:

Preferred Job Skills and Experience:

  • Master’s Degree in Liturgy, Sacred Music, Pastoral Studies, or equivalent.
  • Previous experience leading parish music ministry.
  • Ability to plan and evaluate liturgical celebrations in fidelity to the official liturgical books and Catholic liturgical theology.
  • Open to ongoing formation / education as needed.
  • The Director of Music & Liturgy is accountable to the Pastor.
  • This is a full time position, 40 hours per week.

Special Directions:

Internal Candidates (existing employees) – Please complete the subject field of your email with the following: “Internal Candidate – Job Title – Full name”

External Candidates - Please complete the subject field of your email with the following: “Job Title – Full name”

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