Posted 7/30/2024
Job Title:
Part-time Musician and Cantor
Hours:
Part time
Parish:
St. Mary Magdalene
2339 York Street
Blue Island, IL
Description:
The Parish Community The Archdiocese of Chicago established St. Mary Magdalene Parish in 2021 when it merged the communities of St. Walter Parish (Chicago), St. Benedict Parish (Blue Island) and St. Peter Claver Mission (Robbins). The Blue Island area has been a diverse ethnic and cultural community for many years. Originally established to serve German immigrants, many other Europeans, African Americans, and Mexicans have populated the area for over 100 years. Because of this diversity it is important that we provide music that appeals to all members of our parish community.
We desire to assist our parishioners appreciate diverse liturgical styles that include Latin chant, contemporary English songs, classic Catholic hymns, Catholic gospel music, Spanish and bi-lingual arrangements. We desire to expand the parishioner’s knowledge of different mass settings, seasonal hymns and a Capella options. We believe that a dedicated, creative, and energetic musician with the ability to direct a choir is the first step in this process.
Hours per Week:
• 6-8 hours per week
Job Responsibilities include:
• Sunday 9:30 AM mass at St. Benedict church (1½ hours)
• Weekly practice with choir (1½ hours)
• Establish a new parish choir able to sing a variety of musical genres (Latin, contemporary and traditional English, bi-lingual compositions (English/Spanish), gospel style, Taize, etc)
• Assist with the annual planning for liturgical seasons, sacramental celebrations, and special liturgies in collaboration with the pastor and staff members.
• Create musical list (songs, psalms, settings, instrumentals, etc.) for each weekend so that musicians at 4 PM Saturday mass are using the same hymns and settings.
• Encourage and recruit volunteers for the choir.
• Assist with worship aids.
• Maintain equipment and resources for music ministry such as maintenance of organ and keyboard, sound equipment, copyrighted material, etc.
• Provide training and formation for other musicians and choir members.
• Stay informed of current developments in liturgy and music as well as parish demographics to provide liturgical experiences that are welcoming and inclusive. Strive to make the liturgical vibrant, prayerful and engaging.
• Ensure that ministry complies with guidelines for Protecting God’s Children for those who minister with and to children in accordance with the Archdiocese of Chicago policies.
• Works with leader of Spanish choir for Bi-lingual liturgies such as Thanksgiving, Holy Thursday, Confirmation, Communion, Graduation
• Responsible to invite additional musicians for special Feasts/Solemnities.
Requirements:
Job Requirements
• Previous experience participating in parish music ministry.
• Ability to lead congregational singing, choral conducting, and at least musical specialization with the organ, piano, keyboard, or guitar.
• Ability to collaborate and work as a team player with clergy, staff, parish leaders and volunteers.
• Practicing Catholic with understanding and support for Catholic Church teaching, mission, and moral expectations.
• Knowledgeable and comfortable with Church music literature in all forms and styles for the congregation, choirs, vocalists, and instrumentalists.
• Thorough understanding of the musical, liturgical, and pastoral judgments which must be made when selecting music for liturgy; ability to communicate and prioritize the role of music in liturgical worship.
• Awareness of the churches mission to evangelize the society.
• Mature Chistian spirituality with ability to witness and communicate one’s own faith journey.
• Developed skills in leadership and management; strong commitment to collaborate and work as a team member.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with technology used for communication and presenting.
• Consistent presence at 9:30 AM Sunday mass.
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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