Director of Music Ministry

Opportunities at Parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago

Description :

The Director of Music Ministry is a professional who holds specialized credentials in music and who has a thorough understanding of Roman Catholic Liturgy. This person of faith is responsible for the effective planning, coordination, and execution of music within the liturgical celebrations of the parish. He or she is gifted with a vision of how a local Church can develop its potential. The Director of Music supports and promotes the Pastor's initiatives and decisions regarding the mission and operation of the parish.

Responsibilities : Administration :

Collaborates with the Pastor (or any celebrating priest), under his supervision, and with other members of the parish staff, integrating his or her own area of responsibility with the overall parish endeavor. Directs the parish music program, selects and plans music for parish liturgies. Provides leadership in areas related to liturgical music, e.g., selects and develops participation aides for the congregation, selects and maintains musical instruments, coordinates services and schedules of parish musicians, assures copyright permission, etc.

Preparesand administers the budget for the parish music program, subject to approval of the Pastor. Coordinates and ensures appropriate music for all parish sacramentals celebrations and provides necessary consultation and assistance. Responsible for the use of the projection system during Mass. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Pastor. Provides music and musicians for all Sunday and other major celebrations, including weddings, funerals, etc.

Performs music at assigned celebrations. Builds repertoire and encourages participation of parish community in singing at various liturgies. Acts as consultant to parishioners for planning sacramental liturgies, e.g., weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. Introduces new songs to the congregation before Mass.

Educating :

Invites, motivates, and trains all parish ministers of music (whether volunteer, on stipend, or salaried.) Provides liturgical formation, music education, and practical preparation for liturgical celebration for cantors / leaders of song, choral, and instrumental groups. Serves as a resource consultant of parish concerns regarding music, helping to educate staff, ministers of music, and congregation in developing their potential to understand the role of music in worship and to celebrate liturgies of musical quality. Keeps abreast of current developments in liturgy and in music, and directs music ministers to available training workshops, and formational opportunities.

Pastoral Services :

Is visibly present at principal parish events, keeping attuned to the living faith and real concerns of parishioners. Recruits needed musicians, within parish guidelines, and attempts to involve newcomers and a broad spectrum of parishioners. Works to foster unity among all parish musicians, and to create a spirit of harmony with the presider and other liturgical ministers. Promotes good public relations both within and beyond the parish, and is involved in ecumenical, cluster, Deanery, and Archdiocesan networks of professional peers.

Requirements :

• The Director of Music Ministry possesses the qualities common to all pastoral ministers.
• Effective functioning of this ministry requires, in particular, that the Director of Music Ministry is a person of prayer, is sensitive to the cultural experience of parishioners, and understands their spirituality and worship life.
• The Director of Music Ministry must be a Catholic in good standing, Virtus trained, and with a clean criminal background check.
• The Director of Music Ministry should possess the following : Bachelor's Degree in related field or equivalent certification.
• Training for all pastoral ministers in liturgy.
• Availability to work nights and weekends.
• Proficient in organ, piano, choral, and voice.
• Strong verbal and written communications, organizational, multi-tasking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and has a "Service Mindset" when working with others.
• Able to identify issues and propose recommendations / solutions.

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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