Director of Sacred Music and Director of Religious Education (Fort Wayne, IN)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Director of Sacred Music works under the direction of the pastor to continue developing a sacred music program at the service of Roman Catholic liturgical worship in the parish setting. This includes but is not limited to playing the organ and piano at Masses, directing the choir(s), training cantors, maintaining the parish music library, increasing volunteer participation in music ministry, planning sacred music for liturgical celebrations in the parish, and providing/arranging for music at "non-scheduled" liturgies (funerals, weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras, etc.). 

The Director of Religious Education is responsible for assisting in the sacramental preparation and on-going formation of the faithful of the parish. Primary responsibilities will include overseeing the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults program, the Religious Education program, and the preparation of those to receive the Sacraments of Baptism (and their family/sponsors), First Eucharist, and Confirmation. While this position requires a great deal of organizational skills and paperwork, it also requires good people skills and the ability to engage and teach the faith.

Both of these positions may require other tasks, as designated by the Pastor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans and executes sacred music for all Sunday Masses, Solemnity liturgies & weekday morning Masses with students (Wednesday through Friday).

• Participates in the wider mission of the parish by helping to form parishioners to better understand and pray the Sacred Liturgy and by being a strong pastoral presence.  

• Provides organ or piano accompaniment for all sung Masses.

• Rehearses and conducts the adult choir, which sings at one Sunday Mass.

• Recruits, trains, rehearses, and provides ongoing formation for volunteer cantors for sung weekend Masses, or if necessary personally takes on the role of cantor at Mass.

• Coordinates any additional instrumentalists for special liturgies.

• Cooperate with planning music for all weddings and funerals.

• Schedules substitute organists when away.

• Helps plan opportunities for parish formation on music and the sacred liturgy.

• Works within the budget provided, checking monthly with the business manager regarding the sacred music budget. 

• Maintains a close working relationship with the Pastor.

• Oversees the OCIA program and works with volunteers to ensure formation and proper disposition of candidates for initiation.

• Oversees the Religious Education program and works with volunteers to ensure material is provided and catechists are well formed to pass on the faith to our parish youth.

• Work with Religious Education catechists and school faculty to prepare students who are to receive Sacraments of initiation as well as collect pertinent information for Sacramental Records (working with Parish secretary to input this information accurately).

• Prepare families and sponsors of those to be baptized.

• Any additional responsibilities at the discretion of the Pastor.  

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Special liturgical seasons such as Christmas and Easter will demand that the music director give additional time for rehearsals and liturgies beyond the normal schedule.

• It is to be noted that the schedule of the music director will not always coincide with the working times or days of office staff or other employees.

• While the liturgical calendar or parish needs (i.e. funerals, etc.) may require changes to this schedule, the music director will typically not be expected to work on Monday or Tuesday to account for their weekend time off.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in playing the organ and piano, as attested to by formal credentials and a personal performance audition.  

• Demonstrated skill as an effective choral conductor.  

• Knowledge of the Church’s liturgical and musical tradition and current legislation.

• Interest/ability in Gregorian Chant (Latin and/or English).

• Ability to work independently to organize and arrange priorities.

• Ability to schedule and produce work in a timely manner.

• Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated.

• High level of discretion and integrity.  

• Knowledge of the Catholic Faith and be a practicing/participating Catholic in good standing with the Church. 

• Responsibility for continued personal, spiritual, and professional growth. 

• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively in a diverse community environment.  

• Excellent written and oral skills.

• Ability to work closely with the Pastor, including taking direction when provided.

This is a non-management position
This is a full time position