Parish Choir & Music (C&M) Director

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

180 St. Thomas Drive, Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Rev. Dennis A. Jarzombek, Pastor

Church@stacltx.org 830-964-3497

Job Description

The C&M director is responsible for planning, coordination, execution, and development of the music ministry for weekly Mass worship services and other celebrations. The goal of the music ministry is to engage the faithful in song during worship, drawing them into a closer relationship with God. The C&M director is expected to exhibit reverence for the Mass, leading by example.

Reports to: Pastor (Fr. Dennis Jarzombek)

Estimated weekly commitment: 10-15 hours/week

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead weekly choir rehearsals, with a minimum of 1 mid-week practice and 1 practice prior to each Mass.
• Schedule pianist/musicians and cantors for Masses and other celebrations, including substitute musicians and/or cantors when needed for planned/unplanned absences
• Ensure musician, cantor, and choir are present and prepared for liturgical celebrations, including but not limited to:
• One Saturday evening Mass and two (2) Sunday morning Masses every weekend
• Holy Days of Obligation (as requested by pastor according to Mass schedule)
• Additional occasions during Advent, Lent, or other as requested by the pastor
• Select appropriate music for Masses and other services, with consideration given to weekly liturgical content, especially on Feast Days or Solemnities
• Introduce Spanish or bilingual music to Mass selections as requested by the pastor
• Immediately prior to Mass, verbally encourage the Assembly to participate in singing by practicing new hymns or other parts of the Mass
• Foster an environment of reverence and respect among the choir during Mass
• Coordinate and oversee music for special events, including but not limited to:
• Christmas season choral program
• Lenten and Easter music and choir programs
• Additional performances as requested by the pastor.
• Create annual budget for the music department (fiscal year is July 1-June 30) to estimate costs and manage funds needed to accomplish music ministry goals
• Create and implement a plan for growth and development of the choir and music ministry including recruitment of new members and development of existing members
• Ensure participation of choir and music department in annual ministry fair
• Develop, maintain and update a music library
• Continue professional development with respect to Catholic liturgy
• Participate in Liturgy Committee sessions as requested by the pastor
• Ensure all music ministry equipment is properly serviced and maintained, and the music and choir areas are kept clean and orderly.

Job Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of Catholic liturgy for all seasons of the liturgical year
• Strong leadership, planning, coordination and organizational skills
• Practicing Catholic preferred
• Expert ability in playing piano preferred
• Upon hiring, applicant will be required to complete a background check and any other requirements as set forth by the Archdiocese of San Antonio

Education and experience, minimum requirements

• BA in music or equivalent, OR a minimum of 8 years of music director experience at a Catholic parish.