Director of Music

Position Summary

Bringing the missionary zeal of the apostles Saints Peter and Paul, our parish and school desire to foster an encounter with Jesus through meaningful and heartfelt worship. While we need someone with exceptional musical talent, we are not simply looking to hire a gifted musician.

The Worship Director is passionate about guiding the community and students into a closer relationship with Jesus through worship. They use music to help open hearts to Jesus and should do so with love and reverence for the Mass and Sacred Tradition. The director of music collaborates with clergy, staff, volunteers, and school faculty to enhance the spiritual life of the parish and school communities.

This full-time non-exempt role reports directly to the Pastor.

Essential Responsibilities

Parish Music Ministry

• Plan, prepare, and provide music for all weekend Masses and major liturgical celebrations.
• Coordinate music for holy days, sacramental celebrations, funerals, weddings, reconciliation services, and other parish liturgies.
• Select music that is consistent with Catholic liturgical norms and reflects the liturgical season.
• Serve as organist, pianist, cantor, choir director, or accompanist as required.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and support cantors, choir members, instrumentalists, and other music ministry volunteers.
• Maintain the parish music library and music ministry resources.
• Collaborate with the pastor, liturgy committee, and parish staff in planning liturgical celebrations.

School Music Ministry

• Provide music leadership for school Masses, prayer services, and special liturgical celebrations.
• Teach and rehearse student choirs or music ensembles as assigned.
• Assist students in developing an appreciation for sacred music and active participation in Catholic worship.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to support the spiritual and educational mission of the school.
• Prepare students for liturgical music ministry opportunities.

Administrative Duties

• Prepare annual music ministry budgets and monitor expenditures.
• Maintain musical instruments and coordinate tuning, repairs, and maintenance as needed.
• Schedule and communicate with music ministry volunteers and school participants.
• Attend parish and school staff meetings as requested.
• Ensure compliance with diocesan policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, or a person who fully supports and respects Catholic teachings and liturgical practices.
• Knowledge of Catholic liturgy, liturgical seasons, and sacred music traditions.
• Proficiency in organ and/or piano accompaniment.
• Ability to lead congregational singing and direct choirs.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers, parents, and s students.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in music, Sacred Music, Music Education, or related field.
• Previous experience in Catholic parish music ministry and/or Catholic school music programs.
• Familiarity with liturgical planning resources and Catholic hymnals.
• Experience directing children’s, youth, and adult choirs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform keyboard and vocal duties for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move music equipment and materials as needed. Able to get up and down the stairs to the choir loft.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holy days, and special parish events.

Spiritual Expectations

The Parish and School Musician is expected to:

• Support the mission, values, and teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and Christian witness.
• Foster an atmosphere of prayer, reverence, and hospitality through music ministry.
• Participate in ongoing spiritual and professional formation opportunities.

Compensation

Salary and benefits are commensurate with education, experience, qualifications, and diocesan guidelines.

To apply

Please send resume and letter of intent to:

Fr Eugene Batungbacal, Pastor

[email protected]

434 High St, Ionia, MI 48846

616-527-3610