Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Parish Sun City – Sun City West, Arizona

Purpose and Scope

• Under the Direction of the Pastor and Parish Manager, provide overall coordination of parish sacred music and liturgy.

Essential Job Functions

• In collaboration with Pastor, develop goals and objectives for parish liturgy, and music.
• Creates and develops plans which unify the parish liturgy, music and incorporates resources from other local sources which benefit these programs.
• Plan and conduct all music rehearsals.
• Coordinates parish liturgy committee.
• Assists in seasonal planning and preparation in conjunction with the liturgy committee.
• Acts as a resource person for the liturgical ministers, staff, and parish community.
• Assists in the music preparation of couples preparing for marriage in the parish.
• Provides musical accompaniment for:

1. Sunday parish liturgies.
2. Weddings and Funerals
3. Holy days
4. Other liturgical celebrations

• Plan para-liturgical celebrations.
• Provides backup and resources to the choir as needed.
• Supervises and works in close collaboration with the Accompanist, Audio-Visual Technical Support person, Sound Technician, and organ endowment concerts.
• Plans seasonal music, in conjunction with the Pastor.
• Oversee the preparation of musicians.
• Assists in the training of cantors, choir members and other musicians.
• Directs the choir.
• Research, organizes and expands music resources of the music office.
• Create and oversee the production of parish worship booklets.
• Oversee copyright licensing and usage reporting.
• Participates and encourages participation by parish music ministers in Diocesan, national and regional music and liturgy organizations.
• Keeps current in all matters of liturgical music through attendance at liturgy and music workshops and by reading music periodicals.
• Provides input into the management of the parish music and liturgy budget.
• Oversee the maintenance and use of audio equipment, including the church carillon. Requests for new purchases, as necessary.
• Maintains parish music and theatre spaces in the church, and Madonna Hall.
• Perform any other job-related duties as necessary for the smooth flow of work in the department.
• Provides/ oversees training and formation for all Liturgical Ministries

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Experience with Gregorian chant and polyphony.
• Understanding catholic liturgical music tradition.
• Strong understanding and appreciation of various ethnic cultures.
• Excellent written, oral communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others.
• Ability to empower people to sing and engage the parish in the musical celebration of faith at worship.
• Proficiency in piano and organ with primary focus on organ.
• Knowledge of keyboard technique, service playing requirements, transposition, music theory, instrument techniques, group vocal techniques for adults and choral conducting.
• Some understanding of acoustics especially as they pertain to parish worship spaces.
• Computer literacy, including facility to music programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active, practicing Catholic who is in full communion with the Church.
• Able to articulate a clear understanding of the Catholic faith, and to serve as a committed witness to its mission.
• Degree/Certification in music or other related field, a minimum of 3 years in sacred liturgical music and organ experience in the Roman Catholic tradition, and proficiency in organ, piano, accompaniment and vocal/choral conducting.
• A solid working knowledge in Catholic Theology.
• Must be a team player