Music Director and Organist (PT) Our Lady of Sorrows, Sharon, MA

Position Summary: As part of the staff team at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, the Music Director and Organist oversees the musical aspects of the life of the church, including leading music for worship services and directing the choir. The Music Director and Organist works in cooperation with the Pastor, Staff and Liturgy Commission to create meaningful, creative, and faithful worship services. This is an hourly position working     up to 32 hours per week at compensation commensurate with the Music Director and Organist’s experience and education. The Music Director and Organist is eligible for medical, dental and retirement benefits as well as compensation for qualifying continuing education expenses. Regular attendance is expected at all worship services of the church, choir rehearsals, staff meetings and retreats and Liturgy Commission meetings. The Music Director and Organist should be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, with a thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgy.

Position Responsibilities: 
          Music Program Development

• Coordinate the music programs with the liturgical calendar and be knowledgeable with regard to the guidelines for appropriate music during religious services and current music methods and materials, utilizing them where appropriate.
• Establish and provide regular rehearsals for the following:
  • o   Adult Choir
  • o   Children’s Choir
  • o   Youth Choir
  • o   Cantors
• Engage in long-range planning, in coordination with the Pastor, Staff and Liturgy Commission, about music in the life of the church, including family-friendly music and liturgy for the Sunday Family Mass (during the Faith Formation year only).
• Promote, organize and recruit various musical talents from within the congregation and the wider community as appropriate. 
• Work with the Cantors and choir members to develop their skills and presentation.

 
Music Program Implementation

• Direct the planning and conducting of music programs within the church.
• Provide a list of music selections for the weekend masses to the Office Manager for the weekly bulletin by Tuesday afternoons.
• Conduct choirs and provide music at liturgy on weekends and Holy Days or find an appropriate substitute. The current schedule of Masses with music includes a Saturday Mass at 4:30 pm, and Sunday Masses at 8:45 (Family Mass) and 11 am. Additional Masses and liturgies may be scheduled during Advent, Lent, Holy Week, Christmas and on Holy Days.
• Be available for funerals and wedding services as required or find an appropriate substitute. During a typical year, an average of 1-6 weddings and 12-24 funerals are celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Faith Formation and Coordinator of Faith Formation regarding the music selections for First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation each year.
• Make or make arrangements to have special musical worship aids as appropriate.  

 
Business Functions:

• Develop an annual budget for the Parish Music Program. This budget will be submitted the first week in June. The Music Director will submit a budget status quarterly or as requested by the Pastor.
• Receive approval of the Pastor for any expenses of the music program beyond the approved annual budget.
• Arrange for maintenance of equipment, i.e. pianos, keyboards, organ and audio equipment and music library as determined by the Director of Music or the Pastor.
• Maintain licenses for use of printed music. 
• Participate actively in the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. 

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years prior experience in music ministry.
• MA degree in music.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Catholic Church teachings with particular emphasis in areas of liturgies and ceremonies.
• Be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Knowledge of both traditional and contemporary liturgical music.
• Some experience in the role of Choir Director.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of musical styles and the ability to teach these varying styles to the choir.
• Effective interpersonal communications skills.
• Proficiency in at least one accompanying instrument.

PLEASE SEND RESUME OR CV AND COVER LETTER TO LYNN JACOBS, OFFICE MANAGER, AT [email protected] OR 59 COTTAGE ST, SHARON, MA 02067.