Reports To: Pastor
Hours: 16 hours weekly and includes nights/weekends    
Effective Date: October 2025

BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Music leads the parish’s music ministry, ensuring that liturgical celebrations are rooted in the richness of Catholic tradition and foster the active participation of the assembly. This role requires a strong knowledge of Catholic liturgy, the liturgical year, and Catholic practices and beliefs, combined with musical excellence and pastoral sensitivity.

The parish cluster of Christ the King-St. Francis de Sales, with churches in Howard City and Lakeview, and St. Bernadette of Lourdes-St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, with a church in Stanton form the basis of this position.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: (other duties may be assigned)

Coordination and Administration

• Direct and oversee the parish music program, including planning for liturgical seasons, sacramental celebrations, and the liturgical calendar.
• Recruit, train, and support cantors, choirs, and instrumentalists.
• Coordinate music for weddings, funerals, and other special liturgies as needed.
• Maintain and oversee parish musical resources and instruments, including the organ, pianos, keyboards, percussion instruments, and parish sound systems.
• Provide encouragement, feedback, and recognition to music ministers.
• Participate in worship committee, deanery, diocesan, and parish staff meetings as necessary.
• Collaborate with the parish administrator to develop and manage the annual music and liturgy budget.

Preparation of Music Groups

• Prepare and publish music ministry schedules (cantors, choirs, instrumentalists).
• Lead rehearsals, provide practice materials, and prepare teaching aids as needed.
• Select music for weekend liturgies, holy days, and parish events (e.g., Vacation Bible School, parish missions).

Performance and Leadership

• Serve as accompanist (organ, keyboard, or piano) for parish liturgies.
• Direct choirs, ensembles, and the assembly in sung worship.
• Encourage parish musicians to share their gifts in the wider community (e.g., concerts, nursing homes, ecumenical or community events).

Training and Formation

• Lead regular rehearsals and formation opportunities for choirs, cantors, and musicians.
• Develop and organize parish music groups such as children’s choir, adult choir, resurrection choir, and instrumental ensembles.
• Mentor and train cantors and other musicians to grow in skill and confidence.
• Pursue ongoing personal growth in both musical proficiency and Catholic faith formation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in music, liturgical music, or a related field or comparable experience.
• Prior experience directing parish music ministry or similar liturgical music program.
• Proficiency as an organist, pianist, and/or accompanist.

Liturgical Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of Catholic liturgy, the liturgical year, sacramental celebrations, and Catholic worship practices.
• Familiarity with the Church’s documents on liturgy and sacred music.

Skills & Leadership:

• Ability to direct choirs, ensembles, and congregational singing.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including scheduling and budgeting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to inspire and engage parishioners.
• A drivers license and reliable transportation needed.

Personal Qualities:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing who is committed to living out the Catholic faith.
• Pastoral, flexible, and collaborative spirit.
• Dedication to ongoing musical, spiritual, and professional development.

To apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to pastor@ctknsf.org