Director of Sacred Music
Position title: Director of Sacred Music
Location: St. Basil the Great
2330 Kimberton Rd.
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Position type: Full-time
Reports to: Pastor and/or delegate
Job summary: The Director of Sacred Music is a qualified professional with both expertise in music theory as well as the ability to perform at a professional level. This individual must possess a comprehensive understanding of the Roman Catholic liturgy and is responsible for the effective planning, coordination, and execution of music for liturgical celebrations at Saint Basil the Great Parish. The Director should have a clear vision for developing the parish's music ministries, with the goal of enriching the Sunday worship experience for the entire parish community. This is a full-time staff position in a growing and dynamic suburban parish, offering flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends, and special liturgies as required.
Key responsibilities:
- Foster the personal and spiritual growth of liturgical musicians, nurturing their relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord.
- Select or oversee the selection of sacred music for all parish liturgies.
- Supervise and collaborate with the organist(s), assistant organist(s), and various ensemble and choir groups.
- Plan and conduct rehearsals for choirs under his/her direction.
- Oversee the training and preparation of cantors and musicians for all liturgies.
- Assist engaged couples in planning music for wedding Masses, and work with grieving families to plan music for funeral Masses, ensuring the musical guidelines for both types of liturgies are up-to-date.
- Coordinate and publish worship aids for special liturgies such as Forty Hours, Sacraments of Initiation, and Confirmation, ensuring adherence to copyright regulations regarding music reprinting.
- Maintain parish musical instruments and related equipment, ensuring timely tuning, proper care, and service.
- Oversee the organization and upkeep of the music library and choir room, including the regular laundering of choir robes.
- Maintain a current roster and records of all individuals involved in sacred music, ensuring up-to-date child abuse clearances for all members.
- Implement archdiocesan and parish policies regarding sacred music, including providing regular opportunities for musicians to attend archdiocesan workshops on sacred music.
- Consistently draw parishioners to joyful participation in the music ministry at Saint Basil the Great, recruiting, training, and supervising all volunteer musicians and vocalists.
- Be visibly present at parish weekend Masses, major liturgical celebrations, and important parish events.
- Schedule musicians, choirs, ensembles, and cantors for Sunday Masses, holy days, Christmas, the Easter Triduum, and other liturgical services.
- Organize and lead an annual parish Christmas concert, as well as other concert opportunities, in coordination with the Pastor or his delegate.
- Organize and/or perform (as needed) at Lenten devotions, Christmas Masses, Easter Triduum, Forty Hours, Corpus Christi, Healing Masses, and holy day liturgies.
- Serve as President of the parish liturgy committee, recruit members, schedule and facilitate meetings.
- Set up chairs, music stands, microphones, and other necessary equipment.
- Prepare publicity materials and social media content for parish sacred music events,, as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Pastor.
Educational and Clearance Requirements:
- Proficiency as an organist, cantor, pianist, and/or choral conductor.
- In-depth knowledge of the Church’s teachings on sacred music, as outlined in documents
- Certification as a Director of Music Ministries, as recognized by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and a degree in music or another related field, is preferred.
- Completion of all Safe Environment programs, with current clearances as required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
- Valid driver's license.
- Fully initiated and active member of the Roman Catholic Church, deeply committed to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and dedicated to ongoing spiritual growth as His disciple, with a strong desire to help others on their path to discipleship.
- In-depth knowledge of and strong commitment to the teachings, beliefs, and practices of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Self-motivated and proactive in completing tasks.
- Prior experience working in a parish setting is preferred.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace,
- Proficiency in music notation software such as Finale and Sibelius is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with individuals of all ages, both independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Excellent leadership and supervisory abilities.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holiday
- Retirement plan options
Experience and Skills:
Benefits: