Director of Music and Liturgy

Full-time position at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, FL.

About the role

The Director of Music and Liturgy facilitates the music for all liturgical celebrations, educates the parish in areas of music and liturgy according to the vision of the Second Vatican Council, and assumes administrative responsibilities relevant to the position. The Diocese of Orlando's four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by employees:

• Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.
• Respect: Affirming each person's God-given dignity and uniqueness.
• Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.
• Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

Responsibilities

• Pastoral Musician as Person of Faith:
  • Nurture personal faith to nurture the faith of others.
• Pastoral Musician as Professional Person:
  • Maintain and improve skills in voice, conducting, and relevant instruments.
  • Research, develop, and master new music.
  • Pursue educational advancement in musical skills (e.g., organ, choral directing, vocal pedagogy).
  • Stay current with official statements and documents on music, liturgy, and pastoral developments.
  • Study liturgical and musical publications.
  • Maintain membership in professional organizations and attend conferences/workshops.
  • Complete periodic coursework in pastoral liturgy and liturgical music.
• Pastoral Musician as Educator:
  • Educate the parish on the role of music in liturgy according to the vision of the Second Vatican Council.
  • Help the parish learn new liturgical music at an appropriate pace.
  • Serve as a resource for the parish council, Liturgy Commission, and pastoral staff on liturgical music.
  • Support liturgical music education in the religious education process.
  • Foster and develop the musicianship of parish music ministers and clergy.
  • Coordinate workshops and concerts as needed.
• Pastoral Musician as Liturgical Minister:
  • Coordinate music ministry for all parish liturgies under the leadership of the pastor.
  • Serve as lead musician (accompanist or choral director).
  • Select and place music creatively for all liturgical celebrations.
  • Recruit, schedule, and rehearse choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists.
  • Plan liturgy in collaboration with priests and the Liturgy Commission.
  • Secure proper copyrights for worship participation aids.
  • Work with the Director of Religious Education to prepare children's liturgies.
  • Meet with engaged couples to prepare wedding liturgies and music for funeral liturgies.
• Pastoral Musician as Administrator:
  • Develop liturgical music policies with the Liturgy Commission and pastoral staff, following Diocesan and national guidelines.
  • Formulate and manage a music budget for the parish worship program.
  • Develop and maintain a liturgical music library of various styles and genres for assembly, choir, cantor, and instrumentalists.
  • Maintain parish musical instruments.
  • Recommend purchases of new instruments, sound equipment, hymnals, and music supplies.
  • Secure additional musicians for special celebrations (e.g., Christmas, Easter, Confirmation).

Requirements

• Catholic Faith:
  • Practice of the Catholic faith is required.
  • Conduct must align with the mission and purpose of the Church and comply with Church faith, morals, laws, and diocesan policies.
• Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in music or equivalent.
  • Skills in keyboard, voice, and conducting; experience with contemporary instrumental ensembles, orchestration, handbells, children's choirs, composition, and familiarity with diverse musical styles.
  • Thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgical theology and praxis.
  • Knowledge of the history and repertoire of sacred music.
  • 2-5 years of relevant experience.
• Skills and Abilities:
  • High level of organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail and ability to work well with others.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and compose routine correspondence.
  • Effectively respond to inquiries from internal and external sources.
  • Present reports and information to constituents.
  • Apply mathematical concepts to budget management.
  • Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Select and teach new music to the assembly.
  • Develop musicianship of cantors and other musicians, including youth.
  • Serve as a resource for the parish and other ministries.
  • Provide liturgical guidance in sensitive pastoral situations (e.g., weddings, funerals).
  • Lead and animate the community's sung prayer.
  • Administer a multifaceted music program, including planning, budgeting, library maintenance, scheduling, and communication.
  • Collaborate with other parish ministers.

Working Conditions

• Hours extend beyond a standard 8-hour day; availability required evenings and weekends.
• Extensive computer work.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and stand for long periods.
• Reach, grasp, feel, and see up close and from afar.
• Use basic office computer hardware and peripherals, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Communicate verbally and in written form.
• Exert light physical effort (e.g., lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling objects up to 15 pounds).