Director of Music

St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in Trumbull, CT, is seeking a full-time Director of Music and Liturgy. The parish is a vibrant community of about 3,300 families with an established traditional church music program.

About the Role

The Director of Music and Liturgy will oversee a comprehensive music ministry, including a three-manual 38-stop Peragallo pipe organ (undergoing restoration in September 2026) and a newly restored Baroque-style two-manual tracker organ in the choir loft. A Yamaha concert grand piano is also available. The role involves directing multiple choirs, playing the organ, and planning music for liturgies and special services.

For the right candidate, there is an opportunity to teach classes and lead the choir at adjacent St. Theresa School, providing additional income.

Choirs and Responsibilities

• Parish Choir: ~20 singers, including four professional section leaders (SATB). Repertoire spans Gregorian chant, polyphony, and 21st-century works. Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 PM (September through Corpus Christi).
• Consort: A subset of the Parish Choir for advanced sight-readers, tackling challenging repertoire.
• Children’s Choir: Grades 3–6. Rehearsals: Alternating Fridays, 3:30–4:30 PM.
• Junior Schola: Grades 8–10. Rehearsals: Alternating Fridays, 3:30–4:30 PM.

All three choirs combine for Masses 3–4 times per year.

Liturgical Duties

• Direct music for four weekend Masses:
  • Saturday Vigil at 4:30 PM (cantor)
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM (Children’s Choir Mass twice/month), 10:30 AM High Mass (Adult Choir, 10:00 AM warm-up), 12:00 PM (cantor)
• Special services:
  • Holy Days of Obligation (all 4 Masses)
  • Thanksgiving Service, Advent Carol Service/Christmas Concert, Christmas Eve/Day
  • First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Tenebrae (Holy Week), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil/Sunday, Pentecost Vespers
  • End-of-Bible-Camp Mass, Mass of Remembrance (fall), Mass of Anointing (spring)
  • Family Adoration (Sunday afternoons, monthly)
  • School Mass (Fridays, 9:00 AM when in session), 8th Grade Graduation
  • Guest-organization Masses (e.g., Dominican Mass, St. Joseph High School Baccalaureate)
• Coordinate and play for ~90 funerals and 20 weddings annually (additional income).
• Arrange substitute organists for absences.

Requirements

• Practicing Catholic familiar with Catholic teachings and liturgical practices.
• Experience in a large parish; strong choral conducting, organ, and piano skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities; team player.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Choral Conducting or Organ Performance (Master’s preferred).

Responsibilities

• Direct choirs, play organ, and plan music for all liturgies and special services.
• Oversee music program administration:
  • Annual budget proposal to the pastor
  • Maintenance of choral library and instruments
  • Hiring/scheduling professional singers, instrumentalists, and cantors

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience.
• Excellent benefits package.
• Flexible hours.

About the Employer

Founded in 1934, St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church is a vibrant parish serving over 3,200 families. The parish features active ministries, including a 24/7 Perpetual Adoration Chapel and St. Theresa School (Pre-K–Grade 8, Catholic Classical Education).