Director of Sacred Music Job at Archdiocese of St. Louis in Kirkwood

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The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area. Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

• Position Title: Director of Sacred Music
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• Reports to: Pastor

Job Summary

As a Catholic parish family, guided by the Holy Trinity and the compassion of our patron, St. Gerard Majella, our parish seeks to bring the fullness of the Gospel to its members and community, collaborating with the Holy Spirit, to foster faith in Jesus Christ. To that end, the Director of Sacred Music is responsible for working with the pastor to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the sacred music in the service of the liturgy. The Director of Sacred Music will work to plan, direct, and execute music for parish liturgies including the Mass and other sacraments, as well as other special liturgical events, with the purpose of fostering a liturgical music program that promotes the active participation of the parishioners (both liturgically and spiritually), encourages musical excellence, and is rooted in the liturgical and theological richness of the Catholic Church.

Job Responsibilities

• Execute liturgical music in alignment with Archdiocesan guidelines, the Office of Worship, and the pastor's direction.
• Maintain a high standard of musical proficiency, theological integrity, and liturgical appropriateness within the music ministry.
• Manage and direct the parish choir, schola, cantors, and instrumentalists for two weekend Masses and Holy Days, as needed.
• Support and enhance special parish events, including seasonal concerts, parish festivals, liturgies outside of Mass, and community gatherings.
• Coordinate with parish priests and engaged couples to plan and execute music for weddings.
• Assist with funeral music planning and coordinate with cantors and musicians as needed.
• Schedule and lead regular practice sessions with each group (weekly for the choir, and as needed for schola and cantors).
• Foster the use of sacred music, including chant, classical hymns, contemporary music, and new compositions, in accordance with liturgical norms.
• Create and distribute music sheets and programs for Masses and events.
• Order pew resources (e.g., missalettes, hymnals) and manage other necessary materials.
• Maintain and organize a comprehensive music library (physical and virtual).
• Ensure appropriate copyright licensing through OneLicense.net, CCLI, etc., and ensure compliance with copyright laws.
• Guide changes to music protocols based on liturgical seasons, selecting appropriate music as needed.
• Oversee regular maintenance of parish musical instruments, including the organ, piano, and handbells.
• Manage the budget and stipends for paid musicians in collaboration with the pastor and parish finance council.
• Offer periodic formation workshops for musicians and the broader parish community to deepen understanding of sacred music and its role in worship.
• Serve as a spiritual leader and role model for the music ministry, promoting prayerful participation and personal growth in faith for all musicians.
• Participate in weekly staff prayer and meetings.

Job Requirements

• A deep personal commitment to the Catholic faith, a strong understanding of the meaning and purpose of the sacred liturgy, and a passion for using music to enrich the worship experience of the parish.
• Undergraduate degree in music with proficiency in musical theory, keyboard (organ/piano), and choral conducting, with a demonstrated ability to lead and inspire singers and instrumentalists.
• Familiarity with Catholic liturgical documents on sacred music including the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, and the 2020 USCCB document Hymnody at the Service of the Church: An Aid for Evaluating Hymn Lyrics.
• Competence in chant, traditional hymnody, and contemporary liturgical music.
• Ability to lead, manage, and inspire a diverse group of volunteers and professionals.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the pastor, other clergy, and parish staff in planning and implementing the parish’s liturgical life.
• Ability to build relationships with a wide range of parishioners, musicians, and volunteers, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Familiarity with Sibelius music notation software or a comparable alternative (preferred).
• Hours – Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate rehearsals, liturgies, and special events.
• Compensation – Competitive salary based on experience, with potential for additional benefits such as healthcare and retirement contributions, as well as stipends for additional funerals and weddings.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio (if available) that includes examples of your musical leadership, references (including a clergy reference), and a statement of your philosophy of liturgical music to:

St. Gerard Majella Parish is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.