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Sacred Heart Catholic Church
520 Graydon Avenue
Norfolk, VA
www.sacredheartnorfolk.org

Parish & Position Overview

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk, VA is seeking applicants for the full-time position of Music Director following the unexpected death of our Music Director of more than 44 years, Dr. James Gallatin.

Located in the Ghent section of Norfolk, Sacred Heart Catholic Church was built in 1924 and is one of the most visually and aurally beautiful churches in the Hampton Roads region. Norfolk is the arts capital of Hampton Roads; it is home to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, multiple universities with significant music programs, the Governor’s School for the Arts, professional choirs, and several museums. Ghent is at the heart of the city and has been revitalized in recent decades. Our parish of nearly 600 registered families is strong, vibrant, and growing with many young families and students. Our Parish ministries are active in the life and support of the Ghent community. We have published a 2022-2026 Parish Strategic Plan, which is available on our website, and we have recently completed a successful centennial capital campaign for building renovations and improvements.

Sacred Heart is known throughout the region for our high-quality sacred music. Our volunteer choir of roughly 20 people is exceptional. Their repertoire includes Gregorian chant, early sacred polyphony, music of the English choral tradition, works by living composers, and everything in between. Various recordings of the choir from through the years may be heard on our website. They are a dedicated group of musicians devoted to the life of our Church. We also have a children’s choir, which has most recently sung only around Christmas and Easter. With many young families in our parish, there is much opportunity to build a large children’s chorister program. There is also a small but dedicated contemporary/folk music ensemble, which currently sings every other Saturday at the 5:30 PM Mass; the Music Director is expected to lead and oversee this ensemble from the piano. Many of our parishioners come to Sacred Heart for our sacred music program, and we hope to expand our offerings in the years ahead.

Our church is home to two pipe organs: a two-manual, 7 rank M.P. Moller in the chancel, also playable from the gallery; and a 1927 three-manual, 56 rank Midmer-Losh in the rear gallery. Our Midmer-Losh organ, one of only three remaining noteworthy instruments by the builder, is one of the finest instruments in the region. Our church is an ideal acoustic environment for both instrumental and choral music.

The weekend liturgical schedule of our Parish is Saturday evening Mass at 5:30 PM, and Sunday Masses at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM (with choir). The Music Director is responsible for planning and directing music for all liturgical functions of the Parish, including Holy Days and special feasts, weddings and funerals (for an additional stipend), and additional liturgies as needed.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in music, organ performance, or a related field is preferred, with relevant experience in Catholic church music ministry.
• A strong Catholic faith and a commitment to fostering spiritual growth through music.
• Knowledge of and comfort with Catholic Church music literature in all forms and styles (traditional, contemporary, praise and worship) for congregation and choirs (adult and children).
• Applicant must be a proficient organist able to play a wide breath of repertoire and improvisation.
• The ability to read music and lead a choir and congregation, while providing accompaniment on pipe organ or piano.
• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a similar role.
  Strong organizational, managerial, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with clergy, staff, parish committees, and volunteers.
• Working knowledge of various publication and graphic design software, including Microsoft programs and music engraving/notation software; the Music Director is responsible for the creation of worship guides/music leaflets for all parish liturgies.
• Light physical effort required. Regularly required to sit for extended periods, stand, walk, reach, bend lift, conduct, and use the computer.
• Ability to move between various locations in the church (sanctuary, choir loft, etc.) and lift musical equipment (music stands, sheet music).
• Understanding of, and willingness to support Catholic Church teaching, mission, and values.

Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried position with health benefits and four weeks paid vacation (Sunday absences to be approved in advance by the Pastor). Renumeration is commensurate with experience/education, as set by the compensation scale of the Diocese of Richmond.

Application Procedure

To apply, please submit a completed Diocesan application form, cover letter, CV/resume, three professional references, and links/files to videos that demonstrate your organ/piano/conducting skills (if possible) to:

Rev. Paul Muyimbwa, Pastor
frpaul@sacredheartnorfolk.org

Start Date: Position is open until filled.