Director of Music Ministry

A Vision of this Ministry

The Director of Music Ministry at Our Lady of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church is an
energetic professional who holds specialized credentials in music and who has a thorough
understanding of Roman Catholic liturgy and is skilled at engaging individuals and the
community. This person of faith is responsible for the effective planning, coordination,
and execution of music within the liturgical celebrations of the parish. He or she is gifted
with a vision of how a local Church can develop its potential.

“...Every liturgical celebration...is a sacred action surpassing all others” (Constitution on

the Sacred Liturgy, #7). “Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to
celebrate its faith, music is of preeminent importance...Music should assist the assembled
believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them, and strengthen their
interior commitment of faith” (Music in Catholic Worship, #23).

“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater
even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a
combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn
liturgy.” The composition and singing of inspired psalms, often accompanied by musical
instruments, were already closely linked to the liturgical celebrations of the Old Covenant.
The Church continues and develops this tradition: “Address... one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.”
“He who sings prays twice.” (Catechism 1156)

In consultation with the Pastor, the Director of Music facilitates the development of
worship life of Our Lady of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church through music ministry.
This person of faith and commitment to the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings is
responsible for the effective planning, coordination, and execution of music within the
liturgical celebrations of the parish.

The Director of Music Ministry reports directly to the Pastor and collaborates closely with
substituting Clergy, Parish Staff, and dedicated volunteers.

The probation period is 90 days at which time a review will be held with the
Pastor and Parish Pastoral Council to establish permanent job status.

Interested Candidates: Please email your resume to the Hiring Committee at

jobs@olcjc.org
Director of Music Ministry – Our Lady of
Czestochowa (OLC) Roman Catholic Church –
Job Description
Qualities
The Director of Music Ministry possesses the qualities common to all Catholic pastoral
ministers.

Effective functioning of this Catholic ministry requires, in particular, that the Director of
Music Ministry is a person of prayer, is sensitive to the cultural experience of parishioners,
and understands their spirituality and Catholic worship life.

Competencies and Skills

In addition to the competencies and skills needed by all pastoral ministers, there are
several which the Director of Music needs in particular:

• Knowledgeable of and comfortable with Church music literature in all forms and
styles for the congregation, choirs (adult, teen, and children), vocalists, and
instrumentalists
• Proficient in liturgical principles
• Thorough understanding of the musical, liturgical, and pastoral judgments which
must be made in selecting music for liturgy
• Highly proficient/Master level in piano and organ
• Proficient in choral conducting and development
• Experience with musical instrumentation, and music arrangement, (preferably in
music writing and composition).
• Familiarity with music technology; including sound systems, digital scores,virtual
instruments, recording; sequencing and interfacing a plus
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Broad musical knowledge of styles including standard modern Catholic music,
traditional hymns, and Praise and Worship style of music
• Familiarity with music technology; including sound systems, digital scores, virtual
instruments, recording, sequencing and interfacing
• Excellent computer skills (MSOffice Suite, GSuite, Publisher, Music
writing/editing software)
• Minimum 5+ years work experience preferred
• Ability to speak in another language is a plus

Formation, Training, and Criteria for Readiness

A prayerful person of faith committed to personal and professional growth, with
extensive knowledge in and love for Catholic liturgy. Preparation for this ministry
demands professional training in music and liturgy. Minimally, a Bachelor’s Degree or
equivalent is required for a Director of Music Ministry, even though a more professional
qualification, such as a Master’s Degree in music and liturgy or equivalent of, is
preferred.
Responsibilities and Tasks

• Collaborates with the Pastor and with other members of the parish staff,
integrating his or her own area of responsibility with the overall parish endeavor
• Collaborates with the Pastor and with other staff members to coordinate and
ensure appropriate music for all parish sacramental celebrations is distributed,
and provides them with consultation and needed assistance
• Selects and/or develops participation aids for the congregation; Builds repertoire
and encourages participation of the parish community in singing at various
liturgies
• Prepares choirs for prayerful music for parish liturgies appropriate for the Mass
and the season or special liturgy through regular rehearsal
• Directs and administers the choral activities within the music ministry for the
Sunday masses. (Childrens’ Choir & Adult Choir)
• Recruits, coordinates and oversees the rehearsal and scheduling of choirs, cantors
and other instrumentalists
• Serves as a resource on musical and liturgical matters for the Parish
• Provides music and musicians for all masses and other major celebrations
including weddings, funerals, “Christmas Festival of Song”, etc. as well as special
liturgies including Feast of Christ the King, Christmas, Holy Week/Easter
celebrations and Pentecost
• Create Outreach Music opportunity while involving other ministries of our
Church to share the joy of Music with those that cannot visit our Church
• Acts as musical consultant to parishioners for planning sacramental liturgies, e.g.,
weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc.
• Holds training and development workshops for OLC church musicians (whether
volunteer, stipended, or salaried) or recommends keeping abreast of current
developments in liturgy and in music by directing OLC church musicians to
available training workshops and formation opportunities
• Consults with Pastor in recruiting needed musicians, and attempts to involve
newcomers and a broad spectrum of parishioners
• Works to foster unity among all parish musicians, and to create a spirit of harmony
with the presider and other liturgical ministers

Administrative Duties

• Prepares and manages the budget for the parish music ministry in collaboration
with the Pastor; Strict adherence to all Diocesan and Parish policies for
purchase/payment approval requests for all music ministry needs including music,
equipment, stipends, payroll, etc.
• Administers and coordinates the operation, maintenance and repair of the
musical instruments and equipment as needed
• Coordinates services and schedules of parish musicians as well as submission of
payroll for OLC non-salaried musicians
• Ensures that all licensing and copyright regulations are followed
• Oversees and maintains Parish Music Library including digital media and on-line
library of all available music for all ministries.
 • Attends Parish Staff meetings and any Liturgy Committee meetings
• Participates in appropriate diocesan meetings, programs and activities. Must
monitor liturgical developments related to music in the liturgy within the Catholic
Church by participating in organizations such as the National Association of
Pastoral Musicians
• Promotes good public relations both within and beyond the parish, and is involved
in ecumenical, cluster, Deanery, and Archdiocesan networks of professional peers
• Is present at parish events and demonstrates an interest and concern for the tastes
and faith expressions of parishioners
• Develops and maintains personal music skills through training, self-study and
continuing education opportunities
• In the event of an absence, it is the responsibility of the Director of Music Ministry
to arrange for a suitable substitute

Goals for the Music Ministry Program at OLC are:

• To build and sustain congregational song at Sunday and Vigil Masses (currently
5pm Saturdays, 10am, 12:30 pm and 7pm Sundays)

• To develop a plan to expand participation in all Music Ministries choirs and

instrumentalists

• To foster active participation at the liturgy through congregational singing,

reflective and prayerful execution of instrumental and choral/solo musical
selections