Associate for Worship

Parishes•Winter Park, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate for Worship is a full-time professional pastoral minister who works under the direction of the Director of Worship to plan, prepare, coordinate, and carry out the parish’s liturgical and musical programs. The Associate has primary responsibility for day-to-day coordination of liturgical ministries, including communication with ministry coordinators, volunteer support, and preparation of ministers for parish celebrations. The role collaborates with the Director on liturgy planning, worship materials, audiovisual presentations, and music ministry, and provides organ and/or piano leadership at parish celebrations. The Associate also serves as Master of Ceremonies when assigned, particularly at major celebrations when the Director is performing musical duties. The position requires professional judgment, initiative, appropriate independence, and collaborative work with clergy, parish staff, ministry coordinators, and volunteers to foster prayerful, dignified, pastorally sensitive celebrations faithful to Catholic traditions and supportive of the faithful’s full, conscious, and active participation. Responsibilities span liturgical planning and execution, pastoral music, coordination of liturgical ministers, weddings and funerals, liturgical environment and supplies, audiovisual technology, office administration, communication, and education and formation. The Associate supports Masses, Holy Days, seasonal celebrations, and other parish liturgies in English and Spanish; assists with music selection, choir preparation, accompaniment, and musician support; and coordinates ministers and logistics for major celebrations. The anticipated regular musical schedule includes two weekday Masses and two Sunday Masses per week, subject to adjustment based on parish needs. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Music, Liturgical Studies, Theology, Pastoral Ministry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience. Candidates should demonstrate organ and/or piano proficiency and experience in Catholic liturgical ministry. Spanish-language proficiency is preferred but not required. The position has a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings, weekends, Holy Days, and other occasions necessary to meet its responsibilities. Work takes place primarily in parish offices, worship spaces, rehearsal areas, and other parish facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Music, Liturgical Studies, Theology, Pastoral Ministry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.
Demonstrated proficiency as an organist and/or pianist, including music reading, liturgical accompaniment, familiarity with Catholic sacred music repertoire, and experience collaborating with cantors, choirs, and instrumental ensembles.
Demonstrated experience in Catholic liturgical ministry, including knowledge of Catholic liturgical principles, rites, and norms; planning and coordinating parish liturgies; and working with ministry coordinators and volunteers in recruitment, training, scheduling, and ongoing support.
Ability to assist in preparing and coordinating liturgical celebrations in both English and Spanish, with sensitivity to the parish’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
Strong organizational and administrative skills, including managing multiple responsibilities, maintaining accurate records, coordinating schedules, and meeting deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and digital communication tools.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and appropriate independence while working collaboratively under the Director of Worship.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to recruit, encourage, guide, and support volunteers in a collaborative and welcoming ministry environment.
Pastoral sensitivity, discretion, and cultural awareness, particularly when assisting with funerals, weddings, and other significant celebrations.
Commitment to the mission, teachings, and liturgical traditions of the Catholic Church, and willingness to pursue ongoing spiritual formation and professional development.
Conduct consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Catholic Church; public behavior must not violate Church faith, morals, or laws, or diocesan policies.
Ability to perform organ and piano accompaniment, including extended periods of sitting, and to stand, walk, and move throughout parish facilities.
May occasionally need to lift, carry, move, and arrange liturgical supplies, music materials, furnishings, and equipment.

Nice To Haves

Spanish-language proficiency is preferred but not required.
Working knowledge of Finale music notation software and graphic design applications such as Affinity and Canva, or ability to develop proficiency in them.
Familiarity with audiovisual equipment and systems used in worship.

Responsibilities

Assist the Director of Worship with planning, preparing, and coordinating Sunday and weekday Masses, Holy Days, seasonal celebrations, and other parish liturgies in accordance with Catholic liturgical norms and traditions.
Collaborate with the Director, Pastor, clergy, Liturgy Committee, and Art and Environment Ministry on liturgical plans and worship-space preparation.
Prepare, review, and distribute presider binders, liturgy sheets, worship aids, Universal Prayers, and other liturgical and musical materials; coordinate audiovisual needs.
Collaborate with Faith Formation and other parish ministries on children’s liturgies, Spanish-language celebrations, and other parish events.
Help ensure compliance with liturgical norms, diocesan policies, and copyright requirements; evaluate celebrations and recommend improvements.
Support administration of the parish music ministry, including standards, repertoire, liturgical norms, and congregational participation.
Select, plan, and prepare music for liturgies in English and Spanish; maintain the music library and prepare music for cantors and instrumentalists.
Recruit, train, schedule, and support cantors, instrumentalists, and other musicians; prepare, rehearse, and accompany parish choirs and ensembles as assigned.
Provide organ and/or piano accompaniment at weekday and Sunday Masses, Holy Days, funerals, weddings, and other liturgical celebrations; arrange substitutes and additional musicians as needed.
Coordinate funeral liturgies and prepare funeral ministers; collaborate on pastoral planning and materials for bereaved families.
Coordinate wedding liturgies and prepare wedding ministers; collaborate on liturgical planning and materials with the Pastor and marriage-preparation department.
Coordinate and administer liturgical ministries, maintain communication with ministry coordinators, support volunteer recruitment and formation, and schedule ministers, especially for major liturgies, funerals, and weddings.
Maintain records of liturgical ministers, ministry activities, attendance, and host counts, and ensure compliance with diocesan volunteer requirements and parish procedures.
Maintain an active presence at weekend Masses, Holy Days, major liturgies, and other celebrations as needed; coordinate celebrations and serve as Master of Ceremonies when assigned.
Respond to unforeseen liturgical circumstances and resolve difficulties using appropriate pastoral judgment.
Coordinate seasonal decorations and worship-space preparation; help care for liturgical vessels, vestments, linens, furnishings, and supplies; monitor inventory and identify repair or replacement needs.
Prepare and maintain audiovisual presentations and digital liturgical resources; coordinate with audiovisual ministers and help ensure sound systems, microphones, and related equipment function properly.
Assist with daily administration of the Office of Worship, including communications, schedules, calendars, records, files, databases, meetings, facilities arrangements, expenditures, and purchases.
Promote understanding of Catholic liturgy, sacred music, and liturgical traditions through education and formation; provide pastoral guidance and spiritual support to liturgical ministers.
Maintain current knowledge of liturgical norms and developments in liturgy and sacred music, and pursue spiritual growth and professional development.