Director, Music

Archdiocese of St. Louis•St. Louis, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

St. Gabriel the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in St. Louis, MO (St. Louis Hills neighborhood) is seeking a full-time Director of Music and Organist. Our vibrant, multi-generational parish of 1,500 households celebrates four weekend Masses (three with music). The Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading music for all liturgical celebrations. We aim to build on our strong tradition of sacred music and increase parish engagement in music ministry. The ideal candidate will be proficient in both organ and piano, an accomplished choral conductor, deeply familiar with Roman Catholic liturgy, and have at least three years of experience serving as a Director of Music in a Catholic parish. This ministry plays a vital role in proclaiming the Gospel and deepening the faith through sacred music. A bachelor’s degree in Music, Sacred Music, or Liturgical Music is required, a master’s degree preferred. St. Gabriel is a vibrant, multi-generational parish of 1,500 families in a strong urbanneighborhood, with a long-standing tradition of excellence in liturgy and sacred music.The parish has many active lay ministries and a K–8 school of nearly 500 students.● Four weekend Masses (three with music):Saturday 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 6:30 a.m. (no music), 10:00 a.m. (Adult Choir andcantor), and 5:30 p.m.● Two weekday Masses and three weekly school Masses with music● Approximately 20 weddings and 30 funerals annually● Dedicated music suite with offices in the choir gallery● Extensive choral library● 3-manual, 30-rank pipe organ● Experienced cantors and instrumentalists As a professional musician with a strong understanding of Roman Catholic liturgy, the Director helps advance the evangelizing mission of the Church by drawing hearts toChrist through the beauty and richness of sacred music. The ideal candidate will be a joyful, prayerful witness as a leader of the liturgical life of the parish, and honor andstrengthen the parish’s long musical tradition while also inviting broader engagement through new and renewed music ministries for the greater glory of God

Requirements

Accomplished organist and pianist
Skilled choir director of both trained and amateur singers
Ability to accompany and conduct simultaneously
Bachelor’s degree in Music, Sacred Music, or Liturgical Music (required)
Minimum three years’ experience as a Director of Music in a Catholic parish orsimilar setting
Strong knowledge of Catholic liturgy and music across styles
Must be a practicing Catholic who understands and supports the Church’steachings on sacred musi
Weekend and evening availability required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (preferred)

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary musician for Saturday and two Sunday Masses (10:00 a.m. with choir; 5:30 p.m. with cantor or volunteer musicians)
Direct the adult choir and lead weekly evening rehearsals
Prepare music for three weekly school Masses
Provide music for all feast days, weddings, funerals, Confirmations, FirstCommunions, graduations and other special liturgies
Oversee and coordinate children’s choir(s), rehearse choirs and cantors duringor after school and foster youth involvement
Recruit, train, and schedule cantors and other musicians
Support the musical growth of cantors and soloists
Program music appropriate to the liturgical season and character of each Mass,balancing quality traditional and contemporary repertoire
Coordinate instrumentalists for major solemnities (Christmas, Easter, etc.)
Promote and foster congregational singing and parish-wide musical participation
Meet with couples and families to plan music for weddings and funerals
Maintain and manage the parish music library
Prepare worship aids for Sunday and special liturgies
Manage the annual music budget
Maintain parish audio and streaming systems, ensuring optimal performance;serve as primary liaison with sound system and acoustical consultants
Attend liturgy committee meetings
Oversee the care and functionality of the pipe organ and pianos, coordinatingservice with technicians while possessing sufficient knowledge to manage basictroubleshooting and maintenance as required
Maintain and develop personal musical skills and professional development