Director of Sacred Music

St. Patrick Catholic Church • Hutto, TX

3h

About The Position

The Director of Sacred Music at St. Patrick Catholic Church is a pastoral minister who is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of the parish's music ministry. Grounded in a deep love for the Catholic faith and its rich musical heritage, the Director works closely with the Pastor to ensure that all liturgical music fosters the active and full participation of the faithful. This role demands a somewhat skilled musician, a competent choral director, and a leader who can cultivate a spiritually uplifting music program that aligns with the liturgical norms of the Roman Catholic Church.

Requirements

• Must be a fully initiated, practicing Catholic in good standing with a deep love for the Catholic faith and the New Evangelization.
• Liturgical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of Roman Catholic liturgy, the liturgical calendar, and the Church's documents on sacred music (e.g., Sacrosanctum Concilium, Musicam Sacram, and Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship).
• Musical Proficiency: Exceptional skills in choral conducting, vocal coaching, and sight-reading. High proficiency in playing the organ and/or piano is strongly preferred.
• Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to recruit, motivate, and manage volunteer musicians of varying skill levels with patience and pastoral sensitivity.
• Organizational Skills: Strong administrative capabilities, including budget management, scheduling, and long-term program planning.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with the Pastor, staff, volunteers, and grieving or celebrating families.
• Adaptability: Ability to balance traditional sacred music (chant, polyphony, traditional hymnody) with appropriate contemporary liturgical music to serve the diverse needs of the parish.
• Bachelor's degree in Music, Sacred Music, Choral Conducting, Organ Performance, or a closely related field.
• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church, possessing a manifest commitment to the teachings of the Catholic faith.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Must be certified in the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity Ministry within 60 days of employment, and maintain certification throughout the employment period.
• Any computer skill related licenses/ certificates preferable.

Responsibilities

• Liturgical Planning: Select and prepare appropriate sacred music for all weekend Masses, Holy Days of Obligation, Triduum, and other special parish liturgies in accordance with the liturgical seasons and the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM).
• Choir Direction: Recruit, train, and direct parish ensembles, which may include the Adult Choir, Children's Choir, and Schola Cantorum. Conduct weekly rehearsals and provide vocal pedagogy and spiritual formation for choir members.
• Accompaniment: Serve as the principal organist/pianist for parish liturgies or coordinate competent accompanists to ensure high-quality musical support within the annual budget.
• Cantor Program: Audition, train, and schedule cantors for all parish liturgies.
• Weddings and Funerals: Serve as the primary musician or coordinator for all marriage and funeral Masses at the parish. Assist families in selecting appropriate liturgical music. Note: Compensation for weddings and funerals is provided via a separate stipend paid directly by the family.
• Administrative Tasks: Manage the music ministry budget, purchase new music, maintain the parish music library, and ensure the parish is in compliance with all copyright licensing (e.g., Onelicense, CCLI).
• Instrument & Space Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance and tuning of the parish pianos, organ (if applicable), and any other parish-owned musical instruments, while ensuring the music room remains tidy and organized.
• Collaboration: Attend regular pastoral staff meetings and collaborate with other ministry leaders, especially liturgical coordinator, to support the broader mission of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees