Musician - Keyboard/Cantor

Diocese of Tucson•Sahuarita, AZ

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Pastor, the Musician is responsible for leading the congregation in chanting and singing by providing effective and artistically appropriate keyboard accompaniment. Services may include funerals, weddings, Quinceaneras, Holy Days, and Sunday Masses. Additionally, at various times throughout the year there may be a requirement for solo instrumental pieces, such as during the offertory. The Employee shall be a minister of the Gospel and Catholic Teaching both behaviorally while at work and in his/her personal life, “…Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received.” (Eph. 4:1)

Requirements

Possess a working knowledge of, and a strong commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church.
Must be a practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church.
Employ flexibility and follow direction; be a team player and be self-motivated.
Possess a high degree of musicianship and keyboard skills. Formal training, or extensive experience, as a pianist or organist is required.
Perform multiple tasks simultaneously and work with a sense of urgency.
Exercise courtesy to fellow employees, parishioners, and the public.
Excellent communications skills.
Ability to successfully pass a background and criminal history check.
Clean and neat personal appearance.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency as an organist is desirable.
A high level of sight-reading ability is a positive.
Experience as a liturgical musician is preferred but not required if the applicant is highly motivated to learn the norms and practices of serving musically in Catholic Liturgies.
A degree in music is not required but will be considered favorably.
Bi-Lingual (Spanish/English) is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Recognize and support the unique Catholic Mission of the Diocese by speaking, acting, and instructing consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The employee may not espouse, in word or deed, any doctrine inconsistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Give evidence of living Gospel values by being an active member of a faith community and being open to the importance of a personal faith journey; strive to model the teaching of Jesus by attitude and example.
Proficiency as a pianist is required, proficiency as an organist is desirable.
Must be highly proficient at reading four-part choral accompaniments, hymns, and lead sheets; a high level of sight-reading ability is a positive.
Provide quality musical accompaniment, suitable to the dignity of the Mass and other liturgical celebrations, under the Pastoral direction of the Pastor of the Parish.
Work as a team with other instrumental musicians, choir members, and cantors, maintaining an environment of respect and solemnity at all rehearsals and liturgical celebrations.
Be able and willing to lead when when necessary.
Rehearse as needed on the minister’s own time in order to be prepared for weekly rehearsals.
Meet on a regular basis and maintain open communications with volunteers, and other musicians, and rehearse as necessary.
Respond in a timely manner to written correspondence regarding liturgical celebrations, scheduling, or other matters, from the Pastor or other staff-persons at Parish Office.
Keep rehearsal and performance areas clean and tidy; water is always acceptable in the choir area in the church, and in rehearsal spaces, all other food and drink is prohibited.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain a professional appearance appropriate for the dignity of the Mass and other liturgies, as described in the following:
Men: Slacks, including khakis and “dress-pants” are appropriate, No jeans. No shorts. Collared Shirts are required, No T-shirts or tank tops. Close-toed shoes are required, no sandals or flip-flops. Suits, Jackets, Sport Coats, Vests, etc. are wonderful and are appropriate, but are not required. No hats may be worn. Hair and beard must be neat, well-groomed, and not distracting. Jewelry should be appropriate to the dignity of the Mass and other liturgies, and never be a distraction.
Women: Slacks, “dress-pants”, suits, skirts, and dresses are appropriate, No jeans. No shorts. Blouses and shirts should have a modest neckline. Open-toed shoes that are appropriate to the dignity of the Mass and other liturgies are acceptable. Hats which appropriately match the rest of the outfit, and that are appropriate for the dignity of the Mass and other liturgies, are acceptable; no “baseball caps”; Mantillas may be worn, according to the personal conviction of the Cantor, but are never required. Jewelry should be appropriate to the dignity of the Mass and other liturgies, and never be a distraction.