Director of Music Ministry
St. Helen Catholic Church – Georgetown, Texas
Ministerial Character: The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the Parish (St. Helen Catholic Church - Georgetown, Texas) which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.
Positions employed at St. Helen Catholic Church - Georgetown, Texas help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.
Job Summary: The Director of Music Ministry is responsible for attending the needs of the English and Spanish choirs to ensure the music uplifts the soul towards God by being creative and pastorally integrated with the liturgy. The position reports to the Pastor and operates under some supervision with some latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.
Essential Job Duties:
• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of St. Helen Catholic Church, in both your professional and personal life, by acting as a witness to Gospel values through modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church and continuously grow in ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Works with and assists all Spanish and English choirs and their directors to ensure that song selection is appropriate to the liturgical celebration and in line with the pastor’s vision.
• Schedules cantors, accompanists, directors and volunteers to ensure Sunday coverage.
• Plans, selects, and directs combined choir events for Holy Day Masses and other special liturgies.
• Directs the choir at least one Mass during the weekend. • Facilitates healthy communication and coordination between choirs and between directors.
• Provides ongoing training for cantors, singers, and instrumentalists through weekly rehearsals and/or other workshops to develop skills such as: vocal technique, music reading, and interpretation of various styles of music (i.e. Gregorian chant, hymn-style, contemporary, etc.)
• Ensures that there is music in weddings and funerals when requested by couples or surviving family members.
• Schedules routine, periodic maintenance of instruments, or repair for instruments as needed.
• Maintains and expands current Choral Music Library ensuring compliance with all copyright licensing and usage reporting to major music publishers.
• Develops and manages the Music Ministry budget.
• Maintains availability throughout the week in order to serve the needs of the parish to include pastor, staff, volunteers, choir practices and masses during and outside of normal church office hours.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of Roman Catholic teachings, parish and diocesan structure.
• Knowledge of Church documents and sacred texts pertaining to Divine Worship, Music, and Liturgy.
• Ability to perform proficiently in at least one performance area (i.e. piano, voice, another instrument, etc.).
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural parish serving various cultures and a wide range of age groups.
• Ability to work with English and Spanish cantors and musicians.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, and laity.
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
•Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times. • Ability to carry out multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and implement creative solutions.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to proficiently communicate in English (writing, reading and conversing). Bilingual (English/Spanish speaking) preferred.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Trainings:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Music from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.
• Equivalent formal training in Music can be substituted for the above Bachelor’s Degree requirement. Experience:
•Three (3) years of experience working in Music Ministry in a Roman Catholic Parish.
Catholic Requirement:
• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
Language:
• English (proficient in writing, reading and conversing).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish speaking) preferred.
Licenses/Certifications:
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
Essential Mental / Physical Tasks:
- Talking
- Seeing
- Listening/Hearing
- Reading and comprehending Standing
- Using personal computer with mouse Walking
- Sitting for extended periods
- Grasping/holding
- Bending
- Lifting/carrying
- Playing a music instrument
- Moving heavy materials
- Singing
- Using office equipment, stapler, telephone, etc.
- Reading and comprehending music
- Driving
Working Conditions:
• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Parish is an at-will employer. • All buildings owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays will be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal vehicle to drive to off-site locations.
