Director of Liturgy and Music, Full Time, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish St. Thomas Aquinas Parish - Diocese Of San Jose : Job Details

The Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish provides pastoral and professional leadership in planning and implementing the worship life of the parish community. 1 Parish, 3 sites.

Working collaboratively with the faithful, planning committees, and volunteer organizers, the Director fosters a deeper relationship with God and one another through the integration of Word and Sacrament. This role supports the spiritual and dynamic growth of the parish.

This ministry requires enthusiasm, a strong sense of responsibility, flexibility, creativity, sensitivity, and perseverance. It is a vocational call to serve God and His people through liturgical life.

Position Details:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week (exempt).
• Presence required at various liturgical events and meetings (see below).
• Responsible for overseeing the liturgical and hospitality aspects of each parish community's Mass.

The Director reports to the Pastor and the Liturgy Board and collaborates closely with the Youth and Catechetical Directors. As a person of faith, the Director is entrusted with the effective planning, coordination, and execution of parish liturgies—including their rituals, music, and environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as principal musician and ensemble director.
• Recruit, schedule, and ensure proper training of all liturgical ministers (Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, children's liturgy leaders, musicians, hospitality ministers, greeters, ushers, altar servers, sacristans, and environment designers).
• Supervise volunteers and ensure compliance with safe environment protocols.
• Coordinate weekly Mass Scripts, announcements, the Prayer of the Faithful and Collection Bags.
• Attend and contribute to monthly Pastoral Staff Meetings, Liturgy Board Meetings, and Diocesan gatherings.
• Collaborate on the creation and publication of liturgical schedules.
• Develop and distribute participation aids for the congregation.
• Monitor and manage the liturgy budget.
• Organize and lead liturgical minister training and formation.
• Provide music and musicians for all Sunday and major celebrations.
• Select liturgically appropriate music that fosters congregational participation.
• Train, direct, and expand choirs, ensembles, and volunteer cantors.
• Promote unity among all parish musicians and harmony with presiders and other liturgical ministers.
• Stay current on liturgical and musical developments at the diocesan and national levels and communicate relevant updates to the parish.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Pastor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in music (or equivalent education/experience).
• Practicing Catholic with strong knowledge of Catholic liturgy and music.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills.
• Positive approach to conflict resolution and team morale.
• Pleasant singing voice and ability to lead congregational singing.
• Skilled accompanist (piano or guitar) capable of leading ensembles.
• Working knowledge of sound systems and projection equipment.
• Completion of Safe Environment training.
• Computer proficiency in word processing, scheduling, spreadsheets, and slide creation.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Salary Range (per year based on the education and experience): $75,000 – $78,000.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]