Director of Sacred Music
: Job Details :

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resumé with three references, and any relevant recordings to Fr. Vander Woude at ...@stmaryofsorrows.org.

First round interviews will be conducted via video call, and top candidates will be invited to the church for an in-person audition. Position is available July 1st.

Director of Sacred Music

St. Mary of Sorrows

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: [Location not specified]

Posted Date: [Date not specified]

Position Summary:

St. Mary of Sorrows parish is seeking an experienced choir director and organist to assume the role of Director of Sacred Music (DSM). This is a full-time position with benefits through the Arlington Diocese. Duties include directing and coordinating the adult choir, children's choir, and cantors, as well as hiring organists and instrumentalists for certain holy days and Masses. The organ is a four-manual Rodgers Infinity with lighted draw knobs. The new DSM will also plan and oversee a loft renovation project.

There are five sung Masses per weekend, four of which the DSM is expected to be the primary organist/director. The parish recently switched to the Source and Summit Missal and digital platform and is beginning to incorporate more traditional music such as chant and sacred polyphony, while still utilizing quality hymnody. Heavy emphasis is placed on growing the sacred music program and educating members and congregants. The DSM reports directly to the pastor, who is very supportive of sacred music.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain the highest standard for liturgical music for all Masses.
• Grow and develop the sacred music program, emphasizing fidelity to Church teaching, tradition, and documents.
• Train choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists, particularly in chant and sacred polyphony.
• Educate the parish in sacred music.
• Serve as primary organist and director for weekends, obligatory days, and other Masses throughout the year.
• Meet regularly with the pastor to coordinate liturgical aspects.
• Follow Church and civic law regarding copyrights.
• Maintain the music library with assistance from a choir volunteer.
• Approximately 20 weddings per year, compensated separately.
• Approximately 45 funerals per year, compensated separately.
• Minimum education: Bachelor's degree.
• At least 5 years of work experience related to organ, sacred music, theology, or liturgy.
• Faithful Catholic in good standing, whose life aligns with Church teaching.
• Masters degree in sacred music, theology, liturgy, or similar preferred; Bachelor's degree required. Participation in CMAA events or AGO certifications considered.
• Deep knowledge of the Church's sacred music patrimony.
• Five or more years of experience working in church music programs.
• Employment contingent upon passing criminal background and reference checks.
• Must complete diocese-sponsored Safe Environment Training.

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