DIrector of Sacred Music

St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Grand Rapids, MI Job ID#: 13274175065

Posted:

May 4, 2026

Expires:

July 3, 2026

Category:

Music Ministry Terms:

Full-Time Employee Experience:

2-5

Years Education:

Undergraduate Degree Base Pay:

Salary Send applications or inquiries to: mbrennan@spagr.org Job Description The director of Sacred Music is a full-time position (40 hours weekly) and reports to the pastor of Saint Paul the Apostle Parish and the parish manager. The director is responsible for the planning and execution of the Parish's sacred music program, most especially the sacred music used at the Sunday and Holy Day Masses, school Masses, funerals, weddings, and other liturgical celebrations. The director reviews all liturgical music programs, procedures, and budgets for parish music programs in close collaboration with the pastor. The director will recruit and rehearse parish volunteer choirs. Will form, train and foster an appreciation and understanding of sacred music at the parish. Responsibilities Promote and foster the development of an authentic liturgical music culture at the parish understanding sacred music's essential role in Catholic liturgical ministry and ensure it is an integral part of the spiritual life of the parish. Work to encourage and promote "fully conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations," as called for by the Second Vatican Council, ensuring that the parish's sacred music program is integrated with and serves the entire parish community to include all ages, from the young to seniors. Regularly educate the parish about Roman Catholic sacred music repertoire and foster a culture of appreciation of the depth and beauty of our singing. Recruit, audition, rehearse, and conduct all the parish choirs; build up the choral and parishioner participation as part of the parish's mission and discipleship culture. Serve as the organist/pianist and choir director at all Sunday Masses including the Saturday Vigil Mass and on Holy Days, Christmas Midnight Mass, Holy Week liturgies and all school Masses. In collaboration with the Pastor, periodically review the sacred music repertoire for all Sunday and Holy Days Masses, funerals, weddings, school liturgies, ensuring that music is in accord with the liturgical teachings of the Roman Rite. Schedule and coordinate the choir for all parish funerals. Hire and supervise cantors and instrumentalists as needed for special liturgical celebrations. Plan, as needed, sacred music selections for other liturgical celebrations such as quarterly solemn Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction, Lessons & Carols, devotions, prayer services, first reconciliation, etc. Perform administrative office work, including producing worship aids or musical inserts for Masses. Oversee the maintenance of the parish organ, piano, and other musical instruments. Ensure the proper functioning of the church sound system. Prepare and oversee the annual budget for the parish music program. Participate in periodic review with the pastor as indicated. Organize concerts and other events showcasing the musical patrimony of the Church and other non-liturgical classical music, so that the parish can experience the True, the Good, and the Beautiful (potentially in collaboration with other area musicians) Work with school choirs to introduce them to Church's sacred music tradition and to integrate them into parish liturgical celebrations. Play organ/piano at the weekly school Masses. Observe national and diocesan guidelines regarding youth and young adult ministry and religious education policies. Other occasional duties as assigned. Accountability The director of Sacred Music will be responsible to the parish manager and pastor. Office hours will be agreed upon and flexible to accommodate weekend duties. Attendance at the weekly staff meeting will be expected. Salary and Benefits Salary and benefits commensurate with education and experience, in accordance with parish and diocesan policies. Weddings and funerals compensated separately; the director shall have right of first refusal for both. Professional development opportunities and vacation leave are available. Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Practicing Catholic registered in his/her parish Bachelor's Degree in Music (Master's Preferred) Proficient organ and excellent piano performance ability Excellent choir directing skills Strong singing ability Strong ability to work with others including those of different liturgical musical sensibilities as intended by the Church in her official teachings Pastoral experience with diverse parish congregations A working familiarity of the 20th Century Catholic Liturgical Movement Knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Church's teaching documents on the Eucharist and sacred music including Tra Le Sollecitudini, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Musicam Sacram, Chirograph of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, Sacramentum Caritatis, GIRM, and the USCCB's Sing to the

Lord:

Music in Divine Worship and Catholic Hymnody at the Service of the Church Familiarity and comfort with a broad range of Catholic sacred music from chant to polyphony to contemporary sacred compositions Familiarity and knowledge of the Catholic Church's rich patrimony of sacred music, liturgies, and various devotions Demonstrated ability to discern and distinguish music appropriate for the liturgy and that appropriate for other gatherings Working knowledge of Latin and understanding of the Second Vatican Council's and the U.S. Bishops' guidance on its use in the liturgy Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities Fervent disciple of Christ, deeply committed to the Church's mission of evangelization A willingness to develop a vibrant Parish music program Excellent organ and piano performance ability Demonstrated ability to inspire volunteers Membership in the Church Music Association of America, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, AGO, AFPC, ACDA Ability to collaborate with other local musicians Send applications or inquiries to: mbrennan@spagr.org About the Employer Encounter, Belong, Engage