Saint Catharine of Alexandria, a dynamic multi-generational parish of the Archdiocese of New York with approximately 2,400 registered families, located 20 miles north of New York City in Rockland County, is seeking a full-time Parish Liturgy and Music Director. The Director will foster a parish music program that inspires prayer, deepens scriptural reflection, and enables the community’s full participation in the sacred liturgy.
Responsibilities
- Play the organ and provide music for all Sunday Masses and Holy Days; serve as cantor when necessary.
- Direct, grow, and develop the parish choir.
- Establish, grow, and develop a children’s choir and music program.
- Recruit, train, schedule, and support cantors.
- Plan music for parish liturgies in collaboration with the Pastor, clergy, staff, and volunteers, including:
- Confirmation
- First Communion / Reconciliation
- School liturgies (including Early Childhood Development)
- Christmas Pageant and other parish celebrations
- Provide liturgical and musical formation for choir members and cantors.
- Prepare worship aids and maintain rehearsal binders.
- Create and oversee music ministry schedules.
- Provide and/or organize the music for funerals and weddings.
- Meet regularly with clergy and collaborate effectively with staff and lay ministers.
- Oversee parish musical instruments, equipment, and music library.
Major Liturgical Duties
- Christmas (Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass, Christmas Day)
- Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday)
- Holy Days of Obligation (Mary, Ascension, Assumption, All Saints, Immaculate Conception)
- Sacramental Liturgies (Confirmations, First Communions, First Reconciliation, and others)
- Celebration of certain non-obligatory solemnities of the Church
Funerals (60–80 per year) and weddings (3–7 per year) provide additional compensation per parish policy.
Qualifications
- Active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
- Proficiency in organ playing.
- Strong choir conducting skills.
- Deep knowledge and familiarity with the rites of the Catholic liturgy and tradition.
- Love for the Church’s musical tradition; appreciation for chant.
- Openness to contemporary music in harmony with Tradition.
- Strong interpersonal skills to work with volunteer choirs.
- Strong computer and organizational skills.
- Ability to coordinate music and liturgy collaboratively with clergy, staff, and parish leaders.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $40,000–$50,000 (commensurate with experience).
- Additional Compensation:
- Funerals: ~60–80 per year.
- Weddings: ~3–7 per year.
- Benefits Package Includes:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Defined Contribution Retirement Plan
- Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
- Options for Supplemental Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Time
Application Process
Please send a résumé, cover letter, and three professional references to:
[email protected]
(Subject: Parish Liturgy & Music Director – Your Name)
Links to recent organ and/or choral conducting recordings are welcome.