HI, everyone -

I've been a long-time lurker around these parts, and have found all the threads here to be an invaluable resource. This is a mighty fine little corner of the internet!

I find myself in an odd position and could use some suggestions about how to proceed. I've been in church music as a paid singer for many years, and as of March am the Interim DM at our parish after a long, drawn-out and painful exit of our former DM, also my former boss, a guy I admire and learned a lot from. He is now at another parish, and I am in the process of applying for the permanent job.

I found out today that there is a funeral on Saturday and the bereaved family apparently arranged with my predecessor and the former organist to have them come in and do all the music for the funeral and presented it as a done deal to the pastor who apparently agreed to it. No one asked or informed me, and I only found out because I noticed it on the calendar and asked to confirm that I was not expected to provide music. I have no issue with him coming in if that's what the family wants, but I have a feeling a few steps are missing here. I am paid separately for funerals and rely on them for part of my income (we do about 20 a year), and I'm not really sure I'm comfortable with this becoming something our parishioners see as an option. I also feel that perhaps it will in the long term impede the moving on that needs to happen here, for both parties. Alternatively, I'm worried that presenting them with a "bench fee" if they don't use us will come off as one more reason to hate the new guard.

I'd love to hear any ways you can see that I could sensitively address this. As I am currently applying, I think it will likely be a discussion to be had if and when contract negotiations come up, but I'd like to have an idea that is both fair and sensitive to our parishioners and to me and our current organist as well.

Thank you in advance!