St. Monica Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas invites applicants for the position of full-time Director of Music Ministries (DMM). Founded in 1954, St. Monica is a large, urban parish of more than 5,000 families. Mass attendance averages 3500 people spread over seven weekend Masses. St. Monica School (K-8) has enrollment of 850 students.

St. Monica Church underwent a major renovation in 2012, which included significant acoustical improvements under the leadership of Scott Riedel and Associates. A new organ was installed in 2014 by Nichols and Simpson of Little Rock, Arkansas. This large electric-action instrument (IV/71) was featured on the cover of the March 2016 issue of The American Organist. St. Monica was proud to host a recital and workshop as part of the 2017 Southwest Regional Convention of the American Guild of Organists. St. Monica Fine Arts was also the lead sponsor of the Convention.

St. Monica’s large music program plays a key role in the life of the parish. The DMM provides broad leadership and vision for the music ministries. Key roles of the DMM include:

Coordinate music for all liturgies: Currently the DMM is directly responsible for the music of the Saturday 5:00 Mass and Mass on Sunday at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 AM. The DMM provides general oversight for all other liturgies of the parish that include music. The DMM is also responsible for coordinating the music for weddings and funerals, in consultation with the Organist. The parish averages six funerals and ten weddings per month. The DMM also leads music for special Masses, including all Holy Days of Obligation.

Serve as Director of the St. Monica Choir: The St. Monica Choir is an adult ensemble of around 60 members that includes both volunteers and eight paid section leaders. The choir leads the Sunday Masses at 9:30 and 11:00 AM. The choir sings traditional Catholic liturgical music as well as major works each year. During the 2016/2017 season the choir presented concerts of Handel’s Messiah and Dubois’ Seven Last Words of Christ, both with full orchestra. The choir presents several regular concerts each season, including a Christmas Concert and an Independence Day Concert.

Assist with choral programs for children and youth: Currently the program consists of two parish children’s choirs, two school children’s choirs, and a youth ensemble. These choirs are directed by the Director of Youth Music, with the assistance and accompaniment of the DMM.

Direct handbell choirs: Currently the program consists of an Adult Handbell Choir (16 members) and a Youth Handbell Choir (10 members). St. Monica owns a five-octave set of Schulmerich handbells, a separate 3-octave set of Schulmeric handbells, and four-octaves of tone chimes.

Lead St. Monica Fine Arts Committee: The St. Monica Fine Arts Committee serves to promote liturgical music and arts within the St. Monica community. The committee has raised an average of $75,000 annually over the last nine years through its annual campaign. The committee funds concerts and provides supplemental support to the music ministry programs.

Oversee music staff: The Director will oversee the music staff, which currently includes a Director of Youth Ministries (full-time), Organist (part-time 20 hours), eight choral section leaders, and a team of staff cantors.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a Masters’ Degree in Sacred Music, or its equivalent and a minimum of five years of experience in the field of liturgical music. The successful candidate also be a skilled organist and orchestral/choral conductor.

Supervision: The Director of Music Ministries reports to the Pastor.

Compensation: St. Monica offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including health insurance (paid fully by the church) and 403b plans.

Applications: Please submit a cover letter and CV, along with three professional references, to Debbie Diaz, Parish Business administrator, at ddiaz@stmonicachurch.org.

St Monica Church
9933 Midway Road
Dallas, Texas 75220