Organist and Director of Sacred Music Job Description Saint Mary Gate of Heaven Parish

103-12 101st Avenue Ozone Park, New York 11416

Saint Mary Gate of Heaven, a vibrant, multicultural parish in the Ozone Park section of Queens, is seeking a director of sacred music to develop and maintain a program of sacred music that will support and enable the people of the parish to encounter more deeply the mysteries of the sacred liturgy. The applicant must possess competent organ skills, strong choral skills, and organizational skills that will assist in the direction of three parish choirs (English, Spanish, and Youth).
The applicant should also possess knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgy and must be capable of working collaboratively with the pastor, clergy, and staff.

Responsibilities of the director of music:

• Provide music for 5 weekend Masses (4 English, 1 Spanish) as well as feasts and solemnities.
• Direct and develop the Adult Choir, Spanish Choir, and Youth Choir
• Provide music for holy day liturgies
• Provide music for monthly First Friday Masses (2)
• Provide music for sacramental and seasonal celebrations (Benediction, Stations of the Cross, etc.)
• Provide music for Solemn Vespers Sunday evenings in Advent and Lent
• Produce hymn programs to facilitate congregational participation at Mass for special
celebrations throughout the year
• Play and sing funerals and weddings (provides additional income)
• Organize and execute a service of Lessons and Carols during the Advent season

Salary: Commensurate with degree and experience; medical benefits provided, if needed. Weddings and funerals provide additional income. The parish averages 65 funerals and 25 weddings per year.

Instruments: 3-manual Allen


Graduate degree and experience preferred but not required.

A part-time position in the school is also available. Involves teaching music, directing the school choir, and providing music for all school Masses. 


E-mail your resume for consideration to Fr. Carlos C. Velásquez at: frcarlos@smghparish.org