OVERVIEW

In December 1889, a small group of monks from Saint Meinrad Abbey in Indiana repeated the ancient process of establishing a monastery, "a school for the Lord's service," in southern Louisiana.

Over the past century, Saint Joseph Abbey has become an enduring presence in the Gulf South, etching in small strokes an indelible mark on local and regional history. The abbey has educated many of the region's civic and religious leaders. It has founded and staffed numerous parishes in the New Orleans and Northshore areas. It has had a significant impact on area culture by sponsoring and promoting programs in both liturgical and secular arts. And finally, Saint Joseph Abbey has maintained and cultivated an abiding spiritual presence in the community, which is manifested in its daily rhythms of prayer.

Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College is seeking two full-time organists to accompany the monastic and seminarian communities in their daily liturgies. These musicians will work within a well-established framework of Catholic liturgical music in the local Benedictine tradition. There is no expectation for these positions to plan daily music (please see Liturgical Calendar attached).

In our Abbey Church you will find our Dobson Organ “Opus 73 1999”. For pictures and more details click here: http://www.dobsonorgan.com/html/instruments/op73_stbenedict.html



Organist
Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College
Saint Benedict, LA 70457

TITLE

Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College Organist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Expectations are to provide accompaniment for Mass, Lauds and Vespers. Attend weekly Seminary Schola practice. Assist the Monastic Director of Music and the Seminary Director of Music organizing and implementing liturgical music.

SKILLS NEEDED

Ability to play the organ/piano proficiently.
Ability to sight-read.
Ability to take directions and work as a team member.
Skill of improvisation desired.
Skill in music notation software (Finale, Sibelius, and/or MuseScore) desired.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accompany for Monastic Lauds (7:00 am);
Accompany Daily Seminary Masses (7:45 am);
Accompany Sunday Monastic Masses (11:00 am);
Accompany regular seminary music rehearsals (Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm);
Accompany Sunday Schola rehearsal (9:30 -10:45 a.m.);
Participate in weekly liturgical music planning meetings;
Accompany two special Schola performances annually;
Accompany Mass on Solemnities and Feast Days (this may require to shift days off);
Accompany daily Monastic Vespers (all days, 5:30 p.m.)
The organist will be given the first opportunity to accompany funeral and weddings being held in the Abbey Church.

ACCOUNTABILITY

This position reports to the Abbot and the President-Rector, and works closely with the Director of Monastic Music and the Director of Music for the Seminary College.

Please submit a cover letter, salary requirements and resume/curriculum vitae to humanresources@sjasc.edu
Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College is an equal opportunity employer offering paid time off, health insurance and paid holidays. Salary range between $50,000-$60,000 per year based on skill, qualifications and education.