Principal Organist and Music Director

St. Michael Catholic Church in Houston, TX seeks a Principal Organist and Director of Music with a passion for musical excellence and love for the sacred liturgy. The candidate will program chant, polyphony, and hymnody from the sacred treasury. He should be proficient on the organ, in choral conducting and vocal training, with an appreciation for the liturgical tradition of the Church.

The successful candidate will serve a vital role on the parish staff and will report directly to the pastor. He will serve as principal organist for Sunday, feast day, and school Masses. He will also rehearse and supervise paid staff singers, collaborate with the school music teacher, and support the parish choir.

The current organist accompanies five weekend Masses. By Easter, an additional Sunday evening Mass will be added to the schedule. The parish anticipates that an associate organist will be hired, who will assume some of those duties. The Music Director will have the opportunity to join the school faculty on a part-time basis for additional compensation.

The original Wicks Organ (Opus 4507, 1965), an instrument of forty-two ranks, was removed last spring, and the pipes are being repurposed as part of an expanded organ of more than sixty ranks that is scheduled to be installed in the spring or summer of 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Report to the Pastor and collaborate with the school principal and music teacher.
• Plan, prepare, and execute music for all liturgical celebrations including weddings and funerals.
• Serve as organist for weekend Masses, school Masses, and weddings and funerals.
• Recruit and supervise a competent associate organist who will accompany two weekend Masses.
• Rehearse and accompany choirs and supervise and schedule staff singers and cantors.
• Prepare worship aids, attend parish leadership meetings, and administer the music budget.

Qualifications
• Practicing Catholic in good standing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Catholic music and liturgy.
• Leadership, communication, planning and organizing skills.

Education and Experience
• A degree in music or equivalent education or experience.
• A minimum of three to five years in a parish setting, with budgeting experience.
• Excellent organ, conducting and vocal skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and other music production software.

Hours: This is a full-time position with expected weekend and evening hours.

Please send a resume and letter of interest to: Rev. Stephen B. Reynolds, Pastor
St. Michael Catholic Church
1801 Sage Road
Houston, TX 77056

frsbr@StMichaelChurch.net