I am passing this information along for another church in my diocese (Kalamazoo). I know the priest, and he's an organist himself, so he really prizes good music, and he is liturgically-minded.

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St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Marshall, Michigan, is seeking an Organist and Director of Music.

Our National Historic Landmark District community is committed to economic growth and innovative technology. We have a new 2021 custom Allen 3-manual drawknob organ housed in our beautifully renovated historic church with an ideal acoustic music environment.

St. Mary Church offers three weekend Masses. We are a singing church. The qualified candidate should be a skilled organist and choir director who can effectively work with cantors, instrumentalists, and adult and youth choirs. The Organist/Director of Music would collaborate closely with the pastor in support of the liturgies.

We prefer a degree, or equivalent, in music or a related field, and an understanding of and respect for Catholic traditions and liturgy. Leadership and communication skills and a passion for sacred liturgy and music are essential qualities. This is a 30 hour per week (on average) position with a negotiable salary and benefits program in the range of $55,000 - $65,000 per year, commensurate with experience/qualifications/hours. Compensation is also provided for other services. Relocation expenses are negotiable for qualified candidates.

*Point of contact:
E-mail resume and pertinent material to Office Manager, Mrs. Stacie Contat, St. Mary Church at stmarymarshall @ aol.com (269-781-3949).

Also, visit our website at www.stmarymarshall.org.



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As an aside, and since this is also relevant for the people who frequent this forum, I'm pleased to report that we have a wonderful bishop, and he does not antagonize beautiful liturgy in any way. Quite the contrary, in fact. He more/less gives me free reign to schedule all the latin motets and chant that I want, and he has told me explicitly that he enjoys chanting the Missa de Angelis. The takeaway for an applicant, of course, is that there is no pressure on priests of the diocese to avoid these things, and I do what I can to signal from the cathedral that we celebrate liturgical tradition unabashedly. Fr. Craig (St. Mary's) regularly seeks me out after diocesan events to thank me for the music, so I know he appreciates it in a particularly strong way. I'm loathe to lose the previous incumbent (moving to be closer to family) as he's been a wonderful colleague and was "on the team" as it were. I would love to get another "team member" back into that position. Strength in numbers... rising tides... etc. The secretary said to me via email, "Yes, we are both very much focused on the sacred music that you and Fr. Craig desire" and I saw them Sunday and they were both thrilled we were chanting the Veni Creator during the anointing at confirmation. Good signs.