Director of Music and Liturgy -

St. Tarcissus Parish is a Catholic community of 1600 families within the Archdiocese of Chicago located on the far Northwest side of the city of Chicago. A resume of musical and liturgical experience, cover letter, and list of references should be emailed to music@sttars.org with the subject line “Director of Music and Liturgy”. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview/audition. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Director of Music and Liturgy - Position Information

Status: Full time, benefits eligible

Reports to: Pastor

Present Instruments:

Wicks 2 manual 14 rank organ, console redone by Berghaus in 2006; Baldwin grand piano

Present music resources:

WLP Word and Song, GIA Gather Comprehensive, supplemented with online resources for chant and contemporary music.

Qualifications:

A person of faith, understanding the traditions and customary rubrics of the Catholic liturgy, and also be prepared to provide ritual music of the highest caliber (from chant to contemporary).

Bachelors or Masters Degree in Music/Liturgy or related field.

Prior experience preferred.

Proficiency of both organ and piano, knowledge of the voice, choral conducting; Conducting skills while accompanying both the parish and children’s choirs are also a plus.

Managerial and administrative skills to oversee staff/volunteer musicians, scheduling, and direction.
Collaborative, flexible, and communicative.

Computer skills: ability to create orders of service, arrange music as needed (Familiarity with Sibelius/Finale and Publisher a plus).
Responsibilities:

Planning/providing music at Sunday liturgies, school liturgies, and Holy Days. Evening prayer during Advent and Lent. Concerts/liturgical services such as Lessons and Carols, School Christmas program, concerted stations, Children’s Choir concert.

Participation in four of the six Sunday liturgies and two weekly school Masses during the school year.

Liturgical planning for weddings and funerals (additional compensation)

Meet with families/couples and assist them in selecting readings, music, etc.
Continue to develop planning aids and orders of service to serve as a welcoming and catechetical tool for families and guests.

Continue to develop a common congregational repertoire across all Masses and ensembles.

Oversee and direct a varied program of ensembles, whom rehearse weekly throughout the academic year:

Parish Choir (Volunteers, with supplemental professional singers).
Cantors (professional and well-trained volunteers).
Schola Cantorum (Volunteers, with supplemental professional singers).
Guitar Ensemble (Presently directed by parishioner; Director of Music and Liturgy selects music).
Additional parishioner accompanists/instrumentalists.
Children’s Choir and Junior Choristers (Possibility of school music teacher taking over these ensembles).

Collaborating with the Religious Education staff to plan liturgies/music for sacramental celebrations including RCIA, First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation.

In collaboration with the pastor and parish leadership, continue to develop a vision for the music ministry.

Plan the music budget in collaboration with the pastor and financial leadership of parish; ensure prompt payments are made for payroll of staff musicians.

Oversee appropriate general maintenance for organ, pianos, and other instruments as needed. Advise pastor/finance council/staff when additional work and maintenance is needed.

Develop a plan to continue catechesis and liturgical renewal and growth for the parish at large through bulletin articles and other offerings.

Participate as a leader of the parish liturgy committee, a group which gathers for formation and planning. Develop ways to encourage parishioners in liturgical education and leadership.

Provide and oversee musical, liturgical, and spiritual leadership for musicians of the parish, both volunteer and professional.

Actively pursue and attend continuing education opportunities, as approved by pastor; includes conferences, workshops, seminars, and associations on a local and national level.

The above requirements can be revised depending on the ideal candidate chosen.