Our Lady of Lourdes in Sun City West, AZ is currently searching for a new musician and liturgist. If you are considering wanting a change of scenery or feeling called "out of darkness into his marvelous light," I ask you to look into this position.
The following are my personal notes for colleagues:
I have had the pleasure of serving for the past two years as Interim Director of Music at this wonderful retirement community parish. They have a longstanding tradition of quality music and hymn singing. The musical history of this parish is such that there has been no great upheaval, drama, or turbulence in the past few decades. The majority of music director transitions have been very smooth and included some overlap to acclimate the new director to the position with the advice and support of the outgoing musician.
The Pastor is an excellent singer who normally chants the Mass beautifully. On Christmas and Easter, he sings the Eucharistic Prayer. Local Brass and String ensembles are hired for Christmas and Easter.
The Repertoire Typical Sunday Mass includes 4-5 hymns, Psalm, Alleluia, Choral Anthem (when choir is in season), Communion Antiphon, and the Ordinary of the Mass.
Current Ordinaries that are used are:
Gloria – from Mass of Renewal by William Gokelman and David Kauffman
Christmas and Easter Seasons: Kyrie, Sanctus, Mystery of Faith, Amen, Agnus Dei from Mass of the Transfiguration by Normand Gouin
Advent & Lent: Roman Missal Chants in Latin &/or English
Ordinary Time: Mass of St. Philip Neri by Paul Jernberg
Sanctus, Mystery of Faith, Amen, Agnus Dei from A Community Mass by Richard Proulx was used prior to the introduction of Mass of St. Philip Neri and is still in the rotation.
If you have any questions about the parish or position please private message me here and I'll be happy to answer any questions that I can.
To participate in the discussions on Catholic church music, sign in or register as a forum member, The forum is a project of the Church Music Association of America.