Cantor and Schola Director

General Position Summary: The Cantor and Schola director will oversee the music ministries for the three parishes in the cluster and provide support for the Organist. This position involves attending and leading weekly practices, forming/conducting choirs/scholas, and assisting with liturgical planning.

This is an ‘occasional’ position, where a $50 stipend is paid per Mass/practice. Once the scholas are formed and functional at each parish, the stipend will increase to $100 per Mass/practice.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Lead the singing and chant, including the Responsorial Psalm for the 5pm Saturday Anticipatory Mass, the 730am, 915am, and 11am Sunday Masses as well as Holy Days and Solemnities.
• Establish, develop, and prepare the Choir/Schola for the 5pm Saturday Anticipatory Mass, the 730am, 915am, and 11am Sunday Masses as well as Holy Days and Solemnities.
• Potentially establish, develop, and prepare a Children’s Choir to sing at one (1) liturgy per month as well as a Christmas and Easter Mass.
• Attend monthly liturgy meetings.
• Assist the organist to select music for liturgies.
• Additional singing opportunities for weddings and/or funerals may be offered.
• Responsible for all other projects, tasks, etc. as assigned.

Supervision Given and/or Received:

• Supervises the Choirs/Schola and Children’s Choir volunteers during events and practices.
• Collaborate with the Organist.
• Supervision provided by the Pastor.

Internal Contacts:

• Communicate effectively with parish staff, volunteers, and parishioners in a pleasant and welcoming manner.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• This position works in a typical Church environment but is subject to stress due to the evolving tight deadlines during the liturgical seasons. This is not a work from home position.
• Ability to stand and sing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to climb stairs.
• Must be able to carry at least 25 pounds.
• Must be able to set up and operate sound equipment.
• Evening and weekend work will be required.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel between the three parishes each weekend, up to 80 miles roundtrip.
• Optional approved travel for professional development at parish expense.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in music or related field.
• Training or study in Choral Music.
• Experience or proficiency in singing and teaching music of Roman Catholic patrimony, namely Renaissance polyphony and Gregorian Chant.
• One to three years or more of experience in conducting, working with choirs, instrumentalists, and accompanying Liturgies, or experience in teaching music.
• Must be able to sight read music, teach volunteers, and conduct from the bench.
• Qualified candidates will be expected to audition.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of the Catholic Church, Catholic sacraments, Catholic rites, and liturgies.
• Sing in the Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Baritone range without vibrato.
• Familiarity and experience with computers, computer programs and office equipment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to compose correspondence and announcements.
• Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality.

Demonstrated ability to set priorities and organize work effectively.