The Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas includes 91 Parishes, and 19 schools. It stretches from Quanah, Texas just northwest of Wichita Falls in the West and extends to Penelope, Texas in the Southeast. Its largest metropolitan areas are Fort Worth, Arlington, Denton, and Wichita Falls. The principal duty of all employees is to assist in the mission of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas.
General Position Summary: The Director of Liturgy and Music is responsible for collaborating with clergy, staff, ministry leaders, volunteers, and musicians to plan and execute parish liturgies and music. The Director develops and directs liturgical ministers and musicians to provide leadership on Sundays and other special liturgies that will lead parishioners “to that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy” (Sacrosanctum Concilium #14).
Principal Accountabilities
- Supervises the ongoing development of quality liturgies. Organizes, coordinates, plans, and implements all liturgies with the ministers in different areas of liturgy. This includes special liturgies and services during the seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter and other times during the year, such as Graduation Mass, Confirmation, funerals, weddings, and baptisms. Meets regularly with the Liturgy Committee to direct the planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating of Sunday liturgies. Attends all weekend Masses and other liturgical functions in order to evaluate these services to help improve them and ascertain in what ways community participation can be encouraged and enhanced. Works with the Formation Directors and Youth Director to assist in the planning and implementation of children and young adult liturgies. Works with the Welcome Retreat volunteers to assist in planning and implementation of liturgies during the retreats. Prepares worship aids for liturgical celebrations if needed and provides scripts for special celebrations.
- Recruits and provides training and development of all liturgical ministers and volunteers in their respective areas of liturgical ministry. Directly involved in the supervision of all ministers of liturgical and music ministries. Oversees Ministry Scheduler Program (MSP) to schedule liturgical ministers for designated liturgical celebrations. Directly supervises and supports MSP Administrator. Provides encouragement, evaluation and appreciation to musicians and liturgical leaders of the parish.
- Develops, directs, and recruits adult and youth choirs. Directs or provides direct supervision and support for other specific choirs or ensembles and cantors for weekend liturgies. Selects music for liturgical celebrations and provides music for funerals. Researches new music and remains abreast of developments in the understanding of the liturgy to broaden the parish musical repertoire and further enhance worship. Directs Christmas concert and other seasonal musicals. Selects, approves, and supervises non-parish musicians. Maintains music library and liturgical/musical resources as needed. Oversees compliance with copyright laws and licensing requirements. Cantors or serves as accompanist for funerals and weddings (additional pay).
- Ensures maintenance and upkeep of liturgical materials related to all areas of liturgical ministry. Reviews and purchases appropriate supplies for all areas of liturgical ministry. Ensures all invoices are checked against the order and turned into the Business Manager on a timely basis. Plans and develops the budget for the area of liturgy and music, working with the Business Manager. Monitors income and expenses on a monthly basis.
- Coordinates, purchases, and maintains audio/visual equipment, coordinates and supervises personnel and graphics for all liturgies.
- Directs, coordinates, and organizes marriage preparation and stays abreast of diocesan requirements. Welcomes and communicates with engaged couples. Recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer Mentor Couples and Wedding Assistants. Maintains accurate and current documentation for church records.
- Ensures current and accurate information is communicated in Mass announcements, on the parish website, in the bulletin, and via other forms of communication concerning liturgy, music, weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
- Maintains a level of knowledge and skills required for the position. Continues professional development by maintaining membership in professional organizations, attending seminars and workshops for continued education in the areas of liturgy and music, maintaining regular contact with the Diocesan Office of Worship, participating in diocesan seminars, and maintaining a thorough knowledge of “Music in Catholic Worship” and all other relevant documents.
- Participates in staff meetings
- Responsible for all other projects, tasks, etc., as assigned.
Travel Requirements
- Some travel required, up to 10%.
Education And Experience Preferred
- Must be a fully initiated Catholic in good standing, actively participating in the liturgical life of the Church.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in liturgy or music. A Master’s degree or equivalent in education and experience is preferred.
- Fifteen years experience in a pastoral setting
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the Roman Catholic Liturgy.
Knowledge And Skills Preferred
- Must be a skilled choral director
- Considerable instrumental, vocal, and directing skills.
- Ability to play both piano and organ
- An understanding of GIRM and the rubrics of the Roman Missal
- Knowledge of current theology in the church
- Knowledge of liturgical music
- Knowledge and experience of RCIA
- Demonstrated successful ability to coordinate, motivate and support volunteer liturgical ministers.
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to balance and appropriately prioritize multiple projects and requirements.
- Excellent administrative and organizational skills
- Basic Microsoft Office skills
- Willingness to collaborate and work with the staff
- Willingness to continue personal and professional development in the areas of liturgy, theology, music, and administration
Working Conditions And/or Physical Requirements
- This position works in a typical office environment, but is subject to stress due to the evolving and quickly expanding business needs, tight deadlines, and heavy workloads.
- Sitting and performing computer work for lengthy periods of time. Frequent use of computer keyboard that requires repetitive hand and wrist movements.
- Flexible hours, some evenings and weekend work.
- Frequent walking, standing, and sitting. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance.
