Description
Celebrating the liturgy involves the whole person: intellect and will, emotions and senses, imagination, aesthetic sensibilities, memory, physical gestures, and powers of expression. The Church’s insistence on music of a unique sort is intended not merely to stimulate feelings in a general way, but to exemplify Christian truth and convey transcendent mysteries using an appropriate form of expression. As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has written, sacred music “elevates the spirit precisely by wedding it to the senses, and it elevates the senses by uniting them with the spirit” (Cardinal Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy, 150).
The Music Assistant at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community is called to assist the Director of Music and the leaders of ministry to bring forth the sacred in liturgy by encouraging active participation of the people through its music.
The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.
1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.
2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.
3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.
4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Choir & Mass Assistance
- Acts as an Assistant Director of Various Choir: Assists the Director of Music in maintaining the regular pattern of rehearsals of each of the various Parish Choirs, to ensure high standards of musical performance.
- Accompany one Mass each weekend (Saturday 4:30 p.m. or Sunday 4:30 p.m.).
- Assist with additional Masses during the week, on Holy Days, feasts, sacraments, special events, musical seasonal parish presentations (i.e. missions, musical prayer nights) as directed by the Pastor.
- Assists and/or oversees the Youth and Children’s Choirs. Recruit students from the Faith Formation Classes. Directs rehearsals (as needed) and selects music in consultation with Director of Music. Coordinates scheduling choir for Sunday Masses in consultation with Director of Music. Works with Director of Music to combine choirs (student and adult) when appropriate.
- Ensures high standard of music performance. Audits rehearsals to assure appropriate faith formation within the area of music and offers liturgical guidance for music planning (as needed).
Piano/Organ
- Acts as an Assistant Pianist. Assists in the piano playing for both statutory and special services as required.
- Proficient keyboard skills (sight reading, playing from lead sheets) to accompany cantor/choir for liturgies.
- Organ skills are a plus (or willingness to learn/use).
Administrative
- Assist with preparatory duties of funerals and weddings (i.e. communicate with funeral ministry team, cantors, and prepare music outlines/binders).
- Assist with preparatory duties such as filing, organizing, preparing binders, filing usage reports, creating and/or checking music and lyric slides or other worship aids for media in the Church.
- Assist volunteers with a focus on Christ, bringing forth the parish's core values to encourage individual and team growth.
- Works cooperatively with various personalities within the Catholic Church, facilitates good communication and is responsive to requests of others within a large, complex and diverse working environment.
- Assist with projects as directed by either the Pastor or Music Director to ensure that activities meet standards and goals within approved budgets.
- Works well within a multi-cultural environment, celebrating diversity while honoring the beauty of liturgical music.
- Attends and participates in regularly scheduled staff meetings.
- Assists the Director of Music in the running of the music office of the parish.
- Assists and prepares the weekly choir handouts for each type of choir, as well as the Children’s choir binders too. Assists the Director of Music with preparing and distributing the various music sheets/handouts, and/or packets to each of the members of the music ministry.; able (or willing to learn) how to navigate through the parish's digital interface (i.e. Source & Summit) for music selection and printing paper copies.
- Be familiar with all aspects of the music office.
- Assists in the selection of music for liturgies and concerts, as requested by the Pastor or Music Director.
- Assists with music planning at parish workshops and missions.
- Works with Director of Music to plan recitals and other music concerts.
- Maintains streamlined filing system and reduce carbon footprint of paper whenever possible.
- Provides assistance in planning formation opportunities for various parish musicians (i.e. choirs, cantors, etc.).
General- Makes an active contribution to ensure the music office operates in an efficient and professional manner at all times.
- Supports the Pastor and/or Director of Music in all music office and liturgical related tasks where directed.
- Takes responsibility for bringing any matters of concern related to music or liturgical matters to the attention of the Pastor and/or Director of Music.
Communication
- Provides updates for website, social media, and bulletin as appropriate regarding music for liturgies, seasons of the year, policies, and recruitment efforts under the advisement of the Pastor and Director of Music.
Parish Sacramental Needs
- Shares responsibilities of music for weddings and funerals with Director of Music as directed by the Pastor.
- Provides musical leadership for parish sacramental preparation prayer services as directed by the Pastor.
Self-Development
- Practices to improve or maintain skills in voice, conducting, and the instruments upon which performance is expected (piano).
- Keeps current with official statements and documents on music, liturgy and developments in the pastoral field.
Requirements
Catholic Faith
Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Knowledge and love of Catholic liturgy (i.e. Mass, sacraments) and Doctrine. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese. A thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgical theology and praxis is required, as well as a knowledge of the history and repertoire of sacred music.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in Music or its equivalent. Musical leadership requires skills in the following areas: keyboard/accompanying, voice/choral and conducting. Skills and experience may be required in other areas such as instrumental ensembles, composition, orchestration, handbells, children’s choirs, and familiarity with musical styles of various cultures within the community. A thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgical theology and praxis. A knowledge of the history and repertoire of sacred music.
Working Conditions
The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour day. This person will need to be available in the evening and weekends, as needed. Must be willing to work in conditions of stress and function well under pressure.
