Position Title:
Assistant Musician of Sacred Music
FLSA Status:
Exempt/Salary
Hours Authorized:
Full-time – 40 hours per week
Immediate Supervisors:
Director of Sacred Music
GENERAL SUMMARY:
“The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music assists the parish Director of Sacred Music in leading the parish music program. Responsibilities include leading or accompanying the congregation and ensembles at liturgies, rehearsing with ensembles, and participation in music selection” (AOD Parish Job Titles and Descriptions, p11).
“The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music fosters a full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy” (Constitution on the Liturgy, art. 14).
The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music provides musical accompaniment and singing when needed for Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music shall assist the Director of Sacred Music in formulating and implementing all goals and objectives in music, in accordance with the decisions of the Pastor, Pastoral Associate/Director of Worship.
- The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music will be solely responsible for all musical duties normally performed by the Director of Sacred Music on the Director of Sacred Music’s regular weekly day off, and scheduled paid time off (sick, personal, or vacation).
- The liturgical schedule is as follows:
- Weekday – 8:30am Masses:
- Director: Monday through Wednesday
- Assistant: Thursday through Saturday morning
- Weekend – 5pm Sat., 8am-10am-12noon Sun, and 5pm Sun. Masses:
- Director: 5pm Sat., 8am, and 10am Masses
- Assistant: 10am, 12noon, and 5pm Masses
- Weddings – 4pm Friday, and 12noon, 2pm, and 4pm Saturday: Director and/or Assistant will alternate between the 5pm Sat. and 5pm Sun, pending on weddings; otherwise, the Director has the 5pm Sat. and the Assistant 5pm Sun.
- Funerals – Director and/or Assistant: 10am Monday through Saturday, and if necessary, an additional funeral at 12:30pm when needed.
- The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music will be responsible:
- To accompany the singing of hymns, psalms, and Mass ordinaries at weekend, Holy Days, Christmas, Holy Week, and civil holiday liturgies as assigned by and shared with the Director of Sacred Music.
- To perform a suitable organ prelude and postlude at weekend and Holy Day liturgies shared with Director of Sacred Music.
- To accompany the singing of hymns, and Mass ordinaries at daily Mass per week, as assigned by and shared with the Director of Sacred Music.
- To assist the Director of Sacred Music in providing music at liturgical services such as Reconciliation, Evening Prayer, Adoration, and other celebrations approved by the Moderator/Pastor.
- To provide appropriate music for weddings and funerals, by meeting with couples or families to prepare for these services, as shared with the Director of Sacred Music.
- To collaborate with the Director of Sacred Music, and the Pastoral Associate/Director of Worship, in the preparation of the selection of Scripture readings, prayers, and Liturgical Music, monthly with the couples (Step 4 of the Marriage Preparation Process).
- To share responsibility to accompany the Liturgical Choir at all rehearsals and performances.
- To recruit and direct, in consultation with the Director of Sacred Music the Children’s Choir.
- To establish with the Director of Sacred Music a practice schedule for the parish calendar for use of the church organ and piano.
- To prepare and print participation aids for weddings, funerals, and other liturgical rituals.
- To conduct the Handbell Choir.
- The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music will share responsibility with the Director of Sacred Music in coordinating use of the Church and/or Chapel with the Parish Calendar Coordinator and be present for all rehearsals and concerts of outside musical groups, and any other group using the Church or Chapel.
- Church/Chapel Organ Area:
- In collaboration with the Director of Sacred Music, keep choir area and behind the organ always neat and orderly.
- Maintain equal distribution of hymnals in the pews seasonally.
Attend regular meetings of the St. Hugo Staff:
- “Huddle” Staff meeting
- Liturgy Committee Staff meeting
- Worship Staff meeting (Assistant Musician of Sacred Music, Director of Sacred Music, and the Pastoral Associate/Director of Worship)
- The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music will enhance professional growth and development of Music and Liturgy as needed according to the Worship Budget account for staff development, with approval of the Moderator/Pastor.
- The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music will attend programs sponsored by the Archdiocese of Detroit pertaining to music and liturgy with the approval of the Director of Sacred Music.
- The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music shall maintain professional affiliations with professional organizations.
- The Director of Sacred Music and the Assistant Musician of Sacred Music contract separately for weddings and funerals. Checks are to be made payable to the individual musician.
- Keep confidential all information which is disclosed while serving in your professional role as a religious authority and representative of the church.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Moderator/Pastor, Pastoral Associate/Director of Worship, and Director of Sacred Music.
- The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.
Knowledger, Skills, And Abilities
Spirituality:
- An active member of the Catholic Church, who models a distinctively Christian way of life, committed to Gospel values, with a willingness to help fulfill the vision and mission of the parish.
Education:
- Master’s Degree in Music, or Sacred Music, or in a related field is required.
Experience:
- Minimum of three years of experience as a music minister preferred.
Qualifications:
- Strong relational and communication skills required.
- Ability to use computer, with skills in Microsoft 365 (Word and Publisher), and willing to learn new software as needed.
Physical Demands:
- While performing duties, need to sit for long periods of time, use your hands in repetitive motion tasks, and answer telephone calls.
- The Assistant Musician of Sacred Music is expected to work onsite.
- Includes evening and weekend responsibilities.
- Ability to lift a minimum of 35lb.
QUALIFIED CANDIDATES SEND RESUME TO:
Sr. Barbara Rund, OP
Chair of Search Committee
barbara.rund@sthugo.org
