Saint Mary Star of the Sea Parish in Beverly, MA is seeking an accomplished organist and choir director to work as the Director of Music.
The Director of Music will work collaboratively with the parish clergy, staff, and volunteers to provide for the worship needs of the parish. The Music Director will be faithful to Catholic liturgical standards, foster a welcoming environment for the sharing of one’s gifts and talents, and encourage full and active congregational participation.
The salaried part-time position includes the responsibility for two Sunday Masses - 7:30 am and 10:15 am. The volunteer Adult Choir meets at 9:00 on Sunday morning to prepare for the 10:15 Mass (except during summer months). The Music Director conducts the Choir while providing organ accompaniment and is responsible for planning the music for parish liturgies.
The exceptional Hook & Hastings pipe organ at St. Mary’s has pride of place in all liturgical events at the parish. The magnificent three manual, thirty-seven rank instrument is well-maintained in excellent condition.
In addition to Sunday Mass, the Director of Music will be available to play for funerals, weddings, and other holy days and events as specified.
Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Funerals (additional compensation - about 35 per year)
Weddings (additional compensation - about 15 per year)
Holy Days (e.g. Ash Wednesday, Immaculate Conception, Assumption, etc.)
Sacred Triduum
Annual Mass of Remembrance on All Souls’ Day
Vespers (Sunday evenings of Advent and Lent)
First Communion Mass
Planning, preparation and distribution of all music in the parish.
Meeting with families for weddings and funerals, as needed.
Scheduling/preparation of cantors.
Recruitment of new members, both vocalists and instrumentalists.
Upkeep and maintenance of the pipe organ.
Helping, through music, to educate and catechize the congregation.
Creating and administering the annual music budget.
Organizing and maintaining the music library
Attending staff meetings (occasional, usually on Friday)
Qualifications:
Formal training and experience in choral conducting, sacred music accompaniment, and organ performance. Must be able to accompany and lead a choir from the organ bench.
Bachelor of Music is required. Master’s Degree or higher preferred.
Knowledge of and proficiency in Roman Catholic liturgy and music
Strong organizational skills, creative energy and vision.
Capacity to work well and collaboratively with others.
Description of the Liturgical Music Program at Saint Mary’s Parish in Beverly
St. Mary’s is a large, active parish on Boston’s North Shore. This historic church (parish
established in 1870 and current building constructed in 1898) was renovated in 2007, restoring the building to its full glory. St. Mary’s is one of the architectural and acoustical jewels of the Archdiocese of Boston.
St. Mary’s has had a liturgical music tradition of excellence that is strongly supported by the clergy and congregation to this day, offering a rewarding employment situation for a church musician who app reciates the capacity of sacred music to elevate hearts and minds toward God during worship.
The St. Mary’s music program has included an accomplished volunteer choir, professional cantors and guest instrumentalists. Music for the liturgy is prepared each week and is published in a worship aid, which is distributed to the congregation.
The parish clergy are supportive of the liturgical music program and are willing to work
collaboratively with the Director of Music.
Our exceptional pipe organ is the principal instrument around which our liturgical music program is built. The Pastor has a special interest in expanding the organ recital program so that our instrument will be a welcome addition to the cultural fabric of the local community and beyond.
Send cover letter and resume to Parochial Vicar, Fr. Barry Mongeon:
frbarrymongeon@beverlycatholic.com
Saint Mary Star of the Sea Parish, 253 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
978-922-5542
Rev. David C. Michael, Pastor
Rev. Barry Mongeon, Parochial Vicar
