GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
The Director of Sacred Music collaborates with the Rector and seminary faculty in the liturgical formation of seminarians. Under the direct supervision of the seminary Rector or his delegate, the Director of Sacred Music, who is ideally an experienced organist, assists in fostering active participation in the seminary liturgies and special events by coordinating music and voice classes for the student body, schola cantorum, cantors, and student instrumentalists. Our common sacred music regimen each Sunday includes chanted Morning Prayer, public Mass, and chanted Evening Prayer. Weekdays generally include Morning Prayer, Mass, and Evening Prayer.

This Director of Sacred Music is responsible for music selections and curriculum development and fulfilling all of the sacred music duties below.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Liturgical Participation and Musical Accompaniment
·         Adhere to seminarian horarium, providing in-person musical accompaniment, direction, and support, except on days off.

·         Rehearse with individual seminarians who are cantors for Morning Prayer, Mass, Evening Prayer, and other events as necessary. And offers regular office hours.

·         Communicate general in-person availability and presence to staff and seminarians.

·         Assist with music of Diocesan events hosted at the seminary as necessary, such as days of reflection and clergy meetings.

·         Offer voice lessons, with the goal of helping seminarians to match pitch and possibly read music.

 

Musical Leadership and Coordination
·         Direct music under the supervision of the rector who oversees all seminary worship.

·         Oversee the scholae of the seminary, including the Spanish schola, the Sunday schola, the special event schola (mainly used for Lessons and Carols and Living Stations). In addition, there may be a daily schola as needed.

·         Oversee the seminary general music practices. Specifically, there is one practice per week for the Propaedeutic Stage and one practice per week with the Discipleship Stage.

·         Coordinate with the student music coordinator.

·         Assist the rector with other musical and liturgical formation as needed.

·         Work with the seminary to prepare for the annual fundraiser, Spes Gregis. This also includes the preparation of a brass section as accompaniment, or other instruments as necessary.

 

Planning and Resources
·         Coordinate the planning of all liturgical feasts, especially concerning selection of music and preparation of the worship aid. Also prints the worship aids.

·         Prepare a yearly Supplementum, a resource which includes musical resources that are used weekly by seminarians, such as musical settings for the Benedictus and the Magnificat.

·         Oversee planning, music selection, rehearsal, and planning for other special events such as Spes Gregis, 40 Hours Devotion, Lessons and Carols, and Marian Devotions.

·         Maintain the seminarian hymnals, ensuring that they are distributed and recollected yearly, and that a report of missing books is yearly submitted to the rector.

·         Maintain a resource library of information regarding the liturgy, liturgical music, and sacraments.

 

Administrative and Professional Responsibilities
·         Attend the weekly Tuesday staff meeting and attend part of the Tuesday Weekly Faculty Meeting.

·         Coordinate with the staff to ensure the seminary instruments are tuned and maintained, especially the pianos and organs.

·         Continue own professional development through workshops, seminars, retreats, professional readings, conventions, etc.

 

 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

·         Experience as an organist preferred

·         Able to carry out tasks with minimal supervision

·         Collaborative worker

·         Outstanding organizational skills

·         Excellent verbal and written communication

·         Adequate computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and internet applications

·         Adaptable to unknown situations and flexibility in creating solutions

·         Able to maintain confidentiality

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

·         Bachelor’s degree in music related major required

·         Minimum four years working with liturgical music in a Catholic environment

·         Proficiency in leading liturgical music in English, Spanish, and Latin

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

·         Must pass background check and be Safe Environment cleared in the Diocese of Dallas

·         Knowledge and commitment to Catholic teachings and practices

·         Strong commitment to the Catholic priesthood and the Seminary’s mission

·         Some flexibility of hours beyond regularly scheduled workdays