Choir Director (PT), St. Brendan Parish, Bellingham, MA

Position Status: Part-time
Schedule: Outlined Below
Pay rate: Negotiable
Benefits: 4 weeks paid vacation

The position of choir director is charged with developing a prayerful and informed adult choir.

The choir director must communicate with the pastor (or his designee) regarding any specifics in the liturgy.

Aside from weekly and Holy Day obligations it is expected that the choir director:

• Schedule and lead rehearsals
• Has the ability to sing, as well as an average choir member, and proficiently play the organ
• Encourage participation to grow music ministry
• Select music in a collaborative manner in accord with liturgical norms and promote participation of the congregation.
• Work closely with the pastor for any liturgical coordination
• Be a practicing Catholic with knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Church in general

Choir Director Commitments

• Sunday mass 10:30 AM
• Holy Days 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM Masses (Most, but not all, Holy days)
• Easter
  • Holy Thursday
  • Good Friday 4:00 PM Living Way of the Cross
  • (Rehearsal usually on Wednesday afternoon 4:30 PM
• Easter Vigil – Midnight
• Easter Morning – 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Masses
• First Communion
  • Saturday Morning, before Mother’s Day
  • *(Rehearsal with class one afternoon for the hymn “God is So Good”, with sign language.)
  • Sunday 10:30 AM Mass (Mother’s Day) ~ prelude of Mary hymns and May Crowning of Mary Statue outdoors
• Confirmation
  • Usually in October ~ date selected by Bishop
  • Check with CCD director/Parish secretary for date.
• Thanksgiving Eve Mass
  • Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving
• Christmas:
  • Vigil 4:00 PM
  • Midnight Mass
  • Choir sings Prelude starting at 11:30 PM
  • *You are not required to be here for Christmas Day 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM masses.
• On Call for Funerals and Weddings ($200 fee for funerals; $250 fee for weddings)
• Nun’s requests for Corpus Christi and Devine Mercy services

Planning/Tasks:

1. Plan music selections for masses, Sacraments, services, and choir rehearsals
2. Distribute hymn selections to cantors in advance of service
3. Schedule cantors for masses, funerals and weddings or whenever a soloist is required
4. Schedule Choir rehearsals for Christmas, Easter, First Communion and Confirmation. *In the past, rehearsals have been scheduled following the 10:30AM Sunday mass and lasted 45-60 minutes
5. Coordinate church use for rehearsals with parish secretary (Kelly Lacasse)
6. Work with CCD director (Taryne Bakalars) for preparation of music for First Communion, Living Way of the Cross and Nativity Pageant (contingent upon enough children who are able to participate)
7. Order new music needed for the seasonal liturgies ~ check with Father to order yearly - the Respond and Acclaim, Todays Planner and large print Seasonal Missalette by World Library – GIA (these are not in pews)
8. Maintain an orderly music cabinet

To apply please send resume and cover letter to [email protected].