Music Director and Organist (PT), Our Lady of Sorrows, Sharon, MA

Position Overview
As part of the staff team at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, the Music Director and Organist oversee all musical aspects of parish life, including leading music at weekend liturgies, directing choirs, and collaborating on the planning of meaningful, faithful worship. This is an hourly position with a baseline weekly commitment that includes weekend Masses, pre-Mass rehearsals, and a mid-week choir rehearsal. Additional hours vary seasonally based on the liturgical calendar and parish needs. Funerals and weddings receive separate compensation. The Music Director and Organist is eligible for medical, dental, and retirement benefits, as well as compensation for qualifying continuing education expenses. Regular attendance is expected at all weekend liturgies with music, choir rehearsals, staff meetings, parish retreats, and Liturgy Commission meetings. The Music Director and Organist should be a faith-based individual who respects and supports the mission, teachings, and worship life of the Catholic Church, and is open to learning its liturgy and traditions.
 
Primary Liturgical Responsibilities

• Provide music for all weekend liturgies, including pre-Mass rehearsals.
• Direct the parish choir and schedule weekly rehearsals.
• Select appropriate music for all liturgical celebrations in collaboration with the Pastor.
• Coordinate and rehearse with cantors, instrumentalists, and other musicians.
• Prepare and lead music for Holy Days, sacramental celebrations, and major liturgical seasons.
• Ensure that all musical selections support the prayerful, reverent, and communal nature of Catholic worship.

 
Administrative and Operational Duties

• Develop an annual budget for the parish music program and submit it during the first week of June.
• Provide quarterly budget status updates or additional reports as requested by the Pastor.
• Obtain Pastor approval for any expenses that exceed the approved annual budget.
• Arrange for the maintenance and tuning of parish musical instruments (pianos, keyboards, organ), as well as upkeep of audio equipment and the music library.
• Maintain all necessary licenses for the use of printed and digital music.
• Participate actively in the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) to remain current with best practices in liturgical music and ministry.

 
Required Qualifications and Competencies

• At least five years of experience in music ministry or comparable musical leadership.
• MA degree in music or equivalent professional training.
• Openness to learning the liturgy and traditions of the Catholic Church.
• A faith-based individual who respects and supports the mission, teachings, and worship life of the Catholic Church.
• Familiarity with both traditional and contemporary liturgical music.
• Experience directing choirs and working with singers of varying skill levels.
• Ability to teach and lead a wide range of musical styles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in at least one accompanying instrument (organ or piano preferred).

 
Compensation, Hours, and Expectations

• This is an hourly position with a baseline weekly commitment that includes:
  • All weekend liturgies with music
  • Pre-Mass rehearsals
  • One mid-week choir rehearsal
• Additional hours vary throughout the year based on the liturgical calendar and parish needs.
• Funerals and weddings are compensated separately at established parish rates.
• The position is eligible for:
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Retirement benefits
  • Compensation for approved continuing education or professional development
• Regular attendance is expected at:
  • Weekend liturgies with music
  • Choir rehearsals
  • Staff meetings
  • Parish retreats
  • Liturgy Commission meetings

To apply please send resume and cover letter to Lynn Jacobs, Office Manager at [email protected] or Our Lady of Sorrows, 59 Cottage Street Sharon, MA 02067