Director of Liturgy and Music – full time
Divine Mercy Parish
Winnetka, Illinois
Making Disciples. Building Church. Serving Others.
Divine Mercy parish is a welcoming community that inspires disciples of Jesus to share God’s love and transform our world.
Divine Mercy parish, established in 2018, is comprised of two former parishes which have been combined into one and which operates two churches, each celebrating weekend Masses.
Position Summary:
The Director of Liturgy and Music (DLM) is an integral member of the parish staff who provides leadership in the planning and celebration of all parish liturgies and who develops and coordinates all liturgical ministries to ensure parishioners encounter Jesus Christ through prayer, the sacraments, music and worship. The Director is also a professional who holds specialized credentials in music and is responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of music within the liturgical celebrations of the parish. The Director has acquired, at a minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent, in music and has previous experience in directing parish liturgical ministry.
The availability to work weekends is essential. Our weekend assemblies are enhanced by three music groups: the Saturday evening ensemble, the Sunday morning adult choir, the Sunday morning children’s choir (directed by the school music teacher, accompanied by DLM) and the Sunday evening college ensemble (for whom the DLM provides resourcing and selected guidance).
Responsibilities (Liturgy):
- Directs the Liturgy Board, coordinating the preparation for liturgical seasons, sacramental celebrations, and the formulation of the yearly calendar of special events, e.g., family Masses, enrollment Masses, etc., with a focus on a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere.
- Possesses a sense of the sacred and of ritual. Has a good sense of personal presence to the parish community, and the ability to articulate the parish’s spirituality into appropriate expressions of Roman Catholic worship.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the theology and history of sacramental and liturgical practices; knowledgeable regarding the liturgical year, adult initiation practice, and the relationship between ecclesial spirituality, liturgy and devotional expressions of popular piety.
- Exhibits basic knowledge of liturgical principles and the Church’s liturgical norms.
- Periodically reviews and evaluates the quality of worship and liturgical ministries.
- Ensures appropriateness and adequacy of materials for worship such as aesthetic décor, ample supply of sacred vessels and effective sound systems.
- Joins with others to develop the liturgical spirit of the parish, fostering an atmosphere of welcome and hospitality.
- Recruits persons for various liturgical roles, involves new members and parishioners of all ages; oversees the administrative assistant who schedules liturgical ministers.
Responsibilities (Music):
- Ensures that the liturgical music assists the assembly to express the gift of faith that is within them and to bring a spirit of unity through music into the celebration while leading the parish music program, selecting and planning music for all liturgies; accompanies and/or directs from the bench a total of four weekend Masses (one on Saturday evening and three on Sunday morning), and the Wednesday morning school Mass.
- Develops, implements and evaluates the parish music initiatives.
- Selects and maintains musical instruments; secures copyright permissions; reports licensing to applicable copyright holders.
- Coordinates, schedules, and provides practical preparation for musicians and cantors for all Sunday and other major celebrations, including weddings, funerals, etc.
- Builds repertoire and encourages participation of parish community in singing at liturgy.
- Uses a variety of musical compositions throughout the liturgies of the parish, ranging from traditional hymnody to contemporary praise music.
- Displays a thorough understanding of the musical, liturgical and pastoral judgments which must be made in selecting music for liturgy.
- Maintains and builds the parish choral music library.
- Exhibits proficiency in organ and piano.
Responsibilities (Liturgy and Music):
- Collaborates with the pastor and other Directors on staff in discerning the vision that best enables the parish to offer ways for all parishioners to encounter Christ and be formed as missionary disciples.
- Provides guidance to parishioners for planning sacramental liturgies, e.g., weddings and funerals.
- Ensures compliance with the Archdiocesan guidelines for Protecting God’s Children for those in liturgy and music who minister with and to children.
- Invites, motivates and trains all music ministers; arranges for training and formation of other liturgical ministers.
- Keeps abreast of current developments in liturgy and music; is knowledgeable of and comfortable with Church music literature in all forms and styles for the congregation, choirs (adult, youth and children), vocalists and instrumentalists.
- Prepares the liturgy and music budget in collaboration with the Pastor and Director of Operations.
- Maintains a visible presence at principal parish events, keeping attuned to the living faith and real concerns of parishioners.
- Supports the creation of worship aids that are engaging, accessible and functional.
- Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Publisher.
Qualified applicants, submit a cover letter and resume to Michelle Wasielewski, Director of Operations, mwasielewski@divinemercynorthshore.org.
Date listed: 10-17-19