St. James Catholic Church was built in 1913 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is home to the third largest pipe organ in the Archdiocese of Louisville, a 41-rank Pilcher organ that was constructed in 1885 and installed in St. James in 1914. We have an all-volunteer choir that averages 35 voices.

In collaboration with and under the leadership of the Pastor, the Director of Sacred Music and Liturgy works for "the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful." As the main organist and choir director, the Director achieves this work through beautiful sacred music and robust and detailed liturgical programming toward this end. This full-time position is responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive program of sacred music for the parish that assists the people of God in praying the liturgy well; and for supporting the Pastor in the liturgical life of the parish. The Director reports directly to the Pastor and collaborates with other members of the parish staff and school faculty (as needed). This position has a part-time assistant for support as needed.

For photos of our church and organ, visit: https://www.sbsjlou.org/about-us/photo-gallery

Qualifications

• Deep desire to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ in fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Strong background in sacred music, Gregorian chant, and liturgy with piano proficiency and organ mastery
• Extensive experience with forming and directing cantors, choirs, scholas, and other musicians
• Solid attention to detail and well-organized
• Deep knowledge of and respect for Catholic liturgical norms and principles
• Facility with musical notation software (Finale, Sibelius, etc.)
• Communicates effectively and works with a variety of constituents (especially children, the elderly, other musicians, and challenging parishioners), including ability to firmly yet gently say no when necessary
• Ability to collaborate well with parish staff and school faculty
• Bachelor’s degree in music, liturgy, or related field required; advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Sacred Liturgies

• In close collaboration with Pastor, oversee planning and execution of most sacred liturgies, in particular weekend Masses, Holy Day Masses, and other special (para)liturgies, such as penance services, All Souls Day services, Liturgy of the Hours, Tenebrae, and Divine Mercy Sunday services
• Oversee all sacristan duties by making good use of this position’s assistant as well as our team of sacristans and church decorators
• Support the Pastor in his duty to provide excellent liturgical formation for our parishioners

Sacred Music

• Plan sacred music selections and lead as organist/choir director at most liturgies, especially those indicated above. Funerals and weddings are planned by separate staff persons, though this position provides support for selection of sacred music. Further, this position has first right of refusal to be organist for an additional stipend at weddings (30+ annually) and funerals (15-20 annually)
• Formulate and implement a vision for growing the parish’s sacred music program through beautiful sacred music, English and Latin chant, catechesis, and gradual musical changes as well as other means, such as bulletin write-ups and seasonal concert series for choir(s) and schola(s)
• Coordinate a vital concert series, including Bardstown Road Aglow, Bellarmine University, Sacred Heart Academy, Louisville Chamber Chorus, and other concert series; this position does not plan or execute these concerts but provides logistical support as needed and assures conformity with liturgical norm
• Rehearse, schedule, recruit, and direct choir(s), schola(s), cantors, and accompanists, including both paid professionals and volunteers

Professional Education and Development

The Director has a deep knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgy and a commitment to stay abreast of current developments in sacred liturgy and music. The Director may be asked to attend conferences put on by reputable institutes of sacred liturgy and/or music.

Working for the Catholic Church

Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their behavior must not violate the faith, morals, or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese of Louisville, such that it can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal. This position requires that the employee be a practicing and devoted Roman Catholic.

Key Information

Reports to: Pastor

Benefits: Full benefits, including 401K match and health, dental, and vision insurance

Status: Exempt, 40 hours with full benefits, available for funerals and weddings as needed

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to Rev. Casey Sanders, frcasey@sbsjlou.org . A full job description will be provided upon request. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.