Pastoral Associate for Music and Liturgy Ministry – Full Time – St. Simon Parish

Jun 14, 2023

MISSION STATEMENT:

St. Simon Catholic Parish, located in Los Altos, California, was established in 1961 and is a community of over 2200 families.  Our mission is to foster Christ-centered discipleship through lifelong spiritual formation, open sharing of our gifts, and active participation in our Church, schools, and greater community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Pastoral Associate is Director of and is responsible for collaborating with clergy, staff, ministry leaders, volunteers, and musicians to plan and execute parish liturgies and music.  As a Member of the Pastoral Team this position serves as the parish Music Director and Liturgy Director.  The primary objective is to plan, organize, and direct the liturgical and sacramental life of the Parish by developing and directing liturgical ministers and musicians that will lead parishioners “to that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy”.

The position includes responsibility for all age groups from preschool to adult. The Music and Liturgy Director will assure smooth communication and unity of purpose between the various musical and liturgical groups as they proclaim the faith of the congregation through the ministry of music and help the assembly grow in faith through their active participation in the liturgical life of the parish.

Candidates for this position should have significant, practical experience in Catholic Liturgical Music and Liturgy. Care is taken to reflect the diversity of the Parish Community, thus candidates for this position include men and women of various ages, social and ethnic backgrounds, married and single.

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS TO PERFORM THE JOB SUCCESSFULLY: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill ability or physical demands required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Understanding of the principles of Catholic liturgies, order of the Mass, and Catholic worship.
• Strong musical ability, including conducting and keyboarding skills. Ability to form an ensemble of musicians to support different musical styles of Masses.
• Ability to work with all ages, to encourage and inspire, ministry participation through on-going recruitment. Must be able to attract, recruit, motivate, educate and retain volunteer musicians and choir members.
• Familiarity with both traditional and contemporary Catholic repertoire.
• Experience in planning a wide variety of celebrations.
• Must have a basic knowledge and understanding of Scripture, theology, and Catholic liturgy.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills, and be proficient in basic Microsoft Office, Google collaboration suite, use of social media for engagement, and the use of technology in the Mass setting.
• Must be organized and able to work in collaboration with the Pastor, pastoral staff, and members of the Music Ministry and Liturgy Council to develop appropriate plans for implementation of the various components of comprehensive music and liturgical program.
• Must exhibit pastoral and professional demeanor at all times.
• Must follow safe environment policies, and meet standards and policies as outline by the Diocese of San Jose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include THE FOLLOWING:(other duties may be assigned)

General Responsibilities:

All ministry in and by the Church is substantially different from secular involvement. Church ministers must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the Diocese. Ministers should carry out all duties and responsibilities in a manner that meet the needs of the Parish Community and is within policies and guidelines of the Roman Catholic Church. They should maintain the confidential nature of all work. Care is taken to reflect the diversity of the Parish Community, thus candidates for this position include men and women of various ages, social and ethnic backgrounds, married and single.

Music Ministry Responsibilities:

• Working with the Pastor or Parochial Vicar in charge of liturgy, develops a monthly Order of Service including music selection for scheduled Masses with attention to liturgical calendar, special celebrations, and musical abilities of the choir and Parish Community.  Assures that these plans are communicated in a timely manner to musicians, choir directors, and AV team.  Assures that any changes are communicated as soon as known so that adjustments can be made in a timely manner.
• Actively recruits musicians, choir members, cantors and accompanists to help implement a vibrant and comprehensive music program.
• Recruits volunteers for music related tasks like maintaining the music library and equipment
• Coordinates with the Liturgy Tech Support team to ensure that all AV needs are met for all liturgies especially the special liturgies
• Must be aware of the musical level and ability of each music ministry member and coordinates any needed training.  Assures a consistent practice schedule is in place for each choir and music ensemble, both for the weekend and special parish liturgies.
• Provides supervision to Music Coordinators and Choir Director at each Mass, assures that cantors, accompanists, and other musicians are scheduled for liturgies, acts as back up to these musicians as needed on an emergency basis.
• Will participate as a musician at a minimum of three liturgies per weekend. Agree upon and maintain a regular work schedule that will include evenings and weekends.
• Identifies opportunities to offer musical events outside of Mass which appeal to the parish community.

• Selects and coordinates music purchases, oversees and manages copyrights and licensing.
• Be available to do any funerals and weddings that are scheduled in the parish or find musicians if there is a scheduling conflict.

• The Music Director will promote a welcoming atmosphere to encourage visitors and members to participate in the various ministries and services available at St. Simon Parish.
• Working with the Pastor or Parochial Vicar in charge of liturgy, works to offer musical diversity across the scheduled Masses, the goal of which is to encourage greater diversity in participation across the Parish Community.

 Liturgical Responsibilities:

• Ex-officio member of the Liturgy Council.  Participates in the planning of liturgical events.  Collaborates with other liturgical coordinators to assure smooth implementation of plans at all liturgies.

• Serves as resource on musical and liturgical matters for all staff, faculty, and volunteer ministers in the parish, as well as provide catechesis to the parish at large on matters of corporate worship and musical celebration.
• Partners with St. Simon Parish School personnel to assure vibrant and appropriate liturgical music at school liturgies and special events. Encourages student participation in parish Children’s Choir and Sunday liturgies.
• Oversee the training and recruitment of all liturgical coordinators.
• Review and evaluate overall quality of parish liturgical and musical program and make specific recommendations to the pastor (annual review and evaluation).
• Make sure all general liturgical items are in place for all weekend, holy day and special liturgies.
• Plans annual workshops/retreats designed specifically for Liturgical ministers.
• Communicates AV Tech needs of the Music and Liturgical staff and volunteer community

Education and Experience

• Academic: BA or equivalent with coursework in Music or Theology.
• Experience: At least five years’ experience working as a volunteer or employee within a parish as a liturgical Musician or cantor.
• Experience as a parish Music Director or Liturgy Director.
• Possesses a passion for Liturgy and Music and is committed to reflecting the parish community’s needs. Must be committed to quality Liturgy and Music.

Language Skills:

Strong verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in composing reports, correspondence, and letters and in publishing newsletters and flyers in English; ability to develop and facilitate workshops, training, and presentations; ability to read and understand Church documents, guidelines and professional journals; ability to understand and explain policies and answer questions.

Computational Skills: Ability to read and manage a budget and contribute to building a budget.

 Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and respond to a variety of situations related to music ministry.  Ability to understand and apply guidelines and organizational ability required.

 Physical Demands: While performing duties of this job, the employee must be able to transport materials and equipment (up to 30 pounds) to and from various locations. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time, use hands in repetitive motion tasks, handle objects, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

 Working Conditions: The employee is expected to work a 40-hour workweek. The 40 hours will be on a flexible schedule as work demands.  Evening and weekend work is required.

 Other Requirements: The employee must demonstrate a history of effective leadership, good judgment, initiative, confidentiality and discretion. Must be a practicing Roman Catholic.

SALARY RANGE: $64,480 – $93,000

How To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jmibach@stsimon.org