This fulltime position (benefits included) exists to build and maintain a program of sacred liturgical music for the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful, in collaboration with the pastor. The Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy shall coordinate and direct the choirs, ensembles, cantors and instrumentalists of St. Gabriel’s, and must be able either to play the organ or to cantor (or ideally, both) superbly. Competitive salary will reflect candidate’s abilities, training, and experience. It is required that this employee be an active, participating Roman Catholic.

St. Gabriel’s is at a moment of change. We are a two-campus parish in the process of consolidating to a single campus. We recently began hosting on our campus Chesterton Academy (a traditional, joyfully Catholic high school) as well as Sisters from a young religious order. We have three English Masses every weekend as well as a Sunday Spanish Mass to serve our substantial Latino community. We have used both Gather and Worship hymnals for many years (and Flor y Canto for the Spanish Mass) but we will need to purchase new hymnals soon. The Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy will collaborate with the pastor in choosing a new hymnal. The pastor would like to consider options including but not limited to the Source and Summit Missal, The St. Michael Hymnal, and Credo (ilp).

The pastor’s vision for music includes using antiphons at weekend Masses and funerals; introducing the ICEL chants and similar Mass settings; drawing from more traditional hymnody (while still singing some old favorites); using organ more consistently at our main Sunday Mass. The Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy will work with the pastor to form a more comprehensive vision for liturgical sacred music. The process of building a music program that is deeply rooted in the tradition of the Catholic Church will take time, patience, and sensitivity. The pastor is committed to making this transition with the help of the right Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy.

Qualifications:

–       Minimum of a college music degree (Preferred: master’s degree in Choral Conducting or Organ Performance or equivalent)

–       Excellent skills as either a vocalist or an organist (Preferred: both)

–       Experience directing a choir

–       Working knowledge of the human voice and an aptitude for giving instruction to choristers with varied degrees of ability and experience

–       Stylistic understanding of a broad range of choral repertoire, including Gregorian Chant, Polyphony, Romantic choral repertoire, and modern-era compositions

–       Working knowledge of the Catholic Church’s teachings, history, liturgy and traditions

–       Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to relate to people of all demographics

–       Strong administrative, organizational, computer, and communication skills

–       Well-rounded professionalism, including ability to provide and receive constructive feedback, work well without supervision, exhibit patience in stressful situations, etc.

–       Successful completion of required background checks and safety trainings

–       Preferred:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• 1-3 years experience as a professional church musician
• Visual design computer skills for producing worship aids

To Apply: Send letter and resume to: St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, Attn: Lori Thul, 6 Interlachen Rd, Hopkins MN 55343.

Note: If interviewed, candidates will be asked to perform either a sacred vocal or instrumental piece to demonstrate their skill level.

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