POSITION PURPOSE

The Pastoral Assistant for Music provides liturgical and sacramental music leadership across Parish Family 45, including all three parishes and, as time allows the parish schools. This position inspires, organizes, coordinates, and serves as an accompanist for music for weekend and special liturgies, directs parish and children’s choirs, recruits and trains musicians, and collaborates with pastoral staff and school music teachers to enhance the worship experience.

The PA for Music ensures that music supports full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly, fosters a welcoming environment, and integrates multicultural, traditional and contemporary music traditions as appropriate. This role is both pastoral and administrative, requiring musical proficiency (particularly piano), leadership, and collaborative skills.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES

1. Liturgical Music Leadership

• Plan, select, and coordinate music for all Sunday Masses, Holy Days, and special celebrations across three campuses.
• Collaborate with pastors, presiders, and pastoral staff to ensure liturgically appropriate and high-quality music.
• Serve as accompanist for cantors and choirs at selected Masses and special liturgies with particular focus on children’s and parish choirs.
• Select and prepare music that encourages full participation of the assembly.
• Incorporate multicultural, traditional, and contemporary musical traditions when appropriate.
• Coordinate accompanist assignments for all choirs and liturgies, ensure accompaniment support as required.

2. Choir Direction and Vocal Leadership

• Recruit, train, and support parish choir members, cantors, and other ministers of music.
• Direct rehearsals and performances for adult, youth, and children’s choirs.
• Collaborate with school music teachers to coordinate children’s choir participation at school and parish Masses.
• Ensure accompanists and musicians are trained, scheduled, and appropriately compensated.

3. Music Program Accompaniment, Administration & Development

• Develop, implement, and evaluate the parish music program in collaboration with pastoral staff.
• Prepare and administer the Music Ministry budget as delegated by the Director of Pastoral Ministries.
• Ensure copyright permissions, licensing, and music use fees are properly obtained.
• Maintain resource lists for organists, accompanists, soloists, and other musicians for weddings, funerals, and special liturgies.
• Provide accompaniment and musical support for special liturgies beyond regular Masses as needed.
• Coordinate the appropriate maintenance work needed for the upkeep and repair of musical instruments in the parish such as tuning pianos and organs.

4. Collaboration & Multicultural Ministry

• Work with pastoral staff, consultative bodies, and multicultural ministry teams to integrate diverse musical traditions.
• Participate in parish, regional, and Archdiocesan committees related to music and liturgy.

5. Professional Development & Other Duties

• Maintain musical and liturgical proficiency through workshops, conventions, and professional organizations.
• Provide music ministry for weddings, funerals, and other celebrations, compensated separately according to parish policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of Parish Family 45.

TIME EXPECTATIONS & LIMITATIONS

Responsibility Area

Hours/Week (Average)

% of Time

Liturgical Music Leadership

16

40%

Choir Direction & Vocal Leadership

10

25%

Music Program Administration & Development

6

15%

Collaboration & Multicultural Ministry

4

10%

Professional Development & Other Duties

4

10%

Total

40

100%

QUALIFICATIONS

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with a deep commitment to the Church’s mission.
• Proficiency on piano and/or organ; ability to accompany cantors, choirs, and assemblies.
• Experience directing adult, youth, and children’s choirs.
• Familiarity with liturgical music, multicultural repertoire, traditional and contemporary styles.
• Ability to collaborate with clergy, staff, volunteers, and school personnel.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends for liturgies, rehearsals, and parish events.
• Ability to pass background checks and complete Safe Environment training.
• Valid Washington driver’s license, reliable transportation for travel between parishes and schools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, use a computer, and play piano or organ regularly.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.