Director of Music Part Time - Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica - Chicago - Vic. IV

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The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

Position Summary 

The Director of Music provides musical leadership for the parish’s liturgical celebrations, including the regular Sunday 10:00 a.m. Mass, major feasts, and special liturgies throughout the year. The successful candidate will be able to accompany on piano and/or organ, direct a volunteer choir, and work collaboratively with clergy and parish staff. 

Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica Parish is a faith community with more than 150 years on the westside of Chicago.  Led by the Servite Friars, the parish has a rich Marian tradition and boasts a diverse congregation with African American, Hispanic and White parishioners of deep faith committed to community outreach.  

Responsibilities 

• Provide music for the Sunday 10:00 a.m. Mass. 
• Lead and accompany a weekly choir rehearsal. 
• Select and prepare music appropriate to the liturgical season and celebrations. 
• Coordinate music for Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, and other major feasts. 
• Work collaboratively with the pastor and parish staff in liturgical planning. 
• Recruit and support volunteer singers and instrumentalists. 
• Maintain music files and choir resources. 
• Arrange for substitute musicians when necessary.  

Qualifications 

• Ability to play piano proficiently; organ skills preferred. 
• Ability to read music and accompany a congregation and choir. 
• The parish specifically desires someone who can both read music and play by ear with the ability to adapt, in an ethnically diverse English-speaking parish that draws from traditional Catholic repertoire, as well as gospel, spirituals, or contemporary styles. 
• Familiarity with Roman Catholic liturgy and worship. 
• Experience directing volunteer choirs preferred. 
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills. 
• Degree in music welcomed but not required. 
• Ability to manage routine administrative tasks and event planning in collaboration with others. 

 The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.  

This position has an hourly range of $30.00 - $80.00 per hour.  An employee’s pay within this range will be based on many factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.