Opening: Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is seeking a faithful, talented, and visionary Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy. This is a full-time, exempt professional position dedicated to lifting the minds and hearts of our congregants to God through the rich tradition of Catholic Sacred Music.

The ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic who desires to advance the mission of the Church to worship God in Spirit and Truth. You will work closely with the Pastor to implement a liturgical vision that fosters an atmosphere of deep reverence, helping our community encounter the Person and presence of Jesus Christ.

Job Purpose & Mission

The Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy serves as a primary leader in the prayer life of the parish. You will develop the musical talents of our parishioners, oversee all liturgical planning, and ensure that the beauty of the liturgy reflects the majesty of the Church’s traditions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Musical Leadership & Excellence

Serve as the primary organ accompanist and director for all weekend Masses (Sat 5:00 pm, Sun 8:00 am & 10:00 am), Holy Days, and major liturgical celebrations.
Direct and develop the parish’s choral programs, including the High School Choir, Sunrise Choir (8:00 am), and Festival Choir (10:00 am).
Recruit, train, and provide ongoing spiritual and musical formation for cantors, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
Conduct weekly rehearsals with a focus on increasing the technical ability and prayerful engagement of choir members.

2. Liturgical Planning & Collaboration

Collaborate with the Pastor to plan and implement Sunday, Holy Day, and special liturgies (including the Day of Mercy, processions, and para-liturgies).
Curate music selections that prioritize Gregorian Chant, Polyphony, and sacred hymnody.
Prepare worship aids for seasonal events such as Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter.
Assist wedding couples and grieving families with music and liturgy preparation (stipends provided for funerals and weddings).

3. Administration & Stewardship

Manage the Music Library, ensure copyright compliance, and oversee the maintenance of all parish instruments.
Act as a resource person for the parish school music teacher and other staff members.
Communicate schedules and liturgical plans effectively to ensure a harmonious and organized ministry environment.

Qualifications

Faith Life: A practicing Roman Catholic and living disciple of Jesus Christ with a deep love for the Church’s mission.
Education: College degree in Music, Organ, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
Technical Skill: Exceptional proficiency on the organ and the ability to direct from the bench.
Sacred Tradition: Extensive knowledge of Gregorian Chant and Polyphony, including the ability to read chant notation.
Leadership: Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with a track record of building and managing volunteer teams.
Commitment: Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and all major Church holidays.

Working at St. John the Baptist

Employment by the Catholic Church is a ministry. Our staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the faith, morals, and laws of the Church. We offer a collaborative environment rooted in prayer and professional excellence.

Salary & Benefits

Starting Salary Range - $50,000 - $70,000, depending on experience.
Health Care Insurance
403b Matching
Paid Time off, Sick Time

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SOURCE & SUMMIT

We use the Source & Summit pew missals along with the digital platform. Our choir is comfortable chanting all the propers and ordinary of the Mass from the Source & Summit missal (as well as the Father Weber settings).

Example of typical weekend liturgy at Saint Johns:

GUILD OF SACRED MUSIC

In 2025, Saint John’s started the Guild of Sacred Music - a restricted & dedicated fund for the growth and sustainability of the Sacred Music program in Jordan. More information can be found here.

LITURGY AT SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

All Masses at Saint John’s are ad orientem at the high altar.

Saturday Anticipatory 5:00 pm Mass - cantor, all propers & ordinary sung, no incense, recited Creed.
Sunday 8:00 am Mass - Sunrise choir of 3-4 people, all propers & ordinary sung, no incense, sung Creed.
Sunday 10:00 am Mass - SJB Choir of 10-15 people, all propers & ordinary sung, incense, sung Creed, sung Pater Noster in Latin

Liturgical Seasons at Saint John’s

Advent - reflective and penitential. Responsorial Psalm, propers, and ordinary are accompanied lightly on the organ. Latin ordinary - Missa Primitiva.
Christmas - festive and joyful. Latin ordinary - Missa de Angelis. Standard hymns like “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came, Once in Royal David’s City, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Of the Father’s Love Begotten, Joy to the World, and Silent Night.”
Ordinary time - English Ordinary (Missa Primitiva, Mass in Honor of Thomas Moore (Weber), Mass of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus)
Lent - Responsorial Psalm and propers are accompanied lightly on the organ. Latin ordinary - Missa Primitiva.
Holy Week/Triduum - Saint John’s enters deeply into the liturgies of Holy Week and Triduum. (Click on the links to view the Congregational Liturgy Guides from last year)
- Palm Sunday Mass
- Spy Wednesday Tenebrae Service
- Holy Thursday - Sung Matins and Lauds, Mass of the Lord’s Supper
- Good Friday - Sung Matins and Lauds, Stations of the Cross, Passion of the Lord
- Holy Saturday - Sung Matins and Lauds, Easter Vigil in the Holy Night
- Easter Sunday Mass
Easter - festive and joyful. Latin ordinary - Missa de Angelis.

Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy