Directory of Music Ministry (PT)

Position Overview
As part of the staff team at St. Michael Parish and School in Lowell, the Director of Music Ministry and School Music Teacher oversees the musical life of the parish while also serving as the school music teacher for grades Pre-K through 8. This individual leads music for parish liturgies, directs choirs,
collaborates on meaningful and faithful worship, and provides engaging music education for students across all grade levels.


This is a salary position with a baseline weekly commitment that includes two weekend Masses, pre-Mass rehearsals, and a mid-week choir rehearsal. Additional hours vary seasonally based on the liturgical calendar and parish needs. Funerals and weddings receive separate compensation. Funerals and weddings receive separate compensation. The position is eligible for medical, dental, and retirement benefits.


The Director of Music Ministry should be a faith-based individual who respects and supports the mission, teachings, and worship life of the Catholic Church and is open to learning its liturgy and traditions.


Primary Liturgical Responsibilities

• Provide music for all weekend liturgies, including pre-Mass rehearsals currently Saturday at 4:00pm and Sunday at 9:30am
• Direct the parish choir and schedule weekly rehearsals
• Select appropriate music for all liturgical celebrations in collaboration with the Pastor
• Coordinate and rehearse with cantors, instrumentalists, and other musicians
• Prepare and lead music for Holy Days, sacramental celebrations, funerals, weddings, and major liturgical seasons including Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter
• Ensure that all musical selections support the prayerful, reverent, and communal nature of Catholic worship
• Foster congregational participation in sung prayer and worship
• School Music Education Responsibilities (Optional)
• Teach music education classes for students in grades Pre-K through 8
• Music classes are taught on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7:45-2:15.
• Wednesday School Mass most weeks during the school year (varies for Holy Days).
• Develop and implement an engaging music curriculum that supports students’ musical growth and appreciation for music
• Teach foundational music skills including singing, rhythm, music literacy, listening, and performance techniques
• Prepare students for school liturgies, concerts, performances, and other special events as appropriate
• Collaborate with school faculty and administration to support the mission and educational goals of the parish school
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and faith-centered classroom environment
• Maintain classroom materials, music resources, and instructional supplies
• Communicate effectively with parents, faculty, and administration regarding student progress and classroom activities
• Incorporate sacred music and Catholic traditions into music instruction when appropriate

Administrative and Operational Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an annual budget for the parish music program
• Provide budget updates or additional reports as requested by the Pastor or administration
• Obtain approval for expenses exceeding the approved annual budget
• Arrange for the maintenance and tuning of parish musical instruments
• Oversee upkeep of audio equipment and the parish music library
• Maintain all necessary licenses for the use of printed and digital music
• Participate in professional development and remain current with best practices in music ministry and music education
• Engage actively in professional organizations such as the National Association of Pastoral
• Musicians (NPM) when possible

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, Sacred Music, or equivalent professional training
• At least five years of experience in music ministry, music education, or comparable musical
• leadership
• Experience directing choirs and working with singers of varying skill levels
• Experience teaching music to children or youth in a classroom, ensemble, or parish setting preferred
• Ability to teach and lead a wide range of musical styles
• Familiarity with both traditional and contemporary liturgical music
• Proficiency in at least one accompanying instrument (organ or piano preferred)
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with parish staff, school faculty, parents, and volunteers
• A faith-based individual who respects and supports the mission, teachings, and worship life of the Catholic Church

Compensation, Hours, and Expectations
This is a salary position combining parish music ministry and (optional school music education responsibilities). Salary range $25,000 - $40,000 (Optional) Music classes are taught on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7:45-2:15.


Parish responsibilities include:

• Weekend liturgies with music
• Pre-Mass rehearsals
• One mid-week choir rehearsal
• Holy Days and major liturgical celebrations
• Summers generally follow the parish school calendar, with limited parish responsibilities as needed
• Additional hours vary throughout the year based on the liturgical calendar and parish needs
• Funerals and weddings are compensated separately at established parish rates

The position is eligible for:

• Medical and dental insurance
• Retirement benefits

Regular attendance is expected at:

• Weekend liturgies with music
• Choir rehearsals
• Staff meetings
• (Optional School faculty meetings and required professional days )

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Fr Chris Lowe
([email protected]) at St. Michael Parish in Lowell . Additional application instructions and contact information may be provided by the parish.