Hamilton Diocese

Parish Director of Music Ministry/Principal Organist

Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Parish in Burlington, Ontario, a small-midsize suburban parish, is looking for an experienced organist and choir director, to fill the role of Parish Director of Music Ministry/Principal Organist (contract for part-time engagement of approximately 15 hours per week on average). The Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, established in 1856, is the second largest diocese in English-speaking Canada, and serves the needs of more than 626,000 Roman Catholics, throughout Southwestern Ontario. The Music Director will work closely with the Parish Priest, Parish staff members and volunteers for planning and leading liturgies.

Primary responsibilities

• Plan liturgical music and direct choir and cantors for regular church services (3 Masses each weekend) and the major events of the Christmas, Lenten, and Easter Seasons
• Plan liturgical music and direct choir and cantors for Confirmations, First Communions, Weddings and Funerals, etc. and work collaboratively for School liturgies during the year
• Organize regular rehearsals for choir and cantors, to build repertoire and skills for use in upcoming liturgies
• Work with Junior Choir as it develops, foster youth participation in the parish’s music ministry
• Implement the material from the upcoming Music for Catholic Worship Book
• Oversee parish’s music library, oversee maintenance of organ and piano

Required Qualifications

• Experienced musician (organ skill a fundamental part of the job), with suitable working knowledge of music in the Catholic liturgical tradition.
• Holy Rosary Church has a custom-built 2-manual, 12 stops, and 15 ranks mechanical-action Casavant pipe organ installed in 2006. It is the regular instrument for liturgical services.
• Broad musical interest, in a wide range of musical experiences.
• Ability to work well and collaboratively with others: Pastor, choir members, staff and congregation
• Ability to creatively draw forth the gifts of others

• Willingness to continue learning---and to attend Diocesan and Ontario Liturgical Workshops to strengthen liturgical skills.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.