Organist/Choir Director

Mary, Gate of Heaven Parish is seeking a talented and dedicated Organist & Choir Director to serve the faith community in Windsor Locks. The successful candidate will possess strong musical ability, demonstrated organ proficiency, a thorough understanding of Catholic liturgy and sacred music, and a collaborative spirit. This individual will lead and develop the church music ministry while supporting meaningful and prayerful worship through music.

Essential Functions:

•    Serve as principal organist for the Sunday Mass and other assigned liturgical celebrations.
•    Plan, prepare, and perform music appropriate to the liturgical seasons in collaboration with the Administrator.
•    Select and prepare music for Holy Days, Triduum, Christmas, Easter, weddings, funerals, and other special liturgies.
•    Direct, recruit, develop, and retain parish choir members.
•    Schedule and conduct regular choir rehearsals.
•    Manage and schedule cantors for liturgies
•    Collaborate with clergy, parish staff, and volunteers to support parish worship and special events.
•    Work with Faith Formation staff to provide music for events such as the Christmas Pageant, First Communion, Confirmation, and other parish celebrations.
•    Maintain and organize music ministry resources, including sheet music, choral music, and related materials.
•    Assist in identifying maintenance needs for the organ, piano, and other music ministry equipment.
•    Foster a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative environment for clergy, staff, volunteers, musicians, and parishioners.
•    Arrange for qualified substitute musicians when unavailable.

•    Experience directing choirs and working with volunteer musicians.
•    Demonstrated proficiency in organ performance.
•    Thorough knowledge of Catholic liturgy and sacred music, including both traditional and contemporary repertoire.
•    Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
•    Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, parish staff, volunteers, and fellow musicians.
•    Sound judgment, able to remain cool under pressure.
•    Excellent organizational and time management skills.
•    Teambuilding skills; development and maintenance of positive interpersonal relationships
•    Strong oral communications, presentation skills, writing ability
•    Fluent (read/write/speak) in English language
•    Problem solving and critical thinking skills
•    Interpersonal skills –displays a high level of tact, diplomacy, and professionalism
•    Planning/organizing –plans work activities and uses time efficiently.
•    Quality control –demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
•    Adaptability –adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
•    Resourcefulness – ability to seek out and use cutting edge resources (products, training, etc.) to ensure the job is being done as efficiently as possible.
•    Proficient use in operating a computer.