Interparochial Director of Music Ministry
St. Matthew Parish, Akron, Ohio
Our Lady of Victory Parish, Tallmadge, Ohio
Job Description (June 2025)
​
This is a newly created position established to serve the parishes of St. Matthew in Akron, Ohio and neighboring parish Our Lady of Victory in Tallmadge, Ohio. Both parishes are medium sized. They share a pastor but maintain separate parish staffs. The distance between the two church campuses is less than four miles. A single Director of Music position has been created to foster a sense of unity and consistency in liturgical celebrations between the two communities.
​
There are currently a total of four weekend liturgies, two at each parish. The primary instrument at each church is a 6 foot acoustic grand piano. Our Lady of Victory church also has a functioning electronic Allen organ.
​
St. Matthew parish has a well-established music program with dedicated and accomplished volunteer musicians: cantors, adult and children’s choirs and instrumentalists. The community of St. Matthew is very engaged and participates fully in the Mass. The Director of Music will be expected to develop a similar program at Our Lady of Victory and explore creative possibilities of recruiting, combining, or merging personnel so that liturgies at both parishes are equally vibrant.
​
St. Matthew parish is in the process of facility renovations. The new Director of Music will have input into the design of the renovated music office and rehearsal space.​
​
The Director of Music Ministry will provide music for:
-
All weekend liturgies, holy days, celebrations of Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, and other liturgical events as agreed upon with the pastor;
-
First reconciliation, first communion, and confirmation liturgies, in collaboration with the Director of Religious Education and the pastor;
-
Parish funerals and weddings (with additional stipend)
-
Other liturgical services as agreed upon with the pastor which may include seasonal penance services, and seasonal evening or night prayer
It is understood that “provide music for” will usually mean that the Director will be the primary musician at said services. Alternate arrangements can be made in consultation with the pastor.
The Director of Music will plan music for all services, in consultation with the pastor as needed.
-
Maintain a database of parish repertoire
-
Provide a schedule of music in advance for all musicians and the pastor
-
Meet with engaged couples to plan appropriate music for their wedding ceremony
-
Regarding funerals: Generally, the pastor will meet with families to plan music for funerals and will provide a plan for the Director of Music
The Director of Music Ministry will organize (schedule), develop, train, and lead other ministers of music, including cantors, choirs, children’s choir, funeral choir instrumentalists, and other ministers as deemed necessary.
The Director of Music Ministry will attend meetings of the parish staff at both parishes as well as other meetings as deemed necessary or as requested by the pastor.
The Director of Music will consult with the pastor and the parish Finance Councils to establish a yearly budget which will include funds for:
-
Ongoing education and formation including conferences associated with this ministry
-
Instrument maintenance
-
Music library (choral arrangements and instrumental accompaniments)
-
Substitute musicians
-
Volunteer recognition
The Director of Music will have a functional knowledge of appropriate liturgical documents as they pertain to music, including Sing to the Lord.
The Director of Music will engage with other musicians in the Diocese and maintain membership in the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and other similar organizations that will inform and serve the position. This includes the local chapter of the National Pastoral Musicians and the Office of Worship.
-
The cost of membership dues is included in the budget.
-
Attendance at national conferences and continuing education opportunities is encouraged and expected. Registration and travel expenses are provided for in the music budget.
-
Engagement can include anything from a leadership role, to active involvement, to reading emails and newsletters in order to stay informed of activities and opportunities.
The Director will develop and maintain a program of music for both parishes that encourages active participation on the part of the people of the parish, develops the musical and vocal talents of individual members, and makes use of musical resources as they become available. Said program should be consistent with the theology and direction of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and other national and diocesan liturgical policies.
-
Maintain the choral library
-
Provide and maintain instrumental accompaniment editions as needed
Current hymnals:
St Matthew: Journeysongs III and Gather IV (both hardbound in pews)
Our Lady of Victory: Breaking Bread
Printed supplemental worship aids are generally not used.
Salary commensurate with experience.
Benefits (healthcare, pension, etc.) are included as per the Diocese of Cleveland.
-
The time required to fulfill these duties varies widely from week to week and season to season. It is presumed that the musician in this position will continue to develop personal musical skills with practice, and interaction with the greater musical community, potentially including performances. However, the Director of Music must keep open availability for funerals (mornings), weddings (Saturday afternoons scheduled in advance), weekend, Holy Day, and holiday liturgies.
​
Interested parties should send letter of interest and resume to:
Fr. Michael Williamson
or
St. Matthew Parish
2603 Benton Ave.
Akron, OH 44312