Director of Sacred Music

Overview

St. Mary of Sorrows parish is seeking an experienced choir director and organist to assume the role of Director of Sacred Music (DSM). This is a full‑time position with benefits through the Arlington Diocese. Duties include direction and coordination of the adult choir, children’s choir, and cantors, as well as the hiring of organists and instrumentalists for certain holy days and Masses.

The organ is a four manual Rodgers Infinity with lighted draw knobs.

There are five sung Masses per weekend, four of which the DSM is expected to be the primary organist/ director. The parish recently switched to the Source and Summit Missal and digital platform, and is beginning to incorporate more traditional music such as chant and sacred polyphony, while still utilizing quality hymnody. Heavy emphasis is placed on growing the sacred music program and educating members and congregants.

The DSM reports directly to the pastor, who is very supportive of sacred music.

• Maintain the highest standard for liturgical music for all Masses
• Grow and develop the sacred music program, emphasizing fidelity to Church teaching, tradition, and documents
• Train choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists, particularly in the areas of chant and sacred polyphony
• Educate the parish in sacred music
• Serve as primary organist and director for weekends, obligatory days, and other Masses throughout the year
• Meet with the pastor on a regular basis to coordinate various aspects of liturgies
• Follow Church and civic law regarding copyrights etc.
• Maintain music library with assistance from a choir volunteer
• Create leaflets for funerals and certain liturgies

• Faithful Catholic in good standing with the Church whose public and private life is consistent with Church teaching
• Masters degree in sacred music, theology, liturgy, or similar preferred, Bachelors degree required; participation in CMAA events or AGO certifications considered as well
• Must possess deep knowledge of the Church’s patrimony of sacred music
• Five (5) or more years of experience working in a church music program

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume with three references, and any relevant recordings to Fr. Vander Woude st round interviews will be conducted via video call, and top candidates will be invited to the church for an in‑person audition. The position is available on January 1, 2026.