Church Ascension: Director of Sacred Music

Church of the Ascension in Johnstown, Ohio is seeking an experienced choir director and organist to assume the role of Director of Sacred Music (DSM). This is a part‑time ministry position. Duties include direction and coordination of the adult choir, children’s choir, and cantors, as well as serving as the organist for liturgical events and weekly Masses.

There are three sung Masses per weekend which the DSM is expected to be the primary organist/director. The parish 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.

A full job description is available upon request, and salary will be based on commensurate experience.

• 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 through 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
• Master’s degree in sacred music, theology, liturgy, or similar preferred, Bachelor’s 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 Rev. PJ Brandimarti 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.

Church of the Ascension is a Catholic community in Johnstown, Ohio that keeps Christ at the center of our hearts, families, homes and parish, so we can live the truth and share it with others. With the help of sacred scripture, tradition, and the sacraments, we strive to know, love and serve God in this world, while encouraging others to do the same, so we may live eternally in heaven with Christ, the angels, and the saints.