Director of Sacred Music

Director of Sacred Music

St. Mary of Sorrows Parish seeks an experienced choir director and organist to lead the sacred music program. This is a full‑time position with benefits through the Arlington Diocese.

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, résumé 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 July 1st.

As Director of Sacred Music (DSM) you will direct adult and children’s choirs, coordinate organists, and oversee music for seven weekly Masses. You will also plan a loft renovation project and integrate chant and sacred polyphony into the liturgy.

• 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, especially in chant and sacred polyphony.
• Educate the parish in sacred music.
• Serve as primary organist and director for weekends, obligatory days, and other Masses year‑round.
• Meet regularly with the pastor to coordinate liturgies.
• Follow Church and civic law regarding copyright and related matters.
• Maintain music library with volunteer assistance.
• Provide music for roughly 20 weddings and 45 funerals per year (compensated separately).

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in music, sacred music, theology, or related field.
• Five or more years of experience working in a church music program.
• Proficiency as an organist and conductor, with deep knowledge of sacred music patrimony.
• Pastoral sensitivity and being in good standing within the Catholic Church.
• Participation in CMAA events, AGO certifications, or equivalent preferred.
• Capable of completing criminal background and reference checks.
• Must complete diocese‑sponsored Safe Environment Training.