Singer & Section Leader – Sacred Music Ministry

STAFF SINGER & SECTION LEADER

POSITION INFORMATION

• Job Title:
  
  Staff Singer & Section Leader
  - Sacred Music Ministry
• Job Category:
  Part Time
• Season:
  October
  - May
• Posting Date:
  August 28, 2026
• Final date to receive applications:
  October 1, 2026
• Positions Available:
  Up to 8 positions (Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, Basses)
• Hours:
  
  Approximately 20-25 hours per month, depending on the liturgical calendar and assigned activities
• Location:
  
  Divine Mercy Parish (St. Maria Goretti, St. Andrew, St. William) - Madison, WI
• Compensation: $700.00 per month guaranteed base compensation, plus separate compensation for additional services

Divine Mercy Parish is seeking qualified singers for the Part-Time position of Staff Singer & Section Leader within its Sacred Music Ministry. The Staff Singer will be an integral part of the musical core of the program ia Goretti Church, under the direction of the Director of Sacred Music. The position combines a high level of musical preparation and performance with a consistent commitment to the parish's liturgical life.

Repertoire includes sacred polyphony, Gregorian chant, and choral literature ranging from the Renaissance through contemporary composers, with particular attention to Historically Informed Performance (HIP). The program seeks to develop a deeper awareness of style, diction, articulation, intonation, and appropriate performance practices across different historical periods and repertoires. As a Section Leader, the singer will also provide musical leadership within their assigned section, contributing to musical excellence, repertoire preparation, and the cohesion of the ensemble.

• Section Leadership:
  Lead and support the assigned vocal section during rehearsals and liturgies, promoting musical accuracy, intonation, phrasing, and vocal blend.
• Rehearsals & Liturgical Service:
  Participate in the weekly rehearsal (approximately 1.5 hours) and in assigned Sunday liturgies and Solemnities, with a general call time of 45 minutes prior to the service.
• Cantor & Chamber Music:
  Serve, as needed by the program, as a parish singer, including service in small vocal ensembles such as quartets and trios when requested.
• Ensemble Support:
  Collaborate with the Director of Sacred Music and other Staff Singers in the preparation and performance of repertoire.
• Professional Conduct:
  Contribute to a musical environment characterized by professionalism, reliability, mutual respect, and collaboration.

• Strong vocal technique.
• Excellent sight-reading skills.
• Experience with sacred polyphony and/or Gregorian chant, or a willingness to further develop proficiency in these repertoires.
• Ability to work effectively within a vocal ensemble.
• Ability to prepare assigned repertoire independently and respond constructively to the direction of the choir director.

Willingness to serve and respect the identity and mission of Divine Mercy Parish, carrying out one’s musical ministry within the liturgical life of the Church and in accordance with its teachings and moral principles.

• Guaranteed Base Compensation: $700.00 per month from October through May for regularly assigned activities, including weekly rehearsals, assigned Sunday choral liturgies, and monthly cantor assignments.
• Additional Services:
  Separate compensation for weddings, funerals, special concerts, extraordinary rehearsals, and other services outside the regular assignment, according to the parish fee schedule.
• Flexibility:
  Planned personal absences during the season may be requested in advance.
• Letter of Agreement:
  Details regarding the calendar, schedule, assignments, expectations, and specific terms of the position will be outlined in an individual Letter of Agreement.
• Program Requirements:
  Candidates must be eligible to complete the Diocese of Madison's Safe Environment requirements, applicable diocesan employment procedures, and all applicable diocesan and parish policies and procedures. The final offer and commencement of service are contingent upon completion of these requirements and procedures.