Pastoral Musician
Position Overview
● Position Title: Part-Time Pastoral Musician (Liturgy & Sacramental Celebrations)
● Reports To: Pastor and/or Pastor’s Assistant and Operations Manager
● Time Commitment: Part-time (highly flexible based on the calendar and seasonal needs)
● Core Schedule Focus: Weekday mornings, major holy days, and on-call availability for
funerals/special parish liturgies, weekend Masses as needed.
Primary Responsibilities
1. Weekday Liturgies & Holy Days
● Provide skilled musical accompaniment (organ, piano, or keyboard) and vocal leadership
for scheduled weekday morning Masses/services.
● Lead music for major Holy Days of Obligation and feast days that fall during the week
(e.g., Ash Wednesday, Assumption, All Saints, Triduum/Holy Week).
● Ensure congregational singing is well-supported, maintaining a prayerful, reverent, and
liturgically appropriate atmosphere.
2. Funeral Ministries
● Serve as the primary musician and/or cantor for parish funeral and memorial services.
● Meet with grieving families in a compassionate, pastoral manner to assist them in
selecting appropriate, biblically sound sacred music.
● Coordinate with local funeral homes and parish bereavement committees to ensure
smooth liturgical flow.
3. Special Events & Sacramental Celebrations
● Accompany special parish liturgies, including First Communions, Confirmations,
Penance services, and parish missions.
● Play for parish weddings as needed or coordinate with external musicians chosen by the
couple.
● Collaborate on seasonal events, such as evening prayer services or lessons and carols.
4. Administration & Liturgical Prep
● Choose music selections that align closely with the daily scripture readings and the
seasonal church calendar.
● Ensure all music used complies with proper copyright licenses (such as OneLicense or
CCLI) and assist with the preparation of worship aids or funeral programs when required.
● Maintain care of the church instruments (organ/piano) and report maintenance or tuning
needs.
5. Compensation: Stipendary-Variable per fee schedule
Qualifications & Key Skills
● Musical Proficiency: Strong proficiency in keyboard, piano, or organ accompaniment.
Competency as a cantor or vocal leader is highly preferred.
● Liturgical Knowledge: Thorough understanding of Catholic or liturgical worship
structures, rubrics, and appropriate sacred music genres (including a strict adherence to
sacred music guidelines vs. secular music).
● Pastoral Heart: Exceptional empathy, patience, and interpersonal skills—particularly
when working with families planning a funeral.
● Availability: Flexibility to respond to funeral requests on relatively short notice
(typically 3–4 days’ notice).
Work Authorization:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The Diocese of Charleston does not provide visa sponsorship. Successful candidates will be required to complete Form I-9 and present acceptable documentation verifying identity and employment authorization.
Employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of all required pre-employment screening and verification processes, as applicable to the responsibilities of the position. These may include:
- A criminal background check and completion of all Diocese of Charleston Safe Environment requirements;
- A motor vehicle record (MVR) check and verification of a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record when driving is an essential function of the position; and
- A job-related financial/credit background check when warranted by the position’s level of financial responsibility, access to funds, or fiduciary duties.
All background screenings will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and Diocese of Charleston policies. Results will be evaluated based on their relevance to the duties and responsibilities of the position and will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment.
All interested and qualified candidates please email a cover letter, resume and 4 professional references/ letters to apply@charlestondiocese.org
