Church of the Ascension Director of Sacred Music

Johnstown, PA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 8 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 childrens 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.

Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications and Experience:

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 Churchs patrimony of sacred music
Five (5) or more years of experience working in a church music program

Application Process:

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest resume with three references and any relevant recordings to Rev. PJ Brandimarti at First 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.

About the Employer:

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.

Required Experience:

Director