St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Victoria, BC has had a proud history of musical excellence under of the leadership of many competent organists and choral directors.  The primary objective is to continue the tradition of a dynamic and inspiring worship community, especially through the music ministry program by seeking a Director of Musical Worship who is committed to building on this legacy.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral was dedicated in 1892 and has a growing congregation from various cultures.  The Cathedral is blessed to have a 1907 Casavant Freres Organ three manual (two divisions operational) in the rear gallery and a Yamaha Grand piano in the sanctuary.  The acoustics in the Cathedral are considered to be some of the finest in Western Canada. 

The Director of Musical Worship (DOMW) is responsible for the planning, coordination and fulfillment of all liturgical music ministries at the Cathedral Parish.  As an active member of the Roman Catholic faith community, the DOMW would work in harmony under the leadership of the Rector and the Parish Council, and strive to advance the mission of the Church.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruits and supports persons with musical talents in the Parish community by providing leadership and training in liturgical music.
• Plans and coordinates music for Cathedral and/or Diocesan liturgical celebrations by encouraging full participation of the assembly in collaboration with the Rector, and/or Bishop.
• Plans and/or coordinates musical direction for all four weekend masses.
• Provides musical direction on the piano and/or organ for the choirs and congregation at the
• 9 am and 11 am Sunday Masses as well as at other special liturgical celebrations throughout the year.  Currently two choirs rehearse weekly from September to June.  In July and August, a musician and Leader of Song provide music for the 9 am & 11 am Masses.  The Saturday 5 pm Mass is led by a musician and Leader of Song and musical leadership at the Sunday 5 pm mass is provided by a Filipino choir.
• Responsible for planning and coordinating musical events such as seasonal evening or devotional prayer, i.e. Divine Mercy Sunday prayer, Christian Unity Week service and Prayer in the Style of Taize, Holy Week services, Advent Carols and Readings, Christmas Eve Carol services, and celebrations of other major holy days.
  
  

Interpersonal Skills

• Interacts well with parishioners, parish staff, priests, other musicians and choir members.
• Provides training to the choirs in weekly rehearsals in a kind and professional manner.
• Works in collaboration with the pastoral team, and Cathedral staff.
• Participates in staff meetings and staff development/social gatherings.
• Acts as a consultant to parishioners to plan music for funerals, weddings, baptisms and provides musicians, as required, within a separate fee schedule.
• Assists in planning music for special liturgical celebrations with Island Catholic Schools, as required.
• Acts as a liaison, in coordination with the Rector and Office Manager, for visiting choirs or groups who wish to participate in parish liturgies or use the Cathedral for concerts.
• Plans and coordinates workshops for parish music ministry as required.
• Facilitates workshops in music as required for parish and diocese.
• Explores new directions for the cathedral’s music program under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
• Builds relationships within the church and the wider music community.
  
  

Administrative Skills 

• Demonstrates good written & verbal communication skills.
• Prepares and manages an annual music budget.
• Writes annual reports for Rector as required.
• Purchases all music, supplies, equipment, and supervise their maintenance.
• Manages the ongoing maintenance of all musical instruments.
• Organizes and maintains a music library and music resources for the parish.
• Contracts instrumentalists and organizes full rehearsals for all liturgical events and ensures timely payment to musicians and singers in coordination with the office staff.
• Prepares music resource booklets for different liturgical seasons/special feast days for the assembly in coordination with office staff.
• Is familiar with marketing and promotion.
• Maintains accurate records and timely reporting for music copyright and licensing for livestream and in person Masses.

 Musical and Liturgical SkillsThe candidate must have:

• A proficiency in piano and organ keyboard skills with a diploma from a recognized Conservatory of Music and/or a Bachelor degree in music.
• An organ diploma from the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) or the American Guild of Organists (AGO).
• A minimum of five-year’s experience as a Catholic Church Musician and Catholic Worship Leader.
• Proficiency in choral direction and conducting, instructing accompanists and cantors in liturgical music.
• Experience working with current IT applications and music notation software.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Catholic liturgy, theology and church music and how the music fits the liturgical requirements (i.e. General Instruction for the Roman Missal (GIRM), CCCB Guidelines for Liturgical Music (2015),Vatican 11 documents and principles).
• Understanding of the Lectionary, Liturgical year, Sacramentary and Sacramental Rites.
• Understanding the place of various musical elements used in liturgy including litanies, acclamations, psalmody, and contemporary song form.

 

Compensation and Vacation

The position involves an average of 25 hours per week, subject to negotiation with the successful applicant, with the possibility of additional hours as needed by the employer, which would be compensated accordingly.

Salary range is commensurate with experience and in line with the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) Salary of Recommended Salaries (The Royal Canadian College of Organists - Table of Recommended Salaries (rcco.ca)

The DOMW is entitled to 3 or 4 weeks of vacation in addition to time off for statutory holidays.  Vacation time is expected to be taken over the summer, unless otherwise approved by the Rector.  The DOMW is responsible for arranging a replacement for their services during their vacation, scheduling accompanists and cantors and selecting music for all the worship services while on holiday.

In addition to the above salary, the DOMW will be entitled to earn per diem fees for providing music at weddings and funerals in the Cathedral. The DOMW shall be entitled to their fee regardless of whether an outside musician is brought in for the event.

Requirements

●    Offer of employment conditional on successfully passing a Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
●    Diocese of Victoria (DOV) Responsible Ministry Policy

 

Eligibility to Work in Canada

Applicants will need to indicate their status in terms of being legally entitled to work in Canada. Basic information on obtaining permission to work in Canada will be provided on request, but potential candidates will need to seek their own legal advice, at their own expense.

 

Accountability

This position reports to the Rector.

The Rector will conduct annual salary and performance reviews.  

Applications, including a resume and the names and contact information of at least two references can be emailed to standrewscathedral@gmail.com or mailed to St. Andrew’s Cathedral 740 View Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1J8.  The selection process will include an audition on the organ and piano, rehearsal with the choir, and an interview.  The applicant would be required to provide a sample music program for a liturgical season (e.g. Advent or Lent including preludes, hymns, anthems, postludes).  It is anticipated that auditions and interviews will be held in the spring of 2025.  The preferred start date is July 2025.  All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.  Applications and enquiries should be directed to Father Dean Henderson, Rector.