Pianist & Choir Conductor - HOURLY

Location: Christ Our Hope Catholic Church, Downtown Seattle

Christ Our Hope is a vibrant, multicultural parish firmly rooted in Vatican II and Catholic Tradition and the liturgical renewal the Council envisioned. Christ Our Hope is part of the One Parish Family with St. James Cathedral and Immaculate Conception Church.

Position Type: Part-Time Schedule: Sunday 9:00 AM Mass, plus day‑of rehearsals Reports To: Pastor and Pastoral Associate Start Date: As soon as available

Position Summary

The Pianist & Choir Conductor collaborates with the Pastor, Pastoral Associate, and the Liturgy Commission to provide musical leadership for the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass. The musician ensures that the liturgy is celebrated with beauty, reverence, and full participation of the assembly. This role combines skilled piano accompaniment with the direction and development of volunteer choirs, in alignment with Roman Catholic liturgical norms and the parish’s pastoral vision.

This ministry supports the parish’s mission to lead the faithful “to that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 14).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide piano accompaniment for the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass, Holy Days, and occasional other parish liturgies as needed.
• Conduct and rehearse the parish choir, including leading warm‑ups before the Mass. There is also potential for additional weekday or evening rehearsals.
• Select some liturgical music in collaboration with the Pastor and/or Liturgy Director, ensuring selections follow the liturgical calendar and the norms of the Catholic Church.
• Lead the assembly in sung prayer and foster active participation.
• Prepare musical arrangements, psalm settings, and harmonizations as needed.
• Schedule and rehearse with cantors, instrumentalists.
• Uphold the liturgical guidelines of the Catholic Church.
• Continue to recruit and develop an all-volunteer choir with members of varying degrees of experience and skill.
• Attend periodic Liturgy Commission meetings.

Schedule & Time Commitment

• Sunday 9:00 AM Mass (typical call time 8:00 AM).
• Additional liturgies during major seasons (Christmas, Holy Week, Easter) and Holy Days of Obligation.
• Occasional funerals or weddings (optional, with additional stipend).

Compensation

• $250 per Mass based on Archdiocese of Seattle guidelines.
• Additional stipends for special liturgies, weddings, and funerals.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in piano, especially in liturgical or sacred music settings.
• Experience conducting and rehearsing choirs, preferably volunteer or parish choirs.
• Familiarity with Roman Catholic liturgy, hymnody, multi-cultural and contemporary sacred repertoire, including the ability to incorporate and lead a variety of diverse musical styles.
• Ability to lead confidently and collaborate with clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with musicians of varying skill levels.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.