Catholic Diocese Of Richmond
Director of Sacred Music at St. Mary of Sorrows (Fairfax) - 6/12/25
Catholic Diocese Of Richmond, Reston, Virginia, United States, 22090
Director of Sacred Music at St. Mary of Sorrows (Fairfax)
St. Mary of Sorrows Parish is seeking an experienced choir director and organist to assume the role of Director of Sacred Music (DSM).
This is a full‑time position with benefits through the Arlington Diocese. Duties include direction and coordination of the adult choir, children’s choir, cantors, and the hiring of organists and instrumentalists for certain holy days and Masses. The organ is a four‑manual Rodgers Infinity with lighted draw knobs. The new DSM will plan and oversee a loft renovation project.
There are five sung Masses per weekend; four of which the DSM is expected to be the primary organist/director. The parish recently switched to the Source and Summit Missal digital platform and 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.
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.
Approximately 20 weddings per year, compensated separately.
Approximately 45 funerals per year, compensated separately.
Qualifications and Experience
Faithful Catholic in good standing with the Church whose public and private life is consistent with Church teaching.
Master’s degree in sacred music, theology, liturgy, or similar preferred; Bachelor’s degree required; participation in CMAA events or AGO certifications considered as well.
Must possess deep knowledge of the Church’s 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, résumé with three references, and any relevant recordings to Fr. Vander Woude at frvanderwoude@stmaryofsorrows.org. First‑round interviews will be conducted via video call, and top candidates will be invited to the church for an in‑person audition. Position is available July 1st.
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This is a full‑time position with benefits through the Arlington Diocese. Duties include direction and coordination of the adult choir, children’s choir, cantors, and the hiring of organists and instrumentalists for certain holy days and Masses. The organ is a four‑manual Rodgers Infinity with lighted draw knobs. The new DSM will plan and oversee a loft renovation project.
There are five sung Masses per weekend; four of which the DSM is expected to be the primary organist/director. The parish recently switched to the Source and Summit Missal digital platform and 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.
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.
Approximately 20 weddings per year, compensated separately.
Approximately 45 funerals per year, compensated separately.
Qualifications and Experience
Faithful Catholic in good standing with the Church whose public and private life is consistent with Church teaching.
Master’s degree in sacred music, theology, liturgy, or similar preferred; Bachelor’s degree required; participation in CMAA events or AGO certifications considered as well.
Must possess deep knowledge of the Church’s 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, résumé with three references, and any relevant recordings to Fr. Vander Woude at frvanderwoude@stmaryofsorrows.org. First‑round interviews will be conducted via video call, and top candidates will be invited to the church for an in‑person audition. Position is available July 1st.
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