To serve the parish by coordinating and leading music for all parish liturgies, fostering prayerful and vibrant congregational participation, and equipping parish musicians to serve in their gifts.
Core Responsibilities
Coordinate with liturgical musicians for all Sunday and Holy Day Masses (sing, play piano, and direct choirs for up to three Masses per day).
Maintain an approved external liturgical musician list for the pastor’s reference.
Work with the pastor to oversee liturgical song selection for all parish-wide liturgies.
Recommend and coordinate purchase/use of hymnals and other liturgical music or instrument resources as needed.
Provide bulletin content for printed music resources when needed.
Seek out, mentor, and support cantors, choir members, and instrumentalists for proficient and prayerful ministry.
Lead or coordinate regular rehearsals for all cantors and music ensembles.
Work with sound engineers to ensure the church’s audio system is optimized for Masses and special events.
Train and direct the children’s choir (minimum two Masses per year).
Offer school-wide music ministry formation sessions once per year.
Plan and oversee parish music ministry concerts (two per year) with guest musicians.
Plan and oversee one annual bilingual liturgy retreat for all parish musicians.
Oversee and coordinate with the Music Ministry Assistant(s) for applicable Masses.
Role: Ensemble Leader
(Contracted Staff Position)
Purpose & Mission
Serve the parish community by leading assigned Masses or liturgical celebrations with excellence in music and worship.
Support the mission of the parish and Music Ministry by fostering prayerful, vibrant, and congregational singing.
Provide leadership and pastoral care to ensemble members, modeling a spirit of collaboration and unity.
Core Responsibilities
Lead music for assigned Masses, ensuring quality of liturgical music.
Follow the weekly repertoire and liturgical plan provided by the Music Minister.
Defer to the Music Minister in the event of questions, concerns, or differing opinions within the ensemble.
Prepare and rehearse sufficiently to blend well with supporting musicians and to use proper musical technique.
Communicate promptly and clearly with the Music Minister regarding schedule, needs, or challenges.
Scheduling & Attendance
Fulfill all assigned commitments to lead.
If requesting time off, give at least 30 days’ notice whenever possible.
Avoid last-minute cancellations except in cases of true emergency.
Accountability
If an Ensemble Leader does not follow the expectations outlined in this policy, the following steps will apply.
First occurrence: Verbal reminder and conversation to clarify expectations (e.g., last-minute cancellation without emergency, or failure to implement the approved weekly repertoire plan as outlined).
Second occurrence: follow-up discussion and a written note summarizing expectations and ways to support success in the role.
Third occurrence: role will be transitioned to volunteer status at the discretion of the Music Minister.
Role: Ensemble Member
(Volunteer)
Purpose & Mission
Support the mission of the parish and Music Ministry by fostering prayerful, vibrant, and congregational singing within an ensemble for assigned Masses or liturgical celebrations.
Follow our parish leadership and encourage fellow ensemble members, modeling a spirit of collaboration and unity.
Core Responsibilities
Participate in our music ensemble for assigned Masses, aiding in both musical and liturgical quality.
Follow the weekly repertoire and liturgical plan provided by the Music Minister.
Defer to Ensemble Leader and Music Minister regarding presentation style and choir decisions.
Prepare and rehearse sufficiently to blend well with supporting vocalists and musicians, and to lead the congregation confidently.
Participate in a 1:1 vocal/musical evaluation annually or upon request with the Music Minister.
Communicate promptly and clearly with the Music Minister regarding schedule, needs, or challenges.
Scheduling & Attendance
Fulfill all assigned commitments to participate in music ministry.
When taking time off, give at least one week’s notice whenever possible.
Avoid last-minute cancellations except in cases of true emergency.
Accountability
If an Ensemble Member does not follow the expectations outlined in this policy, the following steps will apply.
First occurance: verbal reminder and conversation to clarify expectations.
Second occurrence: follow-up discussion and a written note summarizing expectations and ways to support success in the role.
Third occurrence: volunteer will be asked to step aside from music ministry leadership for 6 months.
Cantor
(Contracted Staff Position and/or Volunteer Role)
Purpose & Mission
Serve the parish community by leading assigned Masses or liturgical celebrations as a solo vocalist, with excellence in music and worship.
Support the mission of the parish and Music Ministry by fostering prayerful, vibrant, and congregational singing.
Follow our parish leadership and encourage fellow ensemble members, modeling a spirit of collaboration and unity.
Core Responsibilities
Lead music for assigned Masses, ensuring quality of solo vocals, and a spirit of hospitality towards the congregation (example: willingness to sing with less volume at appropriate times to highlight the congregational singing).
Follow the weekly repertoire and liturgical plan provided by the Music Minister.
Defer to the Music Minister in the event of questions, concerns, or differing opinions within the ensemble.
Prepare and rehearse sufficiently to protect personal vocal health, to blend well with supporting vocalists and musicians, and to use proper musical technique. This includes a 1:1 vocal evaluation annually or upon request with the Music Minister.
Communicate promptly and clearly with the Ensemble Leader and/or Music Minister regarding schedule, needs, or challenges.
Scheduling & Attendance
Fulfill all assigned commitments to lead.
If requesting time off, give at least 30 days’ notice whenever possible.
Avoid last-minute cancellations except in cases of true emergency.
Accountability
First last-minute cancellation without emergency: verbal reminder and conversation to clarify expectations.
Second occurrence: follow-up discussion and a written note summarizing expectations and ways to support success in the role.
Third occurrence: role will be transitioned to Ensemble Member for one year, at the discretion of the Music Minister.
Role: Honors Choir Member
(Volunteer)
Purpose & Mission
To support the mission of the parish and Music Ministry by fostering prayerful, vibrant, and congregational singing for particularly celebratory, multilingual liturgical feasts—such as Christmas Eve and Holy Week—upon invitation, and to represent our entire Music Ministry.
Follow our parish leadership and encourage fellow Honors Choir members, modeling a spirit of collaboration and unity.
Honors Choir members are invited from among our Ensemble Members. We ask that Honors Choir members approach this role in a spirit of service and unity, not as a mark of status over others who may not be invited at this time.
Core Responsibilities
Participate in our music ensemble for assigned Masses, aiding in both musical and liturgical quality.
Follow the repertoire and liturgical plan provided by the Music Minister.
Defer to the Music Minister regarding presentation style and choir decisions.
Prepare and rehearse sufficiently to blend well with supporting vocalists and musicians, and to lead the congregation confidently.
Communicate promptly and clearly with the Music Minister regarding schedule, needs, or challenges.
Scheduling & Attendance
Fulfill all assigned commitments to participate in music ministry.
When taking time off, give at least 30 days’ notice whenever possible.
Avoid last-minute cancellations except in cases of true emergency.
Accountability
If an Honors Choir Member does not follow the expectations outlined in this policy, the following steps will apply.
First occurrence: verbal reminder and conversation to clarify expectations.
Second occurrence: follow-up discussion and a written note summarizing expectations and ways to support success in the role.
Third occurrence: volunteers will be asked to step aside from music ministry leadership for 6 months.
Role: Children’s and/or Teen Choir Member
(Child or Teen Volunteer)
Purpose & Mission
To help our St. John Vianney community honor God and serve our parish community with reverence and joy, by leading prayerful song at Mass.
Core Responsibilities:
1. Be on Time
Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before Mass to warm up and prepare.
2. Be Respectful
Use kind words and actions. Listen to your choir director, leaders, and each other.
3. Participate Fully
Sing with your heart, follow along in the worship aid or binder, and stay engaged throughout the Mass.
4. Be Reverent
Mass is a sacred time. Use quiet voices, still bodies, and keep your focus on the altar and the liturgy.
5. Stay in Place
Remain in your choir area unless you are directed otherwise by a leader.
6. Dress Neatly
Wear appropriate dress clothes, showing respect for the holy celebration.
7. Lead by Example
Remember that as choir members, you help lead the congregation in prayer through music. Your example matters!
Accountability:
Our Music Minister is here to help each choir member succeed and feel confident in their role. If a child has trouble following these expectations, the Music Minister will kindly redirect them during rehearsal or Mass. If challenges continue, the Music Minister will reach out to their parent or guardian to work together to support their growth and participation in the choir.
Role: Children’s and/or Teen Choir Assistant
(Adult Volunteer)
Purpose & Mission
Support the Music Minister in leading the Children’s and/or Teen Choirs in faithful and reverent leadership.
Ensure a Safe Environment as a secondary adult, in the event that the Music Minister is the sole adult present with minors (both at a rehearsal or during liturgical celebrations)
Core Responsibilities
Be available to help children and/or teens (“participants”) during rehearsals and/or Mass, including reminding them of their responsibilities, and modeling reverence and attentiveness.
Attend to participants’ needs when the Music Minister is occupied with musical responsibilities (playing instruments or singing).
Immediately alert the Music Minister and/or parents in the event of an emergency involving participants.
Scheduling & Attendance
Fulfill all assigned commitments to participate in music ministry.
When taking time off, give at least one week’s notice whenever possible.
Avoid last-minute cancellations except in cases of true emergency.
Accountability
First last-minute cancellation without emergency: verbal reminder and conversation to clarify expectations.
Second occurrence: follow-up discussion and a written note summarizing expectations and ways to support success in the role.
Third occurrence: Volunteer will be asked to step down from the assistant role for 6 months, at the discretion of the Music Minister.
Role: Assistant to Music Minister
(Adult Volunteer)
Purpose & Mission
To support the Music Minister in administrative tasks.
Core Responsibilities
While there are a host of managerial and organizational possibilities for this role, they are at the discretion of the Music Minister and may encompass:
Documenting of music licensing
Organization of digital music library
Scheduling of Ensemble Leaders & Members/Cantors for liturgies and rehearsals
Gathering text for weekly worship aid
Maintain confidentiality for any passwords or account information shared on behalf of SJV Parish.
Defer to the Music Minister on questions of process regarding all administrative tasks.
Scheduling & Attendance
Fulfill all assigned commitments to help with organization and management.
When taking time off, give at least 30 days’ notice whenever possible.
Avoid last-minute cancellations except in cases of true emergency.
Accountability
First last-minute cancellation without emergency: verbal reminder and conversation to clarify expectations.
Second occurrence: follow-up discussion and a written note summarizing expectations and ways to support success in the role.
Third occurrence: Volunteer will be asked to step down from assisting with administrative tasks for 6 months, at the discretion of the Music Minister.
For All Adult Members of SJV Music Ministry:
Safe Environment training and compliance is mandatory.
The Safe Environment website is available to either review your current status or to start a new account: https://phoenix.cmgconnect.org/
A one-time, in-person interview is also required, along with a copy of your photo ID.
Please contact our parish Safe Environment Assistant to arrange an interview or to ask any questions about the process for certification: set@sjvaz.net
Dress appropriately for Mass in dress attire that is not distracting or immodest.
Respect for each other and for the Mass is crucial, including attentiveness to the liturgy, and a spirit of patience with fellow ministry members.
Sacramental Participation and Personal Prayer are the lifelines of our ability to serve. We ask that all members of the SJV Music Ministry live out the Sacraments and incorporate daily prayer to the extent befitting their state of life.
Accountability (General) If responsibilities outlined in this document are not followed, the Music Minister will address the concern in three steps:
A verbal reminder and conversation to clarify expectations.
A written reminder and plan for success.
Adjustment of the member’s role, which may include transition to volunteer status or removal from Music Ministry at the discretion of the Music Minister.
Note about compensation for ensemble leaders and contracted cantors:
Our rates are based on a combination of musical leadership skills, experience in liturgical music, and the level of responsibility taken in leading the ensemble during the liturgy.
In some cases, musicians also contribute in other ways, like administrative support, and we may compensate them financially for additional tasks separately. This helps us keep music leadership pay consistent and fair, while still recognizing and rewarding the unique strengths each person brings.
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