Description
Primary Function
Under the direction of the Pastor and the Music Director, the Cantor leads the congregation in sung prayer and leads the soprano section of the parish choir. This includes singing the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and other solo or dialogic portions of the liturgy to which the assembly responds. Service may include Sunday liturgies, holy days, funerals, and weddings.
The Cantor is a minister of the Gospel and of Catholic teaching, both academically and behaviorally, at work and in his or her personal life — “…live in a manner worthy of the call you have received.” (Eph. 4:1)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the 11:00am Sunday Mass with the parish choir, with opportunity to cantor at additional Masses
- Attend and participate in the weekly choir rehearsal, Thursdays at 7:00pm
- Lead and support the soprano section of the choir, assisting less experienced singers with pitch, blend, and diction
- Give evidence of living Gospel values through active membership in a faith community and openness to a personal faith journey; strive to model the teaching of Jesus by attitude and example
- With the approval of the Pastor, assist the Music Director in developing the liturgical music used at celebrations in which the Cantor participates
- Work with musicians and choir members to ensure proper liturgical protocol is observed, maintaining an environment of reverence and solemnity at all liturgical celebrations
- Maintain open, regular communication with volunteer and staff musicians; rehearse with or provide vocal coaching to others as needed
- Prepare thoroughly in advance and arrive ready for each liturgy
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Education and Experience
- Formal vocal training — private study, conservatory, or university-level voice instruction
- Demonstrated experience in choral music, including ensemble singing and, preferably, section leading
- Experience singing Catholic liturgical music, with working knowledge of the structure of the Mass and the role of the cantor within it
- Prior experience as a cantor, section leader, or parish choir member preferred
- A degree in music, sacred music, or a related field is a plus but not required in place of demonstrated experience
Musical Qualifications
- Trained soprano voice with secure intonation and a clear, unamplified-capable tone suitable for leading an assembly
- Ability to read music and sight-read at a level sufficient to learn Psalm settings and choral parts with minimal rehearsal
- Familiarity with the Roman Missal, the Lectionary Psalm cycle, and standard Catholic hymnody and Mass settings
- Ability to cantor the Responsorial Psalm from the ambo with clear diction and appropriate liturgical bearing
- Keyboard or piano ability is a plus
- An audition is required. Candidates should be prepared to sing a prepared sacred solo and sight-read a Responsorial Psalm setting.
Basic Qualifications
- Working knowledge of, and strong commitment to, the mission of the Catholic Church; must be a practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church
- Flexibility, willingness to follow direction, self-motivation, and a collaborative spirit
- Courtesy toward fellow employees, parishioners, and the public
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Reliable attendance and punctuality; advance notice of scheduling conflicts
- Professional appearance appropriate to liturgical ministry
- Must complete the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Safe Environment requirements prior to beginning ministry, including Live Scan fingerprinting and VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children” training, and must successfully pass a background and criminal history check
Physical Requirements
Requires the ability to stand for extended periods during liturgies and rehearsals; walking, sitting, standing, stooping, reaching, speaking, hearing, and handling; ability to carry music binders, a folding stand, and similar materials as required in a normal parish environment. Normal visual ability required.
To Apply
Please submit a brief letter of interest, a résumé outlining musical training and liturgical experience, and — if available — a recording of one sacred solo to:
Dr. Jose Soto, Music Director, jsoto@holyangelsarcadia.org.
Applications will be reviewed as received.
Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.
Information/Application Contact
Holy Angels Catholic Church (Arcadia)
370 Campus Dr
Arcadia, CA 91007
ereyes@holyangelsarcadia.org