Associate for Worship

Description

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Worship, the Associate for Worship serves as a professional pastoral minister, assisting in the planning, preparation, coordination, and execution of the parish's liturgical and musical programs. The Associate has primary responsibility for the day-to-day coordination of liturgical ministries, including communication with ministry coordinators, support of volunteers, and preparation of ministers for parish celebrations. The Associate collaborates with the Director in planning liturgies, preparing worship materials, coordinating audiovisual presentations, and supporting the parish's music ministry. As an organist/pianist, the Associate provides musical leadership for parish celebrations, including weekend and weekday Masses, Holy Days, funerals, and weddings. The Associate also serves as Master of Ceremonies, particularly for major liturgical celebrations when the Director is fulfilling musical responsibilities. While the Director retains overall responsibility for the parish's worship program, the Associate exercises professional judgment, initiative, and appropriate independence in carrying out assigned responsibilities. Liturgical, musical, and administrative duties may be shared or reassigned between the two positions according to parish needs. Working collaboratively with clergy, parish staff, ministry coordinators, and volunteers, the Associate promotes liturgical celebrations that are prayerful, dignified, pastorally sensitive, and faithful to the traditions of the Catholic Church, fostering the full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful.

DIOCESE OF ORLANDO CORE VALUES

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by employees. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living Respect: Affirmer each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose. Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Associate for Worship as Person of Faith As a person of faith, the Associate for Worship has the responsibility to nurture their own faith in order to nurture the faith of others through their service to the liturgical life of the parish. Associate for Worship as Professional

1. Assists the Director of Worship in planning, preparing, and coordinating Sunday and weekday Masses, Holy Days, seasonal celebrations, and other major parish liturgies in accordance with the liturgical norms and traditions of the Catholic Church.
2. Works collaboratively with the Director of Worship, Pastor, clergy, and Liturgy Committee in developing and implementing liturgical plans, including coordination with the Art and Environment Ministry regarding the preparation of worship spaces and seasonal liturgical environments.
3. Shares responsibility with the Director of Worship for preparing, reviewing, and distributing presider binders, liturgy sheets, worship aids, Universal Prayers, and other liturgical and musical materials, including coordinating audiovisual needs for parish celebrations.
4. Collaborates with the Director of Worship, Faith Formation, and other parish ministries in planning and preparing children's liturgies, Spanish-language celebrations, and other parish events.
5. Assists the Director of Worship in ensuring compliance with applicable liturgical norms, diocesan policies, and copyright requirements.
6. Participates in evaluating parish liturgical celebrations, identifying opportunities for improvement, and recommending appropriate adjustments to liturgical practices and procedures.

Associate for Worship as Pastoral Musician

1. Assists the Director of Worship in leading and administering the parish music ministry, supporting appropriate musical standards, repertoire, Catholic liturgical norms, and the active sung participation of the faithful.
2. Collaborates with the Director of Worship and Liturgy Committee in selecting, planning, and preparing music for Sunday Masses, Holy Days, seasonal celebrations, and other parish liturgies in both English and Spanish, reflecting the liturgical year and encouraging congregational participation.
3. Shares responsibility for maintaining the music library, preparing music for cantors and instrumentalists, and supporting the care of musical instruments.
4. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in recruiting, training, scheduling, and supporting cantors, instrumentalists, and other musicians, encouraging the development of musical gifts within the parish.
5. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in recommending purchases, repairs, and replacements of musical instruments, equipment, and music resources.
6. Maintains professional musical proficiency and pursues appropriate continuing education.
7. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in preparing, rehearsing, and accompanying the Parish Choir and other ensembles, including the Spanish Choir, 6 p.m. Choir, and Filipino-American Choir, providing leadership or direction as assigned.
8. Shares responsibility with the Director of Worship for providing organ and/or piano accompaniment at weekday and Sunday Masses, Holy Days, funerals, weddings, and other liturgical celebrations. The anticipated regular schedule includes two weekday Masses and two Sunday Masses per week (subject to adjustment in consultation with the Director of Worship based on parish needs).
9. Shares responsibility with the Director of Worship for arranging substitute organists/pianists and securing additional musicians for special liturgies.

Funerals

1. Collaborates with the parish department responsible for assisting bereaved families in coordinating the liturgical and musical elements of funeral celebrations.
2. Assumes primary responsibility for coordinating and preparing liturgical ministers for funeral celebrations, including Greeters, EMHC's, Readers, Sacristans, etc.
3. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in crafting appropriate funeral liturgies that respond to the specific pastoral needs of bereaved families, including the preparation and review of presider binders, liturgical texts, and other necessary materials.
4. Shares responsibility with the Director of Worship for providing organ and/or piano accompaniment at funerals, rotating assignments according to parish needs and availability, and collaborating in arranging additional musicians when appropriate.

Weddings

1. Collaborates with the Pastor and the parish department responsible for marriage preparation in coordinating the liturgical and musical elements of wedding celebrations.
2. Assumes primary responsibility for coordinating and preparing liturgical ministers for wedding celebrations, including Sacristans, Readers, EMHC's, visiting clergy, etc.
3. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in crafting appropriate wedding liturgies that respond to the specific cultural and pastoral needs of couples preparing for marriage, including the preparation and review of presider binders, liturgical texts, and other necessary materials.
4. Shares responsibility with the Director of Worship for providing organ and/or piano accompaniment at weddings, rotating assignments according to parish needs and availability, and collaborating in arranging additional musicians when appropriate.

Associate for Worship as Pastoral Liturgist Liturgical Ministries

1. Provides primary coordination and administration of the parish's liturgical ministries under the oversight of the Director of Worship, collaborating with lay ministry coordinators and maintaining regular communication regarding ministry needs, responsibilities, and activities.
2. Collaborates with the Director of Worship and lay ministry coordinators in recruiting, training, and providing ongoing formation for liturgical ministers, ensuring that volunteers are properly prepared for their responsibilities.
3. Coordinates with lay ministry coordinators to ensure appropriate scheduling and assignment of liturgical ministers for regular parish celebrations, with particular responsibility for coordinating ministers for major liturgies, funerals, and weddings.
4. Maintains accurate records of liturgical ministers and ministry activities, ensuring compliance with applicable diocesan volunteer requirements and parish procedures.
5. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in supporting ministry coordinators, encouraging volunteer leadership, and fostering a spirit of service and collaboration among liturgical ministers.
6. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of liturgical ministries, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing appropriate guidance and support.
7. Maintains records of attendance and host counts for parish liturgical celebrations, ensuring that information is accurately collected and recorded.

Liturgical Presence and Execution

1. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in coordinating and executing parish liturgical celebrations, ensuring that they are conducted with dignity, reverence, and fidelity to the liturgical norms of the Catholic Church, while identifying opportunities for improvement in liturgical procedures and coordination.
2. Shares responsibility with the Director of Worship for maintaining an active presence at weekend Masses, Holy Days, major liturgies, and other celebrations as needed.
3. Collaborates with the Director of Worship and clergy in preparing and coordinating special rites and liturgical celebrations, supporting clergy, liturgical ministers, musicians, and other participants to ensure they are properly prepared and informed of their responsibilities.
4. Serves as Master of Ceremonies as assigned, particularly for major liturgical celebrations when the Director of Worship is fulfilling musical responsibilities.
5. Responds to unforeseen circumstances and resolves liturgical difficulties with appropriate pastoral judgment, coordinating with the Director of Worship as needed.

Associate for Worship as Administrator Liturgical Environment & Supplies

1. Assists in coordinating seasonal decorations, floral arrangements, furnishings, and other environmental elements to ensure that worship spaces reflect the liturgical calendar and the traditions of the Catholic Church.
2. Works with the Art and Environment Ministry, Sacristans, and other volunteers to ensure that worship spaces are appropriately prepared before liturgical celebrations and restored afterward.
3. Assists in maintaining the proper care, cleanliness, and organization of liturgical vessels, vestments, altar linens, furnishings, and other items used in worship.
4. Monitors inventories of liturgical supplies, including candles, hosts, wine, incense, and other consumable materials, coordinating replenishment as needed and in accordance with the approved budget.
5. Identifies maintenance, repair, and replacement needs involving liturgical furnishings, vessels, vestments, and equipment, making recommendations to the Director of Worship.
6. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in evaluating the effectiveness and appropriateness of the parish's liturgical environment and recommending improvements.

Audiovisual & Technology

1. Shares responsibility with the Director of Worship for preparing, reviewing, and maintaining audiovisual presentations, including hymn lyrics, prayers, responses, and other liturgical materials displayed during worship.
2. Coordinates with audiovisual ministers and other volunteers to ensure that presentations, sound systems, microphones, and related equipment are properly prepared and functioning for liturgical celebrations, providing technical assistance and coordinating solutions when difficulties arise.
3. Assists in maintaining and organizing digital liturgical resources, presentation files, templates, and other electronic materials used by the Office of Worship.
4. Monitors the condition and functionality of audiovisual equipment, identifying maintenance, repair, replacement, and technology needs, and coordinating with appropriate parish personnel to make recommendations to the Director of Worship.

Administration & Communication

1. Assists the Director of Worship in the daily administration and operation of the Office of Worship, exercising appropriate initiative and independent judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities, identifying operational needs, and recommending improvements to office procedures and workflows.
2. Maintains regular communication with the Director of Worship, clergy, parish staff, ministry coordinators, and volunteers, preparing and distributing correspondence, schedules, reports, and other information necessary for effective coordination of parish liturgical activities.
3. Assists in maintaining the Office of Worship calendar, coordinating liturgical schedules, rehearsals, meetings, and other activities with the parish's master calendar.
4. Assists in maintaining accurate and organized records, files, databases, and other documentation related to liturgical celebrations, music ministry, and parish worship activities.
5. Assists the Director of Worship in monitoring expenditures, maintaining financial records, and coordinating purchases in accordance with the approved budget and established parish procedures.
6. Coordinates with parish staff and appropriate departments regarding administrative arrangements, facilities scheduling, and logistical requirements necessary for liturgical celebrations and Office of Worship activities.
7. Participates in parish staff meetings, Office of Worship meetings, and other meetings as assigned, contributing to collaborative planning, special projects, and parish initiatives.

Associate for Worship as Educator

1. Collaborates with the Director of Worship in promoting an understanding and appreciation of Catholic liturgy, sacred music, and the Church's liturgical traditions through educational and formation opportunities that encourage the full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful.
2. Provides pastoral guidance and spiritual support to liturgical ministers, fostering a spirit of prayer, service, reverence, and collaboration in the exercise of their ministries.
3. Collaborates with the Director of Worship, clergy, Faith Formation, and other parish ministries to ensure that liturgical formation and pastoral initiatives reflect the cultural, linguistic, and spiritual needs of the parish community.
4. Maintains current knowledge of Catholic liturgical norms, diocesan policies, and developments in liturgy and sacred music through ongoing study, professional associations, diocesan programs, and continuing education opportunities, in consultation with the Director of Worship.
5. Cultivates personal spiritual growth and professional development appropriate to the responsibilities of a pastoral minister, modeling a commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

CATHOLIC FAITH

Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Catholic Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Catholic Church or the policies of the Diocese. Education & Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in Music, Liturgical Studies, Theology, Pastoral Ministry, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.
2. Demonstrated proficiency as an organist and/or pianist, including music reading, liturgical accompaniment, familiarity with Catholic sacred music repertoire, and experience collaborating with cantors, choirs, and instrumental ensembles.
3. Demonstrated experience in Catholic liturgical ministry, including knowledge of Catholic liturgical principles, rites, and norms; planning and coordinating parish liturgical celebrations; and working with ministry coordinators and volunteers in recruitment, training, scheduling, and ongoing support.
4. Ability to assist in preparing and coordinating liturgical celebrations in both English and Spanish, demonstrating sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic diversity of the parish community. Spanish-language proficiency is preferred but not required.

Administrative & Technical Skills

1. Strong organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, maintain accurate records, coordinate schedules, and meet established deadlines.
2. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and digital communication tools; working knowledge of Finale music notation software and graphic design applications such as Affinity and Canva, or the ability to develop proficiency in these applications; and familiarity with audiovisual equipment and systems used in worship.
3. Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and appropriate independence while working collaboratively under the direction of the Director of Worship.

Interpersonal & Pastoral Abilities

1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to recruit, encourage, guide, and support volunteers while fostering a collaborative and welcoming ministry environment.
2. Demonstrated pastoral sensitivity, discretion, and cultural awareness, particularly when working with diverse parish communities and assisting with funerals, weddings, and other significant liturgical celebrations.
3. Commitment to the mission, teachings, and liturgical traditions of the Catholic Church, with a willingness to pursue ongoing spiritual formation and professional development.

Employment Conditions & Physical Requirements

1. Employment Status: This is a full-time position, anticipated to be classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), subject to review and confirmation by parish and diocesan Human Resources.
2. Work Schedule: Requires a flexible schedule that includes weekdays, evenings, weekends, Holy Days, and other occasions necessary to fulfill the liturgical and pastoral responsibilities of the position.
3. Work Environment: Duties are performed primarily in parish offices, worship spaces, rehearsal areas, and other parish facilities. The position requires regular interaction with clergy, parish staff, volunteers, parishioners, and visitors.
4. Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to perform duties associated with organ and piano accompaniment, including extended periods of sitting, as well as standing, walking, and moving throughout parish facilities during liturgical celebrations and other activities.
5. Additional Physical Demands: May require occasional lifting, carrying, moving, and arranging liturgical supplies, music materials, furnishings, and equipment, consistent with the responsibilities of the position.
6. Reasonable Accommodations: The parish will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws and diocesan policies.

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