Church Organist

Job Description

Job Description

Holy Cross Catholic Church in Garrett Park, MD is searching for a talented, dynamic, and accomplished professional for the position of organist.

Working under the supervision of the Director of Music and Pastor, the organist accompanist provides liturgical music at Holy Cross Catholic Church Masses, performing the organ accompaniment for the Traditional Choir, Cantor, instrumental Soloists, and the general Parish Community.

The goal of music at Holy Cross Catholic Church is to encourage a prayerful singing assembly, which joins in the liturgy expressing the Gospel message through sacred music.

This position is part-time, paid by service.

Compensation commensurate with experience and qualification

• Approximately $20,000- $32,000 3 calls -one choir rehearsal + 2 Masses on Sunday at 9:30 am (Sept.-June with choir) and 12 pm (year round with cantor) and feast days throughout the year.
• Special compensation for Christmas, Holy Week and Easter.
• 2 paid Sunday vacation in the first year and 4 paid Sundays per year vacation a year after completion of a probationary period of 90 days.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance in piano and or/organ or comparable work experience in organ performance.
• Strong professional level technical competence playing the organ.
• Strong sight-reading skills.
• 2 years of experience as a church musician is desirable providing organ accompaniment for cantors, soloists, a choir and parishioners.
• Possessing a working knowledge of music in the Catholic Liturgical tradition is a plus.
• Must possess the ability to work well and collaboratively with others, both staff and congregation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities:

• Must be available to play on Sundays the 9:30 am & 12 pm, making arrangements in advance if an absence is expected (except Christmas, Easter, Holy Week). Arrive at least 45 minutes before the 9:30 am Mass begins to rehearse with Cantor / Choir.
• Our Traditional Choir rehearses on Thursdays from 7-8:45 pm. (September-June)
• Play all vocal parts for the choir during rehearsals.
• Should be willing to practice sufficiently to maintain the highest professional standards in performance of the music respecting the written tempos indicated and always being prepared.
• Provide additional support for weddings, funerals, and other liturgical services and events as required. Additional compensation will be provided for all weddings and funeral services.
• 6-10 minutes prelude and a short postlude.
• Other duties as assigned.

Repertoire:

• Typically, four, five congregational hymns per Mass, a responsorial psalm, regular mass parts, one traditional anthem with choir or soloist, a 6-10 minute prelude and a short postlude.
• The Mass usually lasts 50-60 minutes.

To be considered for the position, please click the Apply button and submit your resume along with a cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications, and optional recordings or videos demonstrating your organ performance skills

Starting date September 6, 2026 .

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We look forward to welcoming a talented organist who shares our passion for music and worship.

Position remains open until filled.