Cantor

The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area.  Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Job Summary

The Cantor serves as a liturgical minister who leads the assembly in sung prayer during the celebration of the Mass and other liturgical services. Through reverent leadership, musical excellence, and a spirit of prayer, the Cantor fosters the full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful in the Church's worship. This ministry requires both musical proficiency and a commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church, recognizing that the cantor serves as a minister of prayer rather than a performer.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead congregational singing at weekend Masses, holy days of obligation, weddings, funerals, school liturgies, and other parish celebrations as assigned.
• Proclaim the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and other sung portions of the liturgy with clarity, reverence, and musical excellence.
• Collaborate with the Director of Music Ministry, clergy, accompanists, and other music ministers in preparing liturgies and selecting music that reflects the liturgical season, scriptural readings, and the norms of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Prepare all assigned music prior to each liturgy and attend scheduled rehearsals as required.
• Provide confident, prayerful leadership that encourages the active participation of the congregation in sung worship.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the sacred nature of the liturgy and serve as a visible witness to the Catholic faith through appropriate conduct and ministry.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the liturgical calendar, worship aids, and parish music repertoire.
• Participate in ongoing liturgical formation, vocal development, and professional growth opportunities as recommended by the parish or the Archdiocese.
• Support a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative environment among clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners.
• Perform other duties related to the parish music ministry as assigned by the Director of Music Ministry or Pastor.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience serving as a cantor, liturgical musician, or vocalist in a church setting preferred.
• Formal vocal training or music education is desirable but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong vocal ability with accurate pitch, clear diction, appropriate tone, and expressive interpretation suitable for Catholic liturgy.
• Ability to read music and learn new liturgical repertoire efficiently.
• Familiarity with Catholic liturgical music, hymnody, and the structure of the Mass.
• Understanding of the liturgical year and the principles governing sacred music within the Roman Catholic Church.
• Ability to confidently lead congregational singing both independently and in collaboration with accompanists or ensembles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners.
• Dependable, organized, and punctual with a commitment to fulfilling assigned liturgical responsibilities.
• Demonstrates professionalism, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
• A practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred and should support the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.  
 
Pre-Employment Screening 
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.