Vocalist

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 Staff Vocalist serves as a member of the parish’s Traditional Choir, providing skilled vocal support and musical leadership for Masses and other liturgical celebrations. The Staff Vocalist works closely with the Director of Music, choir members, clergy, instrumentalists, and parish staff to support prayerful, reverent, and musically excellent worship.

Job Responsibilities

Liturgical Music

• Sing assigned vocal parts accurately and confidently during Masses and other liturgical celebrations.
• Participate in scheduled weekend Masses, rehearsals, Holy Days, seasonal liturgies, and other services as assigned.
• Perform sacred music appropriate to the Catholic liturgy and the parish’s traditional choral repertoire.
• Provide strong, clear, and blended vocal support for the choir and congregation.
• Serve as a cantor, soloist, or section leader when assigned.
• Maintain a reverent and prayerful presence during all liturgical celebrations.

Rehearsal and Preparation

• Attend scheduled choir rehearsals and arrive prepared and on time.
• Learn assigned music and vocal parts independently as needed.
• Prepare music in advance of rehearsals and liturgical services.
• Work with the Director of Music on vocal blend, diction, phrasing, dynamics, intonation, and interpretation.
• Respond appropriately to the direction and musical leadership of the Director of Music.

Musical and Vocal Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong pitch, rhythm, tone quality, diction, breath control, and musicality.
• Blend effectively with the ensemble while maintaining appropriate vocal presence.
• Support other members of the choir in learning and performing assigned music.
• Demonstrate flexibility in performing a variety of traditional sacred choral repertoire.
• Maintain appropriate vocal health and professional standards of performance.

Professional and Parish Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively and respectfully with clergy, parish staff, musicians, volunteers, and choir members.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, punctuality, and preparedness.
• Follow parish and diocesan policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding parish, personnel, and ministry matters.
• Dress and conduct oneself appropriately for the sacred nature of Catholic worship.
• Support the mission, values, traditions, and liturgical practices of the Catholic Church.

Job Requirements

• Demonstrated vocal and choral experience required.
• Ability to read music and learn assigned vocal parts.
• Strong vocal technique, pitch accuracy, rhythm, and ensemble skills.
• Experience with traditional choral or sacred music preferred.
• Experience singing in a Catholic church choir, professional ensemble, collegiate choir, or similar organization preferred.
• Experience as a cantor or soloist is beneficial.
• Formal musical training or a degree in music is preferred but may not be required depending on experience.
• Practicing Catholic preferred, with respect for the teachings, traditions, and liturgical practices of the Catholic Church.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Dependable, organized, flexible, and committed to musical excellence.

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.