Diocese of Des Moines
Job Description
Job Title: Director of Worship
Department: Bishop’s Office
Reports To: Bishop
FLSA Status: Exempt
Prepared Date: April 2015
Summary
The Director of Worship for the Diocese of Des Moines is a primary resource to the Bishop and the Diocese for the ongoing renewal of the liturgical life and formation of the Church. The Office for Worship is a primary collaborator with the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Catechesis; the Director of Worship works in partnership with the other diocesan departments for projects, planning and resources. The Director of Worship manages and directs diocesan worship activities; provides consultation and resources related to worship; and also develops and administers programs of liturgical formation consistent with diocesan policies, goals and guidelines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Plans, prepares and oversees the diocesan liturgies for ordinations, Chrism Mass, Rite of Election and other special occasion liturgies; participates in planning of special Cathedral liturgies (e.g., Christmas, Holy Week, and other special events) at which the Bishop presides, participates in planning of ecumenical and interreligious liturgies.
· Provides support to priests and deacons and consults with parish committees and staffs on liturgical matters such as rites and sacraments, liturgical ministries, worship environment and music.
· Assists parishes to support and provide for the initial and on-going formation of liturgy committees.
· Develops liturgical programs as required.
· Serves as lead collaborator with the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis, promotes the full implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) by parishes and serves as a resource to clergy and parish leaders in individual cases.
· Provides regular formation and resources for RCIA coordinators and catechists; provides catechesis to parish and schools leaders (pastors, directors of religious education, directors of worship, principals, and teachers) and parents so that children and adults alike gain an appreciation of the liturgy.
· Works with parish catechetical leaders, liturgists and musicians to involve the confirmandi in their confirmation liturgical preparation in order to develop full, conscious and active participation in liturgy.
· In collaboration with other offices, assists parishes to apply the Baptismal Catechumenate as the guiding vision and inspiration for all faith formation processes of the parish.
· Plans and presents workshops on liturgical matters; assists other offices and groups in planning liturgies and prayer; develops prayer services for employees.
· Receives policies and directives from Rome and United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB); assists the Bishop with communication and implementation of these policies and directives.
· Serves as staff member on the Diocesan Building Commission. Serves as parishes’ first point of contact in church design and renovation projects; facilitates the liturgical design process.
· Participates in Pastoral Service Forum meetings.
· Plans and monitors annual operating budget; prepares and maintains office files and records.
· Evaluates the need and function of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.
· Participates in pastoral and diocesan projects and conferences.
· Participates in national and regional activities of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC).
· Assists the Bishop with short and long-term liturgical planning activities and consults with parish liturgy coordinators regarding same.
· Assumes any other task or responsibility as delegated by the Bishop.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Shares task supervision of one support staff employee. Responsibilities include interviewing, training employees; planning and assigning work; providing feedback on performance.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Master's degree (M. A.) in liturgical studies or theology and some years pastoral experience preferred.
Other Qualifications
Knowledge of Roman Catholic doctrine, Church law, and religious and liturgical programs and services that would be acquired through some time in related experience.
A solid understanding of liturgical music as articulated currently in Sing to the Lord and Sacrosanctum Concilium. A solid understanding of worship space design principles as articulated currently in Built of Living Stones and Sacrosanctum Concilium, for both new construction and renovation. Travel is required to various locations throughout the diocese. Occasional in-state/out-of-state travel may also be required. Must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle and to meet agency auto insurance coverage requirements.
Other Skills and Abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills.
Good analytical and record keeping skills. Supervisory skills including planning, organizing, directing and monitoring work assignments. Demonstrated ability to produce results with previous assignments. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of people having diverse social concerns, values and needs. Experience working in collaborative team efforts.
Computer Skills
Proficient computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office software applications including Word, Outlook and Publisher. Working knowledge of the technological skills and tools available for effective communication and completion of work assignments.