Head Sacristan Vacancy at Knock Shrine

Knock Shrine, Ireland’s International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine, is inviting applications for the role of Head Sacristan.  This full-time post presents an exciting opportunity for someone with a keen interest in the liturgy and ritual of the Catholic Church, to work in this special place of welcome, sanctuary and sacredness for over 1 million pilgrims each year.

The Head Sacristan will lead, manage and develop the team of Sacristans at Knock Shrine.  Integrity, honesty and a good rapport with clergy, lay staff, volunteers, parishioners as well as pilgrims and visitors are of great importance.  It is essential to have an understanding of, and an enthusiasm for, Knock Shrine’s ethos and overall mission.  The Head Sacristan will be responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of designated Church facilities at the Shrine.

The role is a permanent position, and candidates will be required to work a minimum of 35 hours per week.  Additionally, candidates must be willing to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and major Church holidays including Easter and Christmas.  Due to safeguarding requirements, the successful candidate will be Garda Vetted for the role before commencement of employment.

View the full job specification here

To apply please email your Cover Letter and C.V. to hrdepartment@knockshrine.ie.

The closing date for receipt of applications for this position is close of business on Friday 13^th December 2024.

The Vacancy:

Assistant Director of Music at Knock Shrine

Knock Shrine, Ireland’s International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine, is inviting applications for the role of Assistant Director of Music.

The Role:

The role of sacred music is integral to the Shrine’s daily liturgies. With Knock Shrine’s growth as a national and international pilgrimage site, it now seeks to expand its thriving music department. The successful candidate will demonstrate a high standard of musicianship, organ, cantor and choir directing skills, to provide the highest standard in sacred liturgical music.

Duties will include:

• Organist and cantor at daily scheduled Shrine liturgies.
• Weekend and evening parish and shrine liturgies.
• Liaising with choirs who visit Knock Shrine, either on annual pilgrimage or as international visitors to the Shrine, providing an oversight consultative function to select appropriate liturgical music for choirs’ pilgrimage to the Shrine.
• Working with existing Shrine choirs, both adult and youth, as accompanist and in rehearsal, as necessary.
• Working in close collaboration with the Director of Music on larger projects throughout the liturgical year, e.g. Carol Services, concerts, televised broadcasts.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a Bachelor of Music (or higher) or demonstrate equivalent experience.
• Have experience of music ministry with a strong background in Eucharist-centred liturgy.
• Have excellent organ /piano skills.
• Have excellent cantor skills and the ability to lead the congregation in sung liturgy.
• Have strong vocal pedagogy skills as pertains to working with choirs and solo vocal development.
• Demonstrate skill and knowledge of the planning, delivery and appropriate repertoire of liturgical music.
• Have strong interpersonal and leadership skills with an ability to connect and work collaboratively with staff and visiting choirs / choir directors / musicians.
• Demonstrate a high level of understanding of and commitment to the ethos and values underpinning the mission and ministry of Knock Shrine.
• Have a good work ethic and ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Be punctual, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Be competent in the use of IT software, including Microsoft Word and Excel

The role is a permanent position, and candidates must be willing to work up to 35 hours per week.  Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and major Church holidays including Easter and Christmas.  Additionally, successful candidates will be Garda Vetted for the role before commencement of employment.

To apply please email your Cover Letter and C.V. to hrdepartment@knockshrine.ie.

The closing date for receipt of applications for this position is close of business on Friday December 6th  2024