Parish Organist (Job Ref: 839-WHITT)

£35 per hour| Permanent | Part-time 2 hours | Whitton, TW3 | Closing date 12pm 13th February | Interview date to be confirmed

WHITTON Parish Organist Job Description

Diocese of Westminster Rewards and Benefits Summary 2025

Bring your musical talent to life and inspire our parish community—join us as our Parish Organist and make every service a celebration of faith and harmony!

Key responsibilities

  • Work collaboratively with the Parish Priest to plan and coordinate music for Church services.
  • Play the organ at the 11:30 am Sunday Mass, as well as Christmas, Holy Week, and other significant liturgical celebrations.
  • Lead and support the choir in the sung liturgy.
  • Monitor and report on the tuning and maintenance needs of musical instruments in the Church.
  • Arrange for suitable substitutes in case of absence.
  • Maintain a high standard of music within the parish.

Additional Opportunities

The Parish Organist will have the right of first refusal to play the organ at weddings, funerals, and other special services. (Fees for these services are arranged separately with families and couples and are not provided by the Church.)

This means there’s lots to get involved in – and to be excited about.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a talented and dedicated Parish Organist to lead and accompany music at liturgical services who also embodies our diocesan values of Competence, Reliability, Honesty, Perseverance, and Love. The successful candidate will assume full responsibility for the voluntary choir and accompany both the choir and congregation proficiently on the organ.Essential

  • Ability to effectively lead and motivate a choir.
  • Ability to work independently, using initiative.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to sing and lead congregational singing.
  • Knowledge and experience of Roman Catholic liturgical and musical practices.
  • Ability to select and plan appropriate music for the seasons and feasts of the Church’s year.

Desirable

  • Knowledge and appreciation of Catholic liturgy and liturgical music.
  • Ability to work methodically and consistently.
  • Professional experience playing the organ in a Church setting.

Experience working in a faith-based or charitable setting is welcome but not essential.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

What we offer you

In return for your hard work and commitment to us, you will receive a competitive reward package which will include, but is not limited to:

✔23 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

✔Vouchers for free eye tests and £50 towards the cost of glasses

✔Reward Gateway scheme offering discounts on a wide range of products and services

✔Pension scheme for eligible employees – 5% paid by the employer

✔Salary exchange (salary sacrifice) for pension

✔Cycle to work scheme

✔Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

✔Employee Assistance Programme

✔Life assurance/ Death in Service benefit

Who we are

We are the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster, a faith-driven charity rooted in service, tradition, and community.

At the core of our mission is a commitment to faith, education, and social justice. Guided by Archbishop-elect Richard, we serve over 90,000 students across 208 schools, support 212 vibrant parishes, and drive countless social initiatives that bring hope and compassion to those in need. Our work extends beyond the Church walls, positively shaping communities and transforming lives.

We uphold the values of Competence, Reliability, Honesty, Perseverance, and Love—principles that define our mission and shape the way we serve. As we grow our team, we seek individuals who not only possess the skills for the role but also embody these values in their daily work.

If you are looking for a role where your talents, faith, and commitment to service can make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

Diversity & Inclusion at the Diocese of Westminster and place it at the heart of our aim which is to reflect and connect with the diverse communities that we serve.