Music Ministry Fellowship
The Music Ministry Fellowship is designed for Loyola Marymount University undergraduate students who have a passion for music and are interested in exploring a future in church ministry. Participants will be awarded between $1,200–$2,000 in fellowship funds and gain hands-on experience through placement at a local parish. Fellows will develop their music ministry skills and discern how their musical gifts can become a vocation in service to faith communities.
Who Should Participate
LMU undergrads with a background or interest in music, liturgy, leadership, and/or church ministry.
Program Outcomes
The goal of this program is to form students to better serve their own faith communities as effective musicians and pastoral leaders. Music Ministry Fellows will:
- Explore their ministry calling through a discernment retreat.
- Attend two sessions of John Flaherty’s Pastoral Music course and learn about the rich theological tradition of Catholic worship.
- Receive one-on-one mentorship from a designated parish leader
- Participate in music ministry (ex: leading music, accompanying Mass, conducting, songwriting, arranging, liturgy planning, etc.).
- Build relationships with parish communities and discover pathways toward future ministry, leadership, and vocation.
Program Requirements
- Complete 4 hours/week (16 hours/month) of fellowship participation at designated parish
- Attend all required fellowship events (see below)
- Participate in music ministry at assigned parish (as determined by mentor)
- Maintain weekly check-in times with mentor
- Submit weekly online journal entries reflecting on parish experience
- Complete cumulative capstone project (as determined by mentor)
Application Process
All applicants will be interviewed by Campus Ministry. Five fellows will be chosen.
General Information
For any questions about the fellowship, please contact [insert primary contact here].
Apply Here
Program Details
Application Period: September 1–15, 2026
Program Duration: October 2026–April 2027
FELLOWSHIP TIMELINE (all events are mandatory):
October 10–11, 2026 – Discernment Retreat
Fall 2026 (Dates TBD) – Post-Discernment Retreat Check-In's (x2)
October 17, November 7, 2026 – Pastoral Music Classes
January 2027 (Date TBD) – Orientation Day
January–April 2027 – Parish Placement
April 17, 2027 – Wrap-Up Retreat
Faculty & Staff
John Flaherty – Pastoral Music Instructor and Lecturer
Chris de Silva, D.Min. – Associate Director of Campus Ministry
Diana Hadjiyane – Campus Minister for Retreats
Linda Nguyen – Interim Director, Campus Ministry