This month, we’ll be featuring two staff profiles for two of the Saint Benedict Parish staff members, so parishioners can get to know them a little better and get a better sense of what they do at the parish. Up next: Phil Marmen.

What’s your job at the parish?
PHIL: On paper, it’s ‘Staff Member Responsible for Music
Ministry’, but functionally I am the Director of Music.

What staff team are you on?
I am on the Worship and Sacraments Team! I think this works very well, given how closely tied music and the Liturgy are.

How long have you worked at Saint Benedict Parish?
I have held this role since the beginning of 2018.

What does your job entail? What’s a typical week look like for you?
I am responsible for all of the music that takes place in the parish. Thankfully, we have very gifted and capable people who are responsible for each ministry, so I support them in their roles. I am directly responsible for the music at the 9am Mass, so I coordinate schedules, choose music, and run rehearsals for that ministry. I also typically have a small pile of meetings! I meet with ministry leaders, musicians, event planners, priests, people from other parishes...

What did you do before you worked at Saint Benedict Parish?
When I took on this role I was finishing my Electrical Engineering degree, and since this role is part-time, I also work full-time as an Electronics Design engineer.

What do you like most about working at Saint Benedict Parish?
I love that we embrace change for the sake of building the Kingdom of God, and that our leaders foster clear communication and don’t shy away from healthy conflict. It’s so easy for our workplaces and communities to become toxic because of poor communication, so I value the honesty and clarity we encourage and support.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time working here?
The Triduum is always a favourite!

What do you like to do outside of work?
Most of all, I love to spend time with my beautiful wife and daughter (who is soon to be a big sister)! I also like to spend time with friends and family, play music, and do some hobby electronics things at home. Oh, and I have a thing for single malt Scotch.