Jim Mendralla is the Director of Music and Liturgy, and principal organist. He has served in this position since January 2008. Jim comes to Dubuque from the suburbs of Chicago where he served in three unique parish positions for twenty two years. Jim received his undergraduate degree in church music and organ from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and his masters from Saint Joseph College in Rensselaer, Indiana with concentrations in organ, choral conducting and liturgy. Jim began the study of the harp in 1994 at the age of twenty six. In addition to his responsibilities at the Cathedral, he is active as a freelance solo harpist and chamber musician providing elegant music for religious, private and corporate functions.