Liturgical Music
“Music does what words alone cannot do. It is capable of expressing a dimension of meaning and feeling that words alone cannot convey.” - Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, no. 124
What We Do
Musicians elevate the worship through the expression of creative beauty in music; support the singing of the primary choir, the congregation.
Through the gifts of their skill and talent, liturgical musicians both elevate the worship of the faithful with beautiful music and support the singing of the primary choir, the congregation. Music ministers serve at weekend masses and at special holy day liturgies. Read below for specific opportunities for music ministers to serve at St. Patrick’s.
Opportunities to Serve as a Music Minister at the Church of St. Patrick
Cantor
Cantors sing the responsorial psalm and lead the hymns at weekend mass. They support the singing of the congregation with artful, competent singing. Cantors are responsible for preparing ahead of time the liturgical music for a given liturgical celebration. The Director of Liturgy and Music is available to assist cantors in preparing the music for any masses they are scheduled for.
Adult Choir
The choir leads music for 2-3 Sunday masses per month during the academic year, and leads music for many holy days throughout the liturgical year. The choral repertoire is varied and reflects the skill level of the group. Men and women in high school and beyond are invited to sing in the choir. Singers of all skill levels are welcome. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00pm.
Children’s Choir
The Children’s Choir sings once a month at the Sunday 10:30am mass during the academic year. Children in grades 1-5 are invited to sing in the choir. Rehearsals are Sundays from 11:30-12:15pm.
Youth Mass Ensemble
The Youth Mass Ensemble leads music at monthly youth masses during the academic year. Youth in middle and high school who sing or play an instrument are invited to be part of this ensemble. Rehearsals are scheduled according to the availability of the musicians prior to the scheduled mass.
Men of Note
The Men of Note is a four-member ensemble that leads music at a weekend liturgy about every six weeks. Membership in this TTBB ensemble is by invitation only.
Voices of Praise
The Voices of Praise is a four-member ensemble that leads music at a weekend liturgy about every six weeks. Membership in this SATB ensemble is by invitation only.
Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir is an 11-member ensemble that leads music with a 3-octave set of Schulmerich handbells once every months at weekend Masses and some holy days. The Handbell Choir plays a challenging repertoire ranging from hymn-based anthems to contemporary compositions. Members may be men and women in high school and beyond. Musical experience, either as a vocalist or instrumentalist, is highly preferred. Those interested in playing in the Handbell Choir will be added to the substitute list if an opening is not immediately available. Rehearsals are Mondays from 7:00-8:30pm.
Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists are invited to play at whichever weekend mass they normally attend. Masses are Saturdays at 5pm and Sundays at 8:00 and 10:30am. Individuals with at least five years of experience on an instrument are invited to play regularly at weekend mass. High school and adult musicians are encouraged to join!
Resurrection Choir
The Resurrection Choir leads music for funeral masses. Men and women are invited to participate. Individuals desiring to sing in the Resurrection Choir will be notified as to the date and time of the funeral. Rehearsals are ½ hour prior to the start of the scheduled funeral.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in serving with Liturgical Music, please contact the parish office.