Music Ministry
Ministry Contact:
Kim Allen (812-952-2853)
The Bible is filled with numerous exhortations to God’s people to sing and make music to the Lord. Psalm 95 invites us “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation. Let us greet him with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him.” Psalm 150 implores us “Praise the Lord in his sanctuary praise him with a blast of the trumpet, praise him with lyre and harp, praise him with timbrel and dance, praise him with strings and pipe, praise him with clanging cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” These beautiful, ancient hymns of praise, along with many other scripture passages, encourage us to wholeheartedly worship the Lord with our music, especially when we gather together for Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
Mission and Purpose
St. Marys music ministry is dedicated to elevating the assembly’s worship experience through music. We desire to praise the Lord with all our hearts, strive earnestly to use and develop the musical gifts God has given us, and encourage the faithful to participate fully in giving praise and glory to God through our sung praises.
Music Ministry Opportunities
St. Marys offers several music ministry opportunities to its parishioners, both to those who are trained musicians and wish to utilize their talents, as well as to those who simply have a passion for music and would like to be involved. While we are unable to offer choral or group singing at this time due to archdiocesan guidelines, there are a number of other ways you may serve at St. Mary through music.
Cantors
Our cantors are dedicated music ministers who have a love for sacred music and who perform the important task of encouraging the faithful in its singing role during Mass. The principal duties of the cantor are:
· proclaim the Word of God in song (specifically the Responsorial Psalm and the Gospel Acclamation)
· support the congregation in its singing role, as well as provide verbal directions and non-verbal cues for all sung music
· help introduce new music and Mass settings to the assembly
If you are interested in becoming a cantor, please contact Kim Allen for more information. Training will be provided, and ongoing support is available.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Total number of Cantors: |
15 |
16 |
9 |
Adult Choir
While this ministry is not currently available, we eagerly look forward to the day when the St. Mary Adult Choir will again gather together to rehearse music for our weekend liturgies. The primary role of the St. Mary Adult Choir is to join our voices with those in the assembly to give exultant praise to God through our melodies, harmonies, and instruments, lending support to the singing of hymns and the sung parts of the liturgy. Vocalists of all skill levels (high school age and over) who are able to commit to weekly rehearsals are warmly invited to participate, and we are always excited to welcome new members. Auditions are not required. If you are interested in participating in the Adult Choir, please contact Kim Allen for more information.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Adult Choir Members: |
14 |
18 |
14 |
Accompanists
St. Mary's Music Ministry offers opportunities to those who are skilled in the art of instrumental accompanying. Instrumentalists, such as organists, pianists, guitarists, and perhaps others, are needed to accompany cantor, choir, and congregation during the celebration of Mass and other liturgies.This ministry role is for skilled accompanists, and an informal audition is required. If you are interested in becoming an accompanist, please contact Kim Allen.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Accompanists: |
4 |
6 |
6 |
Supporting Instrumentalists
St. Mary Music Ministry offers intermittent opportunities to instrumentalists who are willing to utilize their skills on a periodic basis. The Supporting Instrumentalist (usually someone who plays flute, trumpet, saxophone, drums, violin, and others) would typically be invited to play at specific liturgical celebrations or during specific liturgical seasons (such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter) to enhance our worship experience. An informal audition is required. If you are interested in becoming a Supporting Instrumentalist, please contact Kim Allen.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Instrumentalist: |
4 |
3 |
5 |
Children's Choir
While this ministry is not currently available, we eagerly anticipate getting this group of children (and their angelic voices) together again to prepare music for our weekend liturgies. We strive to instill in our young musicians an attitude of prayer and service, encouraging them to use their gifts and talents for the greater good of our community and for the glory of God. The Children’s Choir is open to children in Grades 3 through 8, who are able to commit to weekly rehearsals. We warmly invite all who are interested to come and check it out. Auditions are not required. Please contact Kim Allen for more information.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Children's Choir: |
9 |
9 |
9 |
Sound System Tech
St. Mary Music Ministry has a new opportunity for those who have an interest or talent in the area of audio technology. The sound system tech ensures the integrity of the audio acoustics in the church during our weekend Masses by running the sound system’s remote access iPad. A good “ear” for appropriate volume, balanced sound, and background noise, as well as an aptitude in using this technology are needed. If you may be interested in this opportunity, please contact Kim Allen. Training will be provided.
Want to learn more about the history of St. Mary's Music Ministry?
Click here!