Our Music Ministries

There are a variety of ways to share your gift of music in the parish. Paramount, of course, is participating fully in your role as a member of the assembly of God's people by joining in the singing at Mass. If you have a gift for singing or playing an instrument that you would like to share in a special way there are many opportunities to do so and we need your gift.

Unless otherwise indicated, for more information contact please Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy and Music, Robert McCaffery-Lent, 253-272-5136 at ext. 112.

The 10:30 Choir

The 10:30 Choir leads the assembly in song at the 10:30 Sunday Liturgy. Choir members are high school age and older and commit for a full year of service or one quarter at a time. The choir rehearses Thursday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. September through Pentecost. The warm-up rehearsal is 10 a.m. Sunday mornings. The time commitment consists of regular Thursday night rehearsals, Sunday Liturgy, Christmas Eve 10 p.m. Mass, Holy Thursday 7 p.m. Mass, Good Friday Liturgy at 4:30 p.m., Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night and Easter morning at 10:30 a.m. There are also very occasional Saturday rehearsals and a Fall and Spring Retreat. Formal vocal training and sight-reading are helpful but certainly not required. What is required is an openness to learning these musical and vocal skills as a member of the group and a desire to be a part of a small faith community, sharing and deepening their faith through music ministry.

Psalmists

Psalmists: proclaim the word of God by singing the psalms at Liturgy. They also serve as song leaders and soloists for other music in the liturgy and can be available to serve as song leaders for weddings. They have an hour-long private rehearsal with the music director the week they are scheduled to serve. This rehearsal is a combination of a voice lesson and a rehearsal of the music for that Sunday. These are the singers who have excellent sight reading skills and the most beautiful voices in the community. Formal vocal training is recommended but not required. Psalmists will receive some of this formal training as part of their monthly rehearsal and are expected to work regularly at their craft by taking voice lessons, attending an occasional cantor workshop/training and studying the psalms as sung prayer. This ministry requires an audition and is open to all people of high school age or older.

Cantors

Cantors: Similar to the psalmist except they do not sing the psalm. Serve as song leaders at liturgy and soloists for other music in the liturgy NOT sung by the psalmist and can be available to serve as song leaders for weddings. This ministry is for those with pleasing voices and adequate sight reading skills. This ministry requires an audition and is open to all people of high school age or older who are regular members of the choir.

Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists are musicians who play strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, guitars, piano and other instruments who help accompany singing and provide special music at Christmas Eve 10 p.m. Mass and Easter Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass and at other special liturgies or events. The orchestra is open to all players who can play and read music reasonably well. Students that play in ensembles in school, adults who maintain an instrument as a hobby (or play professionally!) are welcome. Players should have at least two years of significant experience learning their instrument.

St. Leo Orchestra

The St. Leo Orchestra are musicians who play strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, guitars, piano and other instruments who help accompany singing and provide special music at Christmas Eve 10 p.m. Mass and Easter Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass and at other special liturgies or events. The orchestra is open to all players who can play and read music reasonably well. Students that play in ensembles in school, adults who maintain an instrument as a hobby (or play professionally!) are welcome. Players should have at least two years of significant experience learning their instrument.

Youth Music Ensemble

Youth Music Ensemble: We lead the music at the monthly Youth Ministry Liturgies from November through May. Singers and instrumentalists who wish to learn how to lead the prayer of the community through music are welcome. Rehearsal schedule to be determined once the group forms.

Children’s/Family Choir and Orchestra

Children’s/Family Choir and Orchestra: Sings and plays on Christmas Eve at the 5 PM liturgy and at the First Eucharist Liturgy in May. Rehearsals for Christmas take place Thursdays after school from 4:15-5:45 in December and after Easter for First Eucharist. Children of all ages are welcome and children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent. Instrumentalists need to have two years experience on their instrument and be willing to practice at home.

Children’s Liturgy Of The Word Musicians

Children’s Liturgy Of The Word Musicians: Cantors: Lead the singing of the psalm and any other music during the Children’s Liturgy of the Word on Sunday mornings. This role requires decent sight reading ability, a good singing voice and the skills to engage the children by teaching them the music and then leading their singing. Instrumentalists: Help lead the singing of the children by accompanying on instruments such as guitar, piano, flute etc. For more information about children’s liturgy of the word musicians, contact Kelly Hogarty 756-9400.