Stewardship

Music Ministry

MUSIC NOTES

What melodious voices the parishioners of St. Joseph Church have to offer to the Lord! As our organized ensembles took time to relax over the summer, we were thus gifted with wonderfully spirited and resonantly sacred congregational singing! The people of the pews truly rose to the occasion over the last three months to compensate for a much deserved break for our regular choirs. It is now blatantly evident that there is an abundance of talent within the St. Joseph community that has yet to be reigned in as a stewardship offering. Contributing to the liturgy in a musical way certainly does not require any experience, just heart. So, as the hymn says, “All are Welcome.”

For the novice singer, we will give you all of the information and training you need to be successful. It is not necessary for anyone to sing alone or to audition for our groups and we also have plenty of room for more instrumentalists. Consider this a grand open invitation to join our growing ministry. Remember – singing is praying twice!

Here are descriptions of the different options (feel free to participate in more than one!):

Spirit in Song

This group is a MEGA-FUN combo of St. Joseph School and PREP kids! Rehearsals are the 2^nd and 3^rd Sunday of every month at 11:00 am in the church. Spirit in Song will sing at the 12:00 pm Mass the 3^rd Sunday of every month. (Except December –they will sing at the 4:00 pm on Christmas Eve.)

Contemporary Group

This modern-style ensemble is now open to all ages and invites everyone to share contemporary praise and worship songs. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 8:00pm to 9:15pm in the church sanctuary.

St. Joseph Choir

This multi-generational choir focuses on learning intricate liturgical choral meditations in three and four part harmony, as well as clear and precise unisons. They embrace the beauty of ensemble singing at its core through intensely focused, yet light-hearted and inspirational rehearsals. “Choir” meets Thursdays from 7pm to 8:15pm in the church sanctuary.

The Cantors

We are blessed with several dedicated and courageous song leaders and we would certainly love to have more players on the team! If you would like to become a cantor, please understand that this is the only area of the ministry that will require solo singing. However, gentle training will be provided and you will only begin to cantor when, and if, you feel ready. Individual and group practices are available at pre-arranged scheduled times.

NOTE:

It is not necessary to be present at all rehearsals or Masses in order to be a member. With busy personal schedules and demanding commitments, this supportive ministry must be flexible and stress-free. In addition to the weekly rehearsals, each group also prepares immediately preceding the given weekend Mass for which they are responsible. This allows time for review from the mid-week rehearsal and catch-up for those who were unable to attend it. The ministry schedule is created two to three months at a time so that everyone has advance notice.

This year, each ensemble will rotate between the 5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, the Sunday 10am Mass, and the Sunday 12pm Mass. There will only be one ensemble required on any given weekend (except for special holidays and occasions). So, if you participate in more than one, you do not have to worry about coordinating multiple schedules. There will also be one weekend per month when the ensembles are not required.

Cantors submit their calendar conflicts and are assigned to the schedule according to their own availability.

For more information, please contact St. Joseph Church Music Director, Karen Chorney, by phone at (610) 789-2854 or by email at karenrose313@gmail.com . Please feel free to attend anytime and try us out – no commitment necessary. We hope to see you soon!!!!!