By joining our hearts with the beauty of sound, this ministry gives voice to our faith through the art of music. Music soothes, excites, challenges and unites us in ways in which words alone cannot. Through our hymns and acclamations, the singing of our choirs, and the sounds of our instruments, music enables us to touch the very mysteries of God as we unite together in prayer. Pastoral musicians serve the assembly by leading it in sung prayer, "by alternating or reinforcing the sacred song of the congregation, or by enhancing it with the addition of a musical elaboration." As musicians, we strive to achieve beautiful music. As pastoral musicians we strive to help people of different ages, race, gender, and class come together as one spiritual community through the music we play and sing.
Today is Born Our Savior from Midnight Mass on 12/25/2011
Music Roles at St Paul
Music Ministry may incorporate the combination of several musicians with distinct roles.
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Cantor: The cantor is the leader of song. Although the cantor may sing occasionally by him/herself, the cantor's primary role is to encourage the congregation to sing. The cantor must not only have a pleasing voice, but he or she must be confident and comfortable guiding the congregation with the hands and facial expression. Cantors rehearse with the accompanist one-on-one during the weeks when they are scheduled. Cantors must attend a cantor training session in order to be scheduled for the 2011-2012 school year. |
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Choir members: The singers in an ensemble do not perform for a passive audience; rather they are members of the assembly who lead people in prayer through their musical gifts. Although there are times when a choir might sing a selection alone, its primary role is to add energy to the worship of the entire congregation gathered by assisting through the harmonies and interpretation in their choral singing.
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Instrumentalists: The use of instruments such as violin, flute and guitar enhance the overall sound of music during the Liturgy. While people of various levels of ability are welcome to share their talents, a certain level of proficiency is necessary. Instrumentalists may meet one-on-one with the accompanist during the week. |
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Youth Choir
(reading age through 8th grade)
The goal of the Youth Choir is to teach young people the language of music and artistic expression within the context of a Catholic Christian community of faith, which includes active and regular participation in church liturgies. The Youth Choir sings on the first Sunday of the month during the school year at the 10:30 Mass. The Youth Choir also sings for additional Liturgies such as the Christmas Vigil Family Liturgy.
Next practices:
Saturday, May 5 from 2-3:30pm
Next Mass: Sunday, May 6 at 10:30am
“Youth Choir singing Dream a Dream by Lori True for the Christmas Eve Mass 2011”
10:30 Mass Choir
This choral ensemble is made up of high school and college students as well as adults. The Choir's mission is to serve the community of the 10:30 Liturgy through their musical leadership. The Choir facilitates the participation of the entire congregation with the use of traditional, contemporary and multicultural church music. The Choir gathers for rehearsal at 9:30am on Sunday mornings. They sing 3-4 times per month.
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St. Cecilia Schola
The St. Cecilia Schola, a small group of singers, serves the 9PM community the last Sunday of the month during the school year. Although the group offers music commonly found at other St. Paul liturgies, they also incorporate more Latin chant and other traditional repertoire highly valued by the Church. They rehearse immediately before mass at 8:00pm.
SPC2
(St. Paul Collegiate Choir) is an SATB group of singers primarily made up of students from Indiana University. The Choir's mission is to serve the community at the 5:30 Liturgy through their musical leadership. The Choir facilitates the participation of the entire congregation with the use of traditional, contemporary and multicultural church music.
Practices: Every Thursday during the academic year, 6:45-8:30pm
Special Events
Although making music for liturgy is primary, members of Music Ministry may be invited to participate in other concerts and projects. Past recording projects include "A Place to Call Home" produced in 1999 and "House of Prayer for All People" in 2003. St. Paul Catholic Center has also presented Marty Haugen's Agape in concert. "Many Faces, Many Languages", presented in April of 2005, featured the talents of IU music students who participate in St. Paul Music Ministry. Other concerts performed were "Music for a While" (2008) & "…How Sweet the Sound" (2010). Check back here for more information on upcoming events.
