Music Ministries
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Another very important aspect of parish life is our liturgical music program. Liturgical music expresses in song the theology of the Church.
At Sacred Hearts Parish, we pride ourselves on choosing and performing a variety of liturgical music pieces which reflect both traditional and contemporary genres. Here you will find a variety of liturgical music opportunities for you to become involved in:
Cantor
A cantor should have a pleasant singing voice, be willing to help lead the singing and to sing some Mass music alone, and be able to learn new music and assist the assembly in learning new music as needed.
A cantor stands at the lectern to lead the singing at Mass. Cantors usually serve about once a month, or as your personal schedule allows. Occasionally cantor practices are held, and attendance is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. Assistance in learning music can be provided as needed.
Contact Naomi Matthees via email or at 608 837-2488
Choir Member (see various choirs)
Sacred Hearts has five choirs: Adult Choir, Folk Choir, Grace Notes (Children's Choir), Resurrection Choir, and a Handbell Choir. Those who wish to join a choir should have reasonably pleasant voices (not as crucial for Handbell Choir members), be able to take direction, be able to attend rehearsals and scheduled liturgies regularly and believe in teamwork!
Adult Choir
The adult choir helps lead the singing at the 9am Mass about 3-4 times a month and other special occasions (Christmas, Holy Week, Confirmation, etc) and provides special music to enhance the liturgy.- The ability to read music and/or previous choir experience is helpful, but not necessary.
- Repertoire: a variety, including traditional and contemporary; mostly 3-part or 4-part music.
- Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 pm.
- Adults and teens (9th grade and above) are welcome to join
Folk Choir
The Folk Choir is a family-friendly group which helps to lead the singing either during the 5pm or 11am Masses, a couple of times a month, plus on special occasions.- No prior musical experience required - only a joyful heart and the desire to serve the parish in this capactiy.
- Repertoire: mostly music in the contemporary/folk style.
- Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7:30 to 8:45 pm from September thru May/June.
- Adults and youth (7th grade and above) are welcome to join
Grace Notes (Children's Choir)
The goal of the Children's choir is to teach young people various types of the Church's music, teach them to work as a musical group, and train them for leadership roles in parish music ministry.- Sings at 9 am Mass about once a month (usually the 3rd Sunday) from September - May as well as the 4pm Children's Mass on Christmas.
- Repertoire: Traditional and contemporary (Songs range from Gregorian Chant to Christian pop)
- Rehearsals: Wednesday afternoons 3:00-4:30pm from September through May.
- Age: Youth in grades 3rd through 8th
Resurrection Choir
This is a special choir for funeral Masses. Some participants are from the adult choir, but membership is generally those who can be available during the various times funeral Masses may be held.- Members must be available during the day, when most funerals take place
- Practice is held about 30 minutes before the funeral liturgy begins.
Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir plays at Mass one or two weekends per month (Mass times vary), and on other special occasions (including Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day Mass at parish cemetery). The bell choir helps enhance the liturgy with beautiful music.- Potential members must be able to read music (either-treble or bass clef or both) and keep time.
- Members should be able to attend rehearsals and Masses regularly. (This is particularly important in a Handbell group, since each member is responsible for playing certain bells.)
- Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 6-7 pm
If you play an instrument (trumpet, flute, violin, etc.) to the extent that you have moderate performance ability, please let us know – we may have music for you to play to enhance our Mass with music!
Instrumentalist
If you are an accomplished pianist or organist, we would be happy to include you in our schedule of accompanists to play for Masses and other events.
- Instrumentalists play as needed and as available for various times throughout the year.
- Instrumentalists should have the ability to play an instrument well enough to play an instrumental part or accompaniment.
Liturgy & Music
Of central importance in our worship of the Triune God is the liturgy. Through the Liturgy, we are united as the Body of Christ and, together as faith believers, we manifest the presence of Christ in what we do. We are all called to active participation in the Liturgy - through what we hear, what we say, what we sing and what we believe! Did you know that the word Liturgy encompasses more than just the Mass? "Liturgy" can also mean some of the following things:
- Praying the Liturgy of the Hours
- The 7 Sacraments
- Rites of the Eucharist Outside Mass (like Benediction)
- Viaticum (communion given to one preparing for death)
- The Rite of Christian Burial
- Religious Professions
- Prayers in the Book of Blessings
Our parish can only be as active and vibrant as its members make it. Members of the community of believers are called upon to share their time and talents for the good of all. If you can be of service in one of these areas or would like more information, please contact the Liturgy Office, (608) 837-2488.