Music Ministry

THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST

The most important part of our lives as Catholic Christians is the celebration of the Eucharist. Since the founding of the Church, this has included the use of song in praise of God.  The Second Vatican Council in addressing sacred music states: The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 112)  Here at Holy Infant we strive to live this wonderful vision.

CHOIRS

The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care.  Choirs must be diligently developed… (Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 114)  The choir, whether in religious communities or parishes, has always provided the musical leadership for the Roman Catholic Mass.   We are fortunate at Holy Infant to have a fine long-standing tradition of sacred choral music.

• Our main choir, the Holy Infant Choir, sings weekly at the 10:15 Mass.  This choir is known for its excellent and diverse repertoire, and is open to any adult or high school student interested in a challenging, yet satisfying choral singing experience.  Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7-8 pm in the Choir Room (September through Corpus Christi). Contact Laura Kramer at (314) 640-9437 or lpkramer@att.net
• The Joyful Noise Choir sings the second and fourth Sunday of the month at the 8:30 Mass. This choir’s repertoire consists of music supported by piano, guitar, and other instruments. Contact Sue Gittemeier at (314) 607-4830 or sue.gittemeier@gmail.com
• The Youth Band sings weekly at the Noon Mass and offers Christian-Contemporary music. Contact Carrie Bajzath at (314) 398-6996.
• The Resurrection Choir sings for all Masses of Christian Burial at the parish.  This choir is one of our most valuable choirs because it prays for the deceased through music and helps perform the seventh corporal work of mercy—burial of the dead.  The Resurrection Choir prays and sings with those gathered in a loving offering to God on behalf of and for our parishioners. Contact Marie Fox at (636) 227-2750 or mariefox1973@gmail.com
• Instrumentalists add a festive flourish to Sunday and seasonal liturgies.  Anyone interested in the possibility of sharing his or her talents is welcome to contact the Parish Office at (636) 227-7440.

CANTORS

The role of cantor is very important to our Roman Catholic liturgy. Cantors are present to help lead congregational singing, chant the responsorial Psalm, and lead music for other parts of the Mass as needed.  The responsibility of leading the parish in sung prayer is very great, but rehearsal time is very flexible.  We are always searching for new cantors.  Please contact the Parish Office (636) 227-7440  for more information.

THE ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITHFUL

As assembly of the faithful — you are important to parish music!  Through prayers, responses, dialogues, and singing, you support our parish music ministry and act as the main voice in our parish music program.  The assembly’s singing is an expression of our faith and therefore is a necessary part of the liturgical celebration.  In addition to active participation at Mass, your prayers support our musical mission and enable us to continue our fine musical offerings.

WHERE DO I FIT IN?

Because you are worshipping in the pews week after week, you are already part of the parish music program at Holy Infant!  Some music ministries, such singing as a cantor or in the Holy Infant Choir, or playing an instrument will require a low-stress audition and some basic musicianship skills.  For other choirs an audition may not be required.

WEDDING MUSIC

The Marriage Rite is a Sacrament of the Church, a solemn exchange of vows between a bride and a groom, and an act of worship on the part of all those present to offer thanks and praise for God’s blessings on the couple’s life together as husband and wife. Therefore, all of the music during the wedding liturgy reflects the sacred nature of the ceremony and must be taken from sacred or religious music repertoire.

Music at worship is a form of sung prayer and must relate to the glory of God and reflect the redeeming grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All music at your wedding ceremony should follow that principle.

If you would like additional musicians to participate in your wedding, the Director of Music will be able to help contract some of the finest symphony-quality professional musicians in the area. Particularly popular are trumpet, violin, harp, string quartet, or brass ensemble.

If your wedding takes place in the context of a Mass, a Cantor will also be required to lead the congregation in singing the parts of the Mass, Responsorial Psalm, etc., and the Cantor may also serve as vocal soloist.

The use of outside musicians/vocalists must be approved by the Director of Music. References and an audition may be requested. Singers should be professionally trained and experienced singing in large spaces and liturgical settings. Music selections must be made with or approved by the Director of Music.

Details pertaining to music, musicians, cantors, music rehearsals, and fee schedules will be worked out during your music planning meeting with the Director of Music.

FUNERAL MUSIC

The Organist, Cantor, and members of the Resurrection Choir will lead the music and represent the parish family during the Funeral Mass. Families have the option of selecting music for the Funeral Mass if desired — a list of selected hymns and songs will be provided to guide you in this selection. The list consists of hymns and songs which tie in with the themes of the Funeral Mass, the Resurrection of our Lord, and the promise of Eternal Life. Contact the Director of Music with any questions.