Choir
At St. Mary's Catholic Church, several responsibilities fall on the shoulders of the choirs. First, support the congregational singing. How? The choir sings the hymns and service music along with the organ, musicians, and the congregation. Sometimes the choir introduces a new hymn by singing it as an anthem the week before the congregation will try it for the first time. At other times the choir adds harmony or a descant that soars above the congregation. Next, the choir uses its musical expertise to help the worshipers understand the transcendence of our faith by singing extraordinary music that can reveal the beauty, glory and the mysterium of God. One piece may derive its text from the psalms, others from inspired writings, and others directly from Scripture. The choral repertoire covers a myriad of theological subjects. and the liturgical seasons of the year covering the Lord's life, passion, death and resurrection. The choir welcomes the Holy Spirit and offers thanks at harvest. It remembers the saints, and the departed souls. It represents the congregation in its expression of worship - human response to the revelation of God. It sings of the pure joy of faith.
The choir provides an opportunity to offer a unique sacrifice of praise to God. This sacrifice has been costly. Singers practice a piece for weeks. Some choir members have devoted themselves to this ministry for years. Some take the music home and work on it between rehearsals. When the congregation relates to a particular piece that the choir has sung, the music then becomes symbolically the congregations's sacrifice of praise.
The choir promotes the church. Some people actually come to the church because of the choir. When the choir performs, the church has an opportunity to invite the community. If the congregation finds meaning in the choir's music, the congregation's word of mouth is a wonderful promotion for the church.
For more information, or to join the choir, please complete the volunteer form or contact the Parish office.