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Music has always been a significant voice of prayer in the liturgy of the church. It is hard to imagine worship without music. However, liturgical music differs from sacred music in that the former exists in the service of the liturgy, whereas the latter can exist for its own sake. Liturgical music is sacred music because it seeks to reveal the Divine.
At Saint Bart’s, the music that serves the liturgy comes from a wide variety of sources and is expressed in a wide variety of styles – plainsong chant, sturdy hymn, unaccompanied choral motet, gospel or African American spiritual, and contemporary songs of praise. This music is led by a variety of instruments – pipe organ, guitar, bass, flute, trumpet, violin, percussion. In all cases, the guiding principle is that it is music that hopes to inspire - to invite the worshiper into an encounter with the living God – and most importantly, music that exists to serve the liturgy.
The music ministry at Saint Bart’s is made of a dedicated group of adult singers who help to lead the two liturgies on Sunday morning and all the major feasts of the church year, and by a children’s choir, who sing twice a month at one of the Sunday liturgies throughout the school year. These singers are augmented by our instrumental ensemble. The Saturday liturgy is typically led by a cantor.
If you have a gift as a singer – either as a cantor or choir member – we invite you to consider this important ministry.
Adult Choir
The adult parish choir is open to all people of high school age and older. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30p.m. and sings at the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday morning and for all the major celebrations of the liturgical year. (September thru May.)
Rehearsal: Wednesday evening 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
September – May
Children’s Choir
The children's choir is open to boys and girls in grades 3-6.
Rehearsal: Tuesday afternoon 4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
September – April
Cantor
The Cantor leads the assembly in singing at the weekend liturgies and need not be a member of the choir. Rehearsals are flexible.
Seasons of Grace: A Celebration of the Liturgical Year
Saint Bart's Newest Music CD
The Music Ministry of Saint Bart’s 2008 recording, Seasons of Grace: A Celebration of the Liturgical Year, is available. The cost of this 3-CD set is $25. Questions? Contact Richard Clarke, Director of Liturgy and Music.