"What motivates the pastoral musician? Why does he or she give so much time to the service of the church at prayer? The only answer can be that the church musician is first a disciple and then a minister. The musician belongs first of all to the assembly; he or she is a worshiper above all. Like any member of the assembly, the pastoral musician needs to be a believer, needs to experience conversion, needs to hear the Gospel and so proclaim the praise of God. Thus, the pastoral musician is not merely an employee or volunteer. He or she is a minister, someone who shares faith, serves the community, and expresses the love of God and neighbor through music. (- #64, Liturgical Music Today, U.S. Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy)
The principal choir at Holy Family is the worshiping assembly that gathers to celebrate the Mass. This great choir, often hundeds strong, thunders its Alleluias and Amens, sings the Lord's Prayer with fullness and beauty, and joins the Heavenly Host in the hymns, acclamations and responses with strength and grace.
Helping to lead the music at our Masses are our various music ministry choirs and ensembles:
Our adult choir consists of more than a dozen voices with piano/keyboard and varied other instruments. To join the choir, contact Pat Michaeloff.
Our ensembles range from 1-2 guitars and a few voices to 4-6 instruments and a dozen or more voices. Ensembles lead music at the 4 PM Saturday and 10:30 AM Sunday Masses every weekend at Holy Family. The large ensemble practices every Tuesday night in the church (times vary through the year; often 7-8 PM or 6-7 PM) and one hour before Mass every Saturday and Sunday. We always welcome anyone, high school aged or above, who would like to join us in proclaiming God's Word through song, or by contributing their talent on an instrument. To join us, contact Michael Halbrook.
Holy Family's youth choir welcomes youth from second grade to high school in leading music at our Mass one Sunday a month from September through May. During those months, practices are on Tuesday nights in the church from 6-7 PM. For more information or to join the youth choir, contact Michael Halbrook.
Members within each choir and ensemble also serve in the function of Cantor at our Masses.
- American Bishops' guidance on Music in Catholic Worship
- Vatican II's Constitution on Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium
(esp. Chapters 2 & 4)
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