About our Music Ministry
From being a member of a choir to proclaiming God's Word as a cantor to accompanying hymns as an instrumentalist, one is afforded several opportunities to participate and share one's gifts in St. Joseph Church's music ministry. Seeking to enrich liturgies through song, this ministry also strives to foster a spirit of prayer in all who attend St. Joseph Church. Open to all people, the music ministry is especially ideal for anyone who has a passion for music or who has a desire to be a part of some great groups. Below is a list of the different facets of this ministry, along with a brief description of each.
If you like to sing, play a musical instrument, or are just interested in helping out this ministry, please contact our Director of Music. He can assist you in making the proper connections.
- Luke Massery, 440.238.5555, Turn on JavaScript!
Cantors
By audition only, our cantors lead and support the congregation in singing as well as proclaiming the antiphons, Responsorial Psalm, and Gospel Acclamation. Cantors sing at one or two Masses per month.
Praise Team
Our Contemporary Praise Team sings at the 4:30pm Mass every Saturday from September through May. They are also present at special liturgies for Christmas and Holy Week. Along with aiding the congregation in hymn singing, they sing solo songs at various places in the liturgy. Guitars and percussion assist the piano in accompanying the choir and congregation. Practices are held September through May on Thursday evenings.
Sunday Choir
Our Traditional Choir sings at the 10:30am Mass most Sundays from September through May. They are also present at special liturgies for Christmas and Holy Week. Along with aiding the congregation in hymn singing, the choir sings solo pieces at various places in the liturgy. Pieces sung range from unison to 4-part harmonies. Practices are held September through May on Sunday mornings beginning at 9am in the church.
Men's Chant Choir
The men's choir explores unison singing of English Gregorian Chant as a team, and sings approximately 5 Masses a year. For each Mass, there are 2 Tuesday night rehearsals. Beginners welcome.
Semi-professional Schola
By audition/invitation only, this group of mostly professional musicians (or equivalent experience) sings chant and polyphony at the highest musical level. Ability to read music and sing in tune are prerequisites. Special occasions, weeknight solemnities and feasts.
Youth Choir
Sings twice a year at St Joseph, and twice a year at St. Johns. Open to all children 3rd grade and up. If a student at SJJ, this is an extension of the school choir. This choir will also be participating in a youth choir seminar at the Cathedral in March!
Handbell Choir (Adult Handbells and Youth Handbells)
From September through May, our Adult Handbell Choir plays approximately four times at Mass and other special events. Please contact Amy Fraleigh, Turn on JavaScript!, for details.
New Life Choir
Members of this choir volunteer to help our bereavement ministries by singing at funerals. Each member receives a phone call and invitation a few days prior to each funeral. No rehearsals. If you would like to be placed on the contact list, please register with Luke at Turn on JavaScript!