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Sacred Music

Sacred Music

“Sing to the Lord a new song, sing praise to God with harp and sound of music, with trumpet and horn, shout to the Lord, our King.”
- Psalm 98

Overview

Music plays an important and integral role in the Sacred Liturgy. Music serves the liturgy by adding life and action that takes place. It brings out the meaning of various parts of the mass, highlights the Gospel message, and allows the faithful to express their participation in the sacred action of the mass.

There are a variety of roles within the Ministry of Sacred Music that aid the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries in the Liturgy and help the faithful join as one voice in prayer.

 

Cantors

Cantors proclaim the Word of God by leading the congregation in singing hymns and proclaiming the Psalms. Those who wish to serve in the role of cantor must have a pleasant voice, and excellent sense of pitch and rhythm and a prayerful, joyful spirit. Cantors should also be willing to learn new music and are expected to dress in a modest and respectful manner. Music for the Sacred Liturgy is distributed in advance and cantors are required to spend time at home preparing for his/her scheduled liturgy. Youth and adults are welcome to join the Cantor ministry. Cantors are scheduled year-round on a rotating basis for the mass of their choice. Should a cantor not be able to keep his/her commitment for their scheduled Sunday Mass, they are expected to find a substitute to take their place.

 

Adult Choir

Membership in the Saint James Adult choir is open to high school youth and adults. Members are expected to attend weekly rehearsals and liturgies at which the choir is scheduled to sing. Choir members simply need to have a desire to sing and learn, and have a willingness to attend rehearsals faithfully. The ability to read music is not required.

 

Youth Choir

The Saint James Youth choir is made up of boys and girls from Saint James School. Practice is usually on Monday's during the school year at 3:00PM. If you child would like to join the Youth Choir, please call the Director of Liturgical Music, Mary Jane Clark at the Parish Rectory.

 

Saint James Music Ministers

Director of Liturgical Music

  • Mary Jane Clark

Choir Director

  • Cyndie Johnson

Assistant Organists

  • Keven Beringer
  • Corey Spacht