Music

NEWS FROM THE MUSIC MINISTRY

Why should we sing at Mass?  Chapter One of Sing to the Lord, Music in Divine Worship, states that, “God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song.  God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing His praises.” St. Augustine also says, “Singing is for the one who loves.” Music is therefore a sign of God’s love for us and of our love for him.  It is no wonder that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people.

There are countless examples of how God urged his people to sing: “Write out this song, then for yourselves,” God said to Moses.  Teach it to the Israelites and have them recite it, so that this song may be a witness for me.” (Dt 31:19).  The Psalms are a collection of sacred poems and songs meant to be sung!  We sing because we love God, and we use our voices to help bring us closer to Him each week as a collective body of the Church.

God doesn’t ask for perfect pitch when we sing.  He doesn’t ask for a voice like an angel or any musical ability.  What he asks for is exactly what he asked of Moses – ”so that this song may be a witness for me.” If you feel moved to pray with song, I invite you to join our wonderful parish choir.  We are a fun group that makes a joyful noise in service to God and to our amazing parish here at St. Paul’s.  No prior experience is necessary.  Just a love of God, a spirit of community, and a desire to serve.

The parish choir has been on summer vacation but will resume singing at the 10:30 Mass this weekend.  Music at the Vigil Mass and at the 8:00 AM Mass is provided by one of our talented cantors and our outstanding accompanist, Tim McLain.  Music at the 5:30 Mass on Sundays comes from the Contemporary Ensemble led by Caitlin Carroll.  Please show your appreciation for their time and talent by choosing to participate from the pews so that God can hear your voices lifted in praise!

Contact Teresa for more information about joining the Music Ministry at St. Paul’s:  Tfennimore@stpaulsjaxbeach.org, or call (904)502-1486.

Choirs

Parish Choir – 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass (9:30 a.m. warm-up)

Rehearsal for Parish Choir:  Tuesday 6:30-8:00 p.m.*

Contemporary Choir –  5:30 p.m. Sunday Mass (5:00 p.m. warm up)

Rehearsal:  Monday 7:00-8:30 p.m.*

Children’s Choir (Grade 1 through 8) –  4:00 p.m. Christmas Vigil Mass and 8:30 a.m. Easter Morning Mass

Rehearsal:  As announced in parish bulletin, usually 3 rehearsals prior to Mass

* No rehearsal June through August

Cantors

Cantors provide music leadership for the 5:30 p.m. Vigil and 8:00 a.m. Sunday Masses, and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings and funerals as needed.  Cantors are selected by audition.

Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists accompany the cantors and choirs at liturgies and services throughout the year.

For more information:  Teresa Fennimore, Director of Music Ministries

904-502-1486, tfennimore@stpaulsjaxbeach.org