MUSIC MINISTRY

The purpose of the Music Ministry at Sacred Heart is to foster a deeper prayer in all who worship with us. Our musical prayer is meant to beautify our celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist and other services. In the Baltimore Catechism, the answer to the question "Why did God make us?" is this: "To know, love, and serve God in this world and to be happy with Him forever in heaven." Our musical prayer is a way to serve God and to thereby show our love for Him.

Every hymn, song, and acclamation is a prayer set to music. Even music without words, i.e., instrumental music in church, must be first and foremost prayer to God. Music in our liturgies must never be only a performance. While there are music programs in secular society and educational institutions, in church it is a ministry​ to foster prayer through music. Prayer exists in other forms besides the spoken or sung; meditation can also be fostered through silence or instrumental music.

There are many opportunities to assist in the Music Ministry here at Sacred Heart. Check out the opportunities listed below and join us in sung prayer!

General Choir Information

All are welcome (any age) to come up to the choir loft prior to Mass. No commitment is needed.  

Cantors

Cantors lead the congregation in the responsorial Psalm from the ambo as it is part of the Liturgy of the Word. While some rudimentary knowledge of music is helpful, it is not mandatory. 

Antiphonal Chanters

This ministry gives singers an opportunity to develop into a cantor while chanting the entrance and/or Communion antiphons from the choir loft.

Instrumentalists

We invite musicians to join in our special celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter, as well as throughout the  year.

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Christmas and Easter Choirs

Christmas Eve Vigil & Morning Masses

Starting in 2019, Sacred Heart began the concept of Celebration Choirs at the Christmas Eve 4pm and 6pm Masses, and at the Christmas Morning 9am Mass. There is only one rehearsal (for one hour) on the fourth Sunday of Advent following the 9:30am Mass. After rehearsal we gather in the parish hall for cookies, warm beverages, and fellowship.

Christmas Midnight Mass

Extra rehearsals are needed to prepare for the Solemnity of the Midnight Mass. They are held on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:45pm in the choir loft. Announcements will be found in the bulletin preceding Thanksgiving Day. After the rehearsals, you are invited to stay and sing at the 7pm Tuesday Mass followed by Compline/Night Prayer.

Triduum Choir (Masses at Holy Thursday, 
​Good Friday, Easter Vigil)

Due to the multiple liturgies of the Triduum, extra rehearsals are necessary to cover these celebrations. Notices will be located in the weekly bulletins preceding Lent. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:45pm in the choir loft. You are invited to stay and pray with us at the 7pm Tuesday Mass followed by Compline/Night prayer.​

Easter Sunday (Masses at 8 and 9:30am)

Similar to the Christmas Eve and Morning Mass choirs, all are invited to join in rehearsing (for one hour) following the 9:30am Mass on the 5th Sunday of Lent and on Palm Sunday.

To stay informed (should a practice session be changed or cancelled),
​please join the Flocknote group,  Music Ministry Updates.

For more information, please contact
​Alice Maleski, Music Director, at musicsheartlebanon@gmail.com, or phone the office.