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Music has been an important part of the life of St. Catharine parish since its founding in 1931. Our parish music program has prospered through the past decades because of the sacrifices of the various choir directors, organists, instrumentalists, and hundreds of volunteer choir members who have given praise to God through their many talents.
This spirit of sacrifice and dedication continues today. We invite you and your children to be part of it by joining one of the parish choirs this year. It’s a great way to praise God, make wonderful music, and meet new people!
Here at St. Catharine the liturgical music program strives to be a comprehensive and unifying one. The music at every Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is the same in an effort to provide consistency and clear liturgical and theological formation of the gathered assembly. A concerted effort is made to use music, which is liturgically sound, theologically correct and beautiful to the ear. This eclectic approach to pastoral music would attempt to include music which is the best from our Roman Catholic tradition which ranges from Gregorian chant to music composed in the late 20th Century.
At the 11:00am celebration on Sunday, the parish choir enhances the song of the assembly for the gathered community is the primary music maker at every celebration of the Eucharist. In addition, a cantor is assigned to every Sunday celebration to proclaim the Responsorial Psalm, the Gospel Acclamation and to sing the verses of the music chosen for the Communion Procession. On more festive occasions such as Christmas and Easter, other instruments are included to assist in making the liturgy solemn and beautiful.
The following ministries in pastoral music are available at St. Catharine Parish:
St. Catharine Parish Choir: Any confirmed member of the parish who has the desire and the talent to sing in a choir is encouraged to join. This choir sings each Sunday at the 11:00am Mass and practices each TUESDAY from 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the undercroft of the church. In addition, the choir adds solemnity and dignity to the celebration of the Triduum and other celebrations such as Solemn Vespers on various feasts of the liturgical calendar.
St. Catharine Women’s Choir: Any confirmed female member of the parish who has the desire and talent to sing in a choir is encouraged to join. This two-part choir sings primarily at parish funerals, which occur during the day.
St. Catharine Bell Choir: Any confirmed member of the parish who has the desire to do so is encouraged to join. The ability to read music is helpful but certainly not required.
St. Catharine Choristers: This children’s choir is made up of children who are in the 4th, 5th, or 6th grades and who have the desire and the talent to sing in a liturgical choir.
Cantors: The ministry of cantor is open to any confirmed member of the parish who has the talent and ability to sing in front of the gathered assembly at celebrations of the Eucharist and, on occasion, other liturgical events such as Evening or Morning Prayer. The ability to read music would be very helpful but is certainly not required. The cantors meet once each month to schedule and rehearse the music for upcoming Sundays. Individual rehearsals can be arranged with the Director of Liturgy and Music at a mutually agreeable time.
For further information about any of the above, call THE PARISH OFFICE - 231-4509.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AT ST. CATHARINE:
The music program at St. Catharine has benefited greatly in recent years from the installation of a two-manual Casavant pipe organ in the fall of 1993. This instrument has 25 ranks of pipes and was dedicated by international virtuoso Michael Murray on April 17, 1994. Other artists, such as Notre Dame University concert organist/professor Craig Cramer, have also played and admired this instrument.
In addition, the parish owns a three-octave set of Malmark handbells and a recently-refurbished Baldwin console piano.
CONCERTS AT ST. CATHARINE:
On occasion, concerts of organ and/or choral music are given in the church sanctuary, as an extension of the parish’s liturgical music program and as a form of outreach to the larger community. These programs are free and open to the general public. Schedule to be announced.
Individuals are always welcome to assist with handing out programs at these concerts (call the office a day or two before the concert and come ½ hour before the program begins).
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