The largest and most important musical group in the parish is the congregation at Mass. Through acclamations, hymns and responses, all the People of God unite in their praise of the Father, through Christ, with the Holy Spirit.  Using hymns primarily from the 17th century until today, we can sing from the wide spectrum of sacred music available to us -- the Church's true heritage of artistic wonders.  Strong singing forms bonds of unity among the assembly, as we help and support each other both vocally and spiritually. 
 (text for this + Cantors role:  written mostly by Gary Penkala, music minister from 2002-5)

    Cantors perform a vital function for our musical liturgy. Their primary ministry is to sing the Responsorial Psalm and to lead the congregation in other acclamations and hymns. Occasionally, she or he will help the congregation learn and sing new hymns & responses.  The cantor's singing (in the microphone) should never overwhelm the congregation's collective voice, which is pre-eminent in offering musical praise.  Based on on a few significant factors, such as availability and frequency, the cantor schedule is made. Click here for the current Cantor Calendar.

      Youth Contemporary Ensemble
    Beginning in 2003 and led by Maria Killian, this group is comprised of youth, 'youth night' volunteers, and other supportive musicians who have the motivation and interest to serve the music ministry.  The selection of hymns reflect the youthful preferences of upbeat spiritual style of song.  Beginning in mid-late September, the ensemble provides music about 6 to 8 times during the school year primarily for the 11:00 Mass.  The past 2 years, the talented youth have led the music for the 4:00pm Children's Christmas Eve liturgy.
    Rehearsals are usually held on Sunday morning (9:00am-ish) in the church sanctuary for 1.5+ hours before participating in the 11:00 Mass.  When the ensemble provides music for a Saturday Vigil Mass, rehearsal will begin in the mid-afternoon.

                    Bell Choir
    This newest music ministry was formed in October 2006, first practicing with Malmark demonstration handbells.  Since Dec. '06,  been using 2 octaves purchased from an organized fund raising campaign.  The ensemble  presented music on 7 occasions last year, and rang for a concert at St. Irenaeus with the St. Bartholomew Bell Choir last June.   The ringing ensemble currently consists of 3 adults and 4 youth.  Rebuilding membership through the St. 'I' school has been gradual.  Also, 2 octaves of handchimes were acquired in Fall 2007, which provide a different but pleasant sonority.
     Rehearsals are usually held semi-monthly on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-7:10pm in the church.

               Instrumentalists
     Instruments can add great beauty to our liturgies, playing descants on congregational hymns/responses and also playing music written specifically for the instrument.  Examples of featuring an instrument for a special Mass:  Trumpeter, Matthew Schellhaas, played for the first 2007 Centennial Anniversary Mass and Oboist, Rise' Kostelnik and Flutist, Rhiann Kenny-Howell, performed for the 2nd Centennial Mass on June 24, which recognized all the ministries in the parish.  If you know of a competent instrumentalist who would like to play for Mass sometime, please inform the music director.         

                  Adult Choir
     The adult choir (grade 9 and up) sings primarily for the 11:00 Mass on Sunday, but offers their vocal ability for the vigil (4:30pm) Mass twice per year.  Repertoire spans a variety of music styles:  early church years, classical sacred music, ecumenical hymnody (from other Christian denominations), and contemporary compositions.  If you enjoy singing, and have time in your schedule to participate at least twice per month, please considering trying it out.  Attending practices are critical to learn new repertoire and to obtain musical synchronicity and accuracy of harmonies!
   Rehearsals are held on most Wednesdays, 7:15-8:45 PM, in the church sanctuary.

            Resurrection Choir  
    This choir sings at parish funerals, assisting the gathered congregation to pray in song.  Repertoire includes solemn hymns and a few chants, from some standard catholic hymnody to modern music.  Loved ones of the deceased appreciate the presence of the collective singers from the parish, who wear white shirts/suit coats to signify the new life given by Jesus' resurrection.  Funerals are held at 10:00am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 9:30am on Saturday; 11:30am on Monday and Thursday.   Rehearsals are usually held in the church sanctuary or PLEC Music Room 25+ minutes prior to the funeral.

                        Generations II
     In the late 1990's, Mary Lear formed a female quintet in the parish that primarily sang for weddings in the local area.  The group, consisting of Mary, her daughter, Jennifer, Anne Dapra, and her daughters, Julie and Jamie, has sung for the Christmas Eve 7:00pm Mass for many years.  In recent years, the vocal ensemble has sung on Easter Day and an occasional regular liturgy during the year.  The women are known for their exquisite harmony and have an impressive repertoire of music.  Consider this vocal ministry as the musical provider for a future wedding ceremony!

 Organists
    The pipe organ, long known as "The King of Instruments," has for centuries held an honored place in Christian worship.  The parish is fortunate to have a 3 manual (keyboard) Allen Digital Organ, originally built in 1978.  The repertoire for the instruments extends as far back as the simple accompaniments to early chants (9th century) to classical music, such as Bach's works.  Sacred music for the organ has been primarily composed or arranged in recent decades for hymns and liturgical responses. 

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