Music

"The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy" 

( Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 112)

This is the official parish choir, with practices every Wednesday evening during the school year from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We sing at the 9:15 a.m. Mass three times per month. No auditions are required, just a love of singing! Available to singers age 13-113!

Children's Choir
The children's choir is for children in grades 3-6. The Children's Choir sings on Christmas morning and Easter Sunday morning at the 11 a.m. Masses. Rehearsals are four weeks before each holiday Mass on Wednesdays from 5:15 to 6:05 p.m.

Metanoia
The word Metanoia means "conversion" or "change of heart." Metanoia is a select auditioned-group of musicians who offer music in a contemporary style of worship about twice a month. They also provide special music for praise and worship events throughout the year.

Romans 12:1-2 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Strengthened by grace and prayer, we transform ourselves and renew our mind and how we live by discerning what is the will of God, what is good pleasing and perfect. It is not just words, music or empty ritual. We pray, profess, and live this truth! "Lex orandi, lex crendi, lex vivendi."
We hope to help facilitate a deep, personal encounter with Jesus Christ and his Church in the Mass and other forms of prayer. Uniting ourselves to Christ, we hope to facilitate a renewal and transformation of each person’s heart, mind and life. We hope that God will speak through our music and that it will be a prayer that aids in this encounter and transformation - by the grace of God.

-Tim Mosser, pianist
 

Voces Aeternae

"Eternal Voices" is a select, small ensemble of dedicated singers that meets weekly and sings one mass per month. This group sings music from the earliest days of church music in Gregorian Chant and sacred polyphony, all the way to modern compositions by living choral composers. Audition is required and space is limited.   
Bell Choir 
Our parish bell choir rings a 3-octave series of Malmark handbells. The ensemble has space for up to 10-ringers at any given service. The handbell choir rehearses every Thursday during the school year and plays at 1-2 masses per month. Special concert performances, festivals, and weddings have also called upon the talents of our bell choir. Space is limited, but the ensemble is always in need of weekend substitutes and long-term substitutes; a perfect way to introduce yourself to the world of handbell music! 

 

If you are interested in any of the above activities, would like to sing in a small group, or serve as a cantor, accompanist, or instrumentalist at our parish, please contact Patrick McGuire, Music Director at (701) 235-5757, or e-mail at pmcguire@stsaaj.org.