Music Ministry
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Music has a powerful effect on the human mind and heart. It is able to convey to us God’s magnificence in Creation and our wonder at beholding it – God’s love and our need for his grace. When we worship God, we do so with our entire being. When we are invited at every Mass to “lift up” our hearts, it is more than just a figure of speech or a call to be joyful. We are asked to lift our hearts to Heaven and join fully in the great Liturgy of all the Saints. The Music Ministry at St. Emily Parish strives to echo the unending sung worship of God in Heaven which we become a part of at every Mass by helping the worshipping community both praise God externally and deepen their own interior prayer life.
Anyone of any age and level of musical skill is welcome to share his or her gifts with the parish community. There are a number of opportunities both vocal and instrumental for participation in the Music Ministry:
- The Adult Choir both helps to lead congregational song and enriches the Eucharistic Celebration by adding musical elements to the Liturgy above the capabilities of the congregation alone. We sing every Sunday at the 9:30am Mass and on the great Feast Days of the Church. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings 7:00 – 9:00p in the church.
- Cantors proclaim the Psalms and help to lead the congregation in their singing.
- The Kid’s Choir (open to grades 2-8) sings at various Sunday Masses throughou
t the year. We meet to rehearse Wednesday afternoons 5:15 – 6:00 in the church choir area. If you would like to join Kid’s Choir, download a hard copy and return it to school/religious ed/parish. Download a copy of the Kids Choir Schedule here: Kid's Choir Schedule - Spring 2025 - The Teen Choir is a wonderful opportunity for all of our teen-agers. The Teen Choir sings at mass once a month. The first practice for the 2024-2025 season is Tuesday, September 10th at 3:30 PM OR 8:00 PM in church. The first mass for this season will be on Saturday, September 14th at the 5:00 PM anticipated mass. To sign up for the Teen Choir, download the form and return the bottom portion to Mary Caldrone through the parish office or at mass on Sunday. Teen Choir Sign Up For more information, email Mary Caldrone.
- Instrumentalists of all types and ages are welcome to share their gifts at weekend Liturgies either occasionally or on a regular basis. All that is necessary is the ability to read music.
- The Adult Choir both helps to lead congregational song and enriches the Eucharistic Celebration by adding musical elements to the Liturgy above the capabilities of the congregation alone. We sing every Sunday at the 9:30am Mass and on the great Feast Days of the Church. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings 7:00 – 9:00p in the church.
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Free time comes at a premium. Becoming a part of the music ministry does not require a huge commitment. You are welcome to participate as often as you are able.
If you are interested in learning more, please email our Music Director, Mary Caldrone, or call the parish music office at 847-824-5049 ext. 227.
