Music is an essential part of the liturgical life of the parish. St. Augustine says, “The one who sings, prays twice.” That quote is equally true of those who use their talent at a musical instrumental to lead our sung prayer. If you feel a call to share your faith as a member of our parish music ministry, please contact parish music director, Ginny Miller ([email protected]) for more information.- Choirs support the sung prayer of our assembly, add additonal harmonies and descants, and sing special pieces to bring alive the gospel and the “sound” of the particular season. Our choirs sing weekly from September to June at:
- 9:00am Mass, St. Boniface Church (Gregory St.)
- 9:30am Mass, Blessed Sacrament Church (Monroe at Oxford St)
10:45am Mass, St. Mary’s Church (across from GEVA)
Please note that as parish volunteers, all choir members are required to do CASE (Creating a Safe Environment) for the Diocese.
- Choir rehearsals are held 6:30-8:00pm Wednesday nights at St. Boniface Church. In addition, there is a 45 minute warm-up before each choir Mass. Choir members do not need to read music but must have a pleasant voice, be able to sing in tune, hold their own part and blend with others.
- Our “Joint Choir,” made up of members from all three parishes, sing together once a month, for special feasts and for the Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. A schedule is published monthly.
- Cantors serve as the “solo” singer at the Liturgy, proclaiming the psalm and gospel acclamation, and assisting with verses of the communion song, etc. as needed. Cantors are selected from members of our music ministry.
- Handbells/Chimes are used to accpompany our opening processions during Advent and Lent and to add simple chords to Mass parts and recessionals as needed. From a simple “point and play” part using one hand, to more complicated rhythms and techniques requiring music reading skills, bells and chimes add to the beauty of our Masses and offer ringers a rewarding experience.
- Instrumentalists (new in Spring 2023): Sudents grades 4-8 who have played their insturment more than a year are invited to explore this opportunity. Instrumental students play twice a month, usualy at the 9:00 or 9:30 Masses and are mentored by Susan Kieren, our oboe player.
- Experienced adult instrumentalists play on an “as needed “ basis throughout the year and are invited to contact music director Ginny Miller. ([email protected])
We take pride in our historic and valuable instruments at SERCC. Visit this Google folder to find documents, photographs, and histories of each organ. https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1GcDT890fxN6OSI4aMI19FRVxPw4ntOoB
Are you interested in joining us? Please contact Ginny Miller, Director of Music for the Southeast Rochester Catholic Community G[email protected].