Music Ministry

We are so happy you are here and hope you consider joining the St. Mary Magdalen Music Ministry! While there are many blessings of being part of music ministry, the heart of St. Mary Magdalen’s Music Ministry is singing at Masses. It is an honor and privilege to bring music to the celebration of the Mass. Although music seems to be a “normal” part of the Mass, it is important to understand why we sing at Mass.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.”” (CCC 1324). Because the Eucharist is consecrated and given to us in the Mass, the Mass is the most important part of our Catholic faith. In the Mass, we are brought back to Calvary, invited to participate in the sacrifice of Christ, and called to receive Christ’s Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist.

With this in mind, the Mass must be given the utmost respect, honor, and reverence. Because the Mass is so important, “The Church, therefore, earnestly desires that Christ’s faithful when present at this mystery of faith, should not be there as strangers or silent spectators; on the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 48). In other words, the Mass is not a “spectator sport”! We are called to participate in the Mass. One of the main ways we can participate in the Mass is through music. The Church tells us that “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 sacred song united to words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 112). Sacred music is a “treasure of inestimable value” and it is “a necessary or integral part of” the Mass! Even in Scripture, there are many praises given to sacred music (the Psalms is an entire book in the Bible of songs!). Because sacred music is SO important, “The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. Church choirs must be diligently promoted” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 114). Being part of St. Mary Magdalen’s Music Ministry is much more than being part of a family of singers.

We are given the opportunity of preserving and fostering the treasure of sacred music. We are given the responsibility of inviting our parish family to participate in the Mass. We are given the honor of being a necessary and integral part of the Mass.

What a gift it is to be part of St. Mary Magdalen’s Music Ministry!

We have many ministries to participate in, listed below. Please contact Katelyn Fosdick for more information.

St. Cecilia Children’s Choir (grades 1-8): This choir fosters music from a young age. With time devoted to learning the fundamentals of music, these young singers are given an opportunity to grow in their musicality. Whether your child is familiar or unfamiliar with music, they are welcome to join! This choir meets regularly to rehearse and sings at occasional Masses.

Chamber Choir (high school through adult): This choir is for all levels of experience! Meeting regularly on Thursdays to rehearse, the Chamber Choir sings for Mass almost weekly and for all feasts.

Cantors: If you are interested in becoming a cantor, please contact Katelyn Fosdick for more information.

Bell choir: If you are interested in joining the bell choir, please contact Katelyn Fosdick for more information.

Instrumentalists: If you are an instrumentalist who would like to share your gifts at Mass, please contact Katelyn Fosdick for more information.