Music Ministry
"In song, faith is experienced as vibrant joy, love, and confident expectation
of the saving intervention of God." - St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists, 1999
Liturgy, or the celebration of the Mass, is proclaimed by Vatican II as, "...the source and summit of our Christian life." In the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist, we receive a foretaste of Heaven itself, here on Earth. Therefore, it is with great joy that we adorn each celebration with music, an artform which reflects the beauty of truth, God himself. Music not only adorns the Liturgy, but even serves as an integral part of the Mass itself, and therefore is handled with the greatest care and diligent preparation.
While all lay people are called to participate in singing at Mass, those with musical talent have a special call to serve as cantors, choristers, and instrumentalists. If you would like to lend your musical talents to our parish, please look through the opportunities below, and contact Madelaine Beckford, Director of Music and Liturgy, for more information. (email madelaine@clare.church)
Saint Clare Chorale
A traditional choir, open to parishioners age 18 and up. Previous experience with music is encouraged, but not required.
Rehearsals are 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., Wednesday nights in the Bishop England High School Music Room, to prepare for the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. We're always looking for more voices to join!
Contemporary Chorale
A combined group of singers and instrumentalists that provide more contemporary worship music regularly for the 11:45 a.m. Mass, with rehearsal for an hour immediately beforehand. Participation is open to parishioners ages 14 and up, and previous experience with music is encouraged, but not required.
Cantors
Lead the congregation as a soloist at Mass. Singers who would like to cantor must audition first with the music director. Participation is open to parishioners age 14 and up (must be confirmed), and some ability to read and learn music independently is required.
Instrumentalists
If you play the organ, or a solo instrument such as the violin, flute or trumpet, please consider playing for the liturgy.
Participation is open to parishioners ages 14 and up, and some ability to read music is required.
If you are a pianist interested in learning how to play the organ, please
contact the music director for educational opportunities!
Jubilate
Latin for rejoice, Jubilate is a children's choir where young Catholics can come learn about music and faith, and express themselves in song. Open to children entering grades 4-8. The group rehearses once a month on Thursdays from 4:15 - 5:00 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Cross on Daniel Island, will sing at the 9:00 a.m. Mass monthly, and no musical experience is required. You can register your kids for this group here.
