SACRED Music
"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
The celebration of Mass was proclaimed by the council of Vatican II as, "...the source and summit of our Christian life." It is with great joy that we adorn this celebration with music, an art form which reflects the beauty of truth, God himself. Music not only adorns the Liturgy, but serves as an integral part of the Mass itself, and is therefore handled with special care and preparation. While all people are called to participate in singing at Mass, those with musical skill have a unique call to serve as cantors, choristers, and instrumentalists. If you would like to lend your talents to the parish, please look through the opportunities below, and contact Madelaine Beckford, Director of Music and Liturgy at [email protected].
Saint Clare Chorale - SEASON KICKOFF on September 4th at 6:30 p.m.
The Saint Clare Chorale is open to parishioners age 18 and up, and although previous experience with music
is helpful, it is not required. Rehearsals are in the choir loft on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm, and the group
sings for the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass during the school year. Chorale members can take advantage of free opportunities to expand vocal musicianship skills through lessons and workshops, so come join us and grow your skills!
The Saint Clare Chorale is open to parishioners age 18 and up, and although previous experience with music
is helpful, it is not required. Rehearsals are in the choir loft on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm, and the group
sings for the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass during the school year. Chorale members can take advantage of free opportunities to expand vocal musicianship skills through lessons and workshops, so come join us and grow your skills!
Jubilate & Youth Cantors - FIRST REHEARSAL on September 15th at 10:15 a.m.
Latin for "rejoice", Jubilate is a youth choir for 4th grade through high school. No musical experience is required, as we learn fundamentals of music reading, sight-singing and aural skills through rehearsals. The group sings for the 11:00 a.m. Mass twice a month during the school year. Youth Cantors will be trained and highlighted from within Jubilate to lead solo music at Mass, and singing with the group can count as musical church service hours.
Resurrection Choir
In medieval times, musicians didn't look to Saint Cecilia, but rather to the biblical figure Job as their patron, because they believed so strongly in the power of music to soothe troubled souls. The Resurrection Choir upholds this ideal, meeting non-regularly to sing for funerals of the parish. There is no regular rehearsal, and singers must have availability to come in during the work day, with short notice. Come bring hope to those who mourn.
Pizza & Praise
Join us every first Sunday of the month at 5:00 p.m. for Pizza and Praise: A Eucharistic Holy Hour featuring contemporary style praise and worship music. Open to all ages, but any teens who sing or play instruments are encouraged to reach out and participate musically. (Pizza and Praise musicians also meet once during the summer to serve as VBS house band) All musical youth activities can count towards community service hours if needed for school.
Sung Vespers
Occasionally in tandem with big, seasonal feasts we offer Vespers, also known as Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. Containing psalms, scripture readings, and hymns, the Liturgy of the Hours is another form of communal prayer shared by the universal church, and helps us to mark and sanctify the divine passage of time. Vespers is a great opportunity to try singing with the chorale, or more limited musical participation for those with busy schedules. Learn more about Liturgy of the Hours here.
Cantors & Instrumentalists
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 the ability to read and learn music independently is required. If you play the organ, or a solo instrument such as the violin, flute or trumpet, please consider playing for liturgy. Tone Chime ringers are needed on occasion, please reach out if you have previous experience playing handbells or chimes. If you are a pianist (any age!) interested in learning how to play the organ, please contact the music director for educational opportunities!
Latin for "rejoice", Jubilate is a youth choir for 4th grade through high school. No musical experience is required, as we learn fundamentals of music reading, sight-singing and aural skills through rehearsals. The group sings for the 11:00 a.m. Mass twice a month during the school year. Youth Cantors will be trained and highlighted from within Jubilate to lead solo music at Mass, and singing with the group can count as musical church service hours.
Resurrection Choir
In medieval times, musicians didn't look to Saint Cecilia, but rather to the biblical figure Job as their patron, because they believed so strongly in the power of music to soothe troubled souls. The Resurrection Choir upholds this ideal, meeting non-regularly to sing for funerals of the parish. There is no regular rehearsal, and singers must have availability to come in during the work day, with short notice. Come bring hope to those who mourn.
Pizza & Praise
Join us every first Sunday of the month at 5:00 p.m. for Pizza and Praise: A Eucharistic Holy Hour featuring contemporary style praise and worship music. Open to all ages, but any teens who sing or play instruments are encouraged to reach out and participate musically. (Pizza and Praise musicians also meet once during the summer to serve as VBS house band) All musical youth activities can count towards community service hours if needed for school.
Sung Vespers
Occasionally in tandem with big, seasonal feasts we offer Vespers, also known as Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. Containing psalms, scripture readings, and hymns, the Liturgy of the Hours is another form of communal prayer shared by the universal church, and helps us to mark and sanctify the divine passage of time. Vespers is a great opportunity to try singing with the chorale, or more limited musical participation for those with busy schedules. Learn more about Liturgy of the Hours here.
Cantors & Instrumentalists
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 the ability to read and learn music independently is required. If you play the organ, or a solo instrument such as the violin, flute or trumpet, please consider playing for liturgy. Tone Chime ringers are needed on occasion, please reach out if you have previous experience playing handbells or chimes. If you are a pianist (any age!) interested in learning how to play the organ, please contact the music director for educational opportunities!
Arts and Culture at Clare
We're pleased to host local professional and amateur musical groups in concert at St. Clare, in addition to ongoing educational programming in the arts - check back often to see what's coming up next! Open to all, these events are a wonderful opportunity for those not belonging to our parish to come enjoy the beauty of our faith and our facilities.
Current Saint Clare musicians - Access the rehearsal portal below
