= Saint Monica =

The Music Ministry of Saint Monica Parish

From the Director of Worship & Music

Dear Friends,
Welcome! I invite you to explore our page and consider becoming involved in the Music Ministry here. Our Music Ministry is totally accessible to all who would like to be involved. There are a variety of opportunities available, including the Parish Choir, Contemporary Ensemble, High School Singers, Youth Choir and the Children's Choir. Use your gifts and talents to praise God!

If you would like to join this ministry or if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please contact me at the rectory at 610-644-0110 ext. 118, or by e-mail at forman@saintmonicachurch.org

        Sincerely yours,
   Frank K.J. Orman
        Director of Worship & Music

THE Music Ministry

The Music Ministry of Saint Monica Church is a full and active program, under the direction of Frank K.J. Orman. We strive to foster full, active and conscious participation of the assembly through sung prayer. The Music Ministry is dedicated to enhancing the beauty of the liturgy, bringing the assembly to a spiritual level where spoken words cannot reach alone. Following the guidelines of Vatican II, specifically the Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy and Music in Catholic Worship, we treasure our heritage of sacred music, while embracing a variety of the new compositions that are written today. It was Saint Monica’s illustrious son, Saint Augustine who made the statement, “Those who sing, pray twice.”

The Parish Choir
Frank K.J. Orman, Director
The Parish Choir sings for all principal liturgies of the parish, including the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, the Christmas Eve Candlelight Concert, the Sacred Triduum, Holydays, Feasts, and special celebrations of Solemn Evening Prayer. This group of diverse parishioners numbers about twenty and rehearses each Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The musical abilities within the group range from the beginning singer to the professional. The Parish Choir sings a varied repertoire, ranging from ancient chant to more contemporary choral compositions. A simple audition to assure the ability to match pitch is required.

The Contemporary Ensemble
Catherine Cappelletti, Director
This year, the Contemporary Ensemble will sing on the third Sunday of the month at the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Comprised of members of the Parish Choir, this group leads liturgical music with piano, organ, guitar, bass, cello, flute and percussion, among many other available instruments. Rehearsals will take place from 8:00 to 9:15 p.m. on the Wednesday evening before the scheduled Sunday liturgy. This is an excellent way to be involved in the music ministry as a singer or an instrumentalists if time commitment is an issue. It’s only once a month! An audition is not required. Consider joining as a family or a couple!

The High School Singers
Back for their second season of singing, our talented high school parishioners will sing for liturgy on the second and fourth Sunday of the month at the 11:30 a.m. Mass, in addition to varied special events during the year. This group will also join the Parish Choir at times for various liturgies and events. Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Church. All high-school age youth of the parish are encouraged to get involved. Bring your friends!

The Children's and Youth Choir
Frank K.J. Orman and Rosemary Powell, Directors
The Children’s & Youth Choir returns for its seventh season of singing. Students of the parish in first through eighth grade are welcome to join this ensemble. Rehearsals will be held on most Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. New this year, in order to facilitate a more accommodating time for our members and families, the choir will sing on the third Sunday of the month at the 10:00a.m. Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity to further musical education and choral training for your children, while they participate in the liturgical life of the parish. To begin, all age groups will sing together, pending membership numbers. If numbers permit, the group will be arranged according to age and ability.

Parish Instrumentalists
Join the growing number of parishioners who share their talent with their instrument. Among those instruments we already have — guitars, bass, cello, flute and even a saxophone — future goals include making them more active in the liturgy! You can make your own schedule! A simple audition is required. Dust off your old instrument case and bring it to church!

For information on joining any of the music ensembles or ministries or if you have questions or comments concerning the music program, please contact Frank Orman in the Office of Worship and Music. Remember, all are welcome and encouraged to get involved!

Contact:

Frank K.J. Orman
610-644-0110 ext. 118
forman@saintmonicachurch.org