Music Ministry
Liturgical music is an integral part of our worship celebrations. The musical styles of our various choirs present a unique and spiritual element that enables our congregation to lift up their voices in praise. Although the various groups have different styles, they all strive toward a common goal: to lead the congregation in sung prayer and to glorify God through music.
CONTACT: Mary Herman, Music Director 847-722-8559
E-Mail: mary.herman512@gmail.com
PARISH CHOIR
Our adult Parish Choir is a four-part harmony choir. Singers high school age and older are encouraged to join. On most Sundays, the choir leads song at the 10:30am Mass from September through May. They will also lead song on special Holy Days such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Midnight Mass, Confirmation, and the Triduum.
Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:30 from September to May. Participation in the adult choir requires singers to match pitch, possess the ability to sing with a group, attend rehearsals, and attend the scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus, but not a necessity. The choir and the Cherubs also bring Christmas joy through performances at nursing homes and community events.
Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish.
CHERUBS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Children from second through eighth grades are invited to join the Cherub Children’s Choir. These children lead sung prayer at the 8:00am Mass on Family Formation Sundays. In addition to these regularly scheduled Masses, the children will also lead song on special days such as Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday. A rehearsal schedule will be given at the time a child joins the Cherubs. The choir and the Cherubs also bring Christmas joy through performances at nursing homes and community events.
Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish.
CONTEMPORARY GROUP
A bright, energetic ensemble of adults with a variety of musical instruments lead worship at the 10:30 am Mass each month. Led by Kristen Suwanski, the group sings mainly contemporary pieces, using repertoire from both Contemporary Christian music to liturgical song of the past 20 years. The group uses instrumentalists capable of playing the guitar, piano, and drums.
Vocalists should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and all members should attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish.
CANTORS
Song leaders are needed at most Masses, especially those Masses with no ensemble or group present to provide the leading. Qualifications for a cantor include basic music reading skills, ability to sing in tune and tempo with a group or a single accompanist, ability to effectively engage the congregation in song. An audition is required.
INSTRUMENTALISTS
We typically use instruments the piano and organ for the instrumental foundation of our musical groups and basic song-leading at Mass. All other instruments are used as supplemental instrumentation for these groups. Rehearsal and Mass times/dates depend on the particular group or need. Qualified instrumentalists need to possess basic music reading skills, ability to play in tune and tempo with a group or a soloist. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish.
FAMILIES IN CHRIST JESUS COMMUNITY (FCJC) PRAISE BAND
Once a month, at the Saturday 4:00 PM Mass, the Families in Christ Jesus Community share their musical praise and deep spirituality as they lead the assembly in powerful and prayerful spiritual worship. The main focus is contemporary praise and worship selections.