LITURGICAL
MUSIC
Music expresses our faith in a way that the spoken word alone, cannot.
It is an integral part of all our liturgies and our individual journey
of faith. It connects and unifies us with one another and brings all
the elements of liturgy together.
“Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its
faith, music is of preeminent importance. As sacred song united to
words it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy. Yet
the function of music is ministerial; it must serve and never dominate.
Music should assist the assembled believers to express and share the
gift of faith. It should heighten the texts so that they speak more
fully and more effectively. The quality of joy and the enthusiasm which
music adds to community worship cannot be gained in any other way. It
imparts a sense of unity to the congregation and sets the appropriate
tone for a particular celebration.” – Music in Catholic Worship,
paragraph 23
Cantors:
Cantors are
experienced singers who lead the congregational singing at our
liturgies and also proclaim the Word of God from the ambo as the
psalmist. Cantors are selected by audition and interview with the
Director of Music,
Matthew Nadalin.
One need not be a member of one of the choirs at Saint Mary to assist
in this work.
Cantors:
Danielle Bickers
Judy Groff
Dave Kilbarger
Chris Ryckman
Tom Shuman
Becky Sullivan
Cantor Handbook from the Office of Divine Worship.
Choirs:
Adult
Choir: The Adult Choir sings primarily at the 8:45 Sunday Mass, and all
other principal celebrations in the liturgical calendar. The Adult
Choir is open to adults and high school students. There are no
try-outs, just a willingness to praise God through song. The choir
sings from September through the end of May and also for our Patronal
Feast of the Assumption of Mary in August. Rehearsals: Wednesdays at
7:00 PM
To volunteer for this ministry please contact MATTHEW NADALIN, Director
through the Church Office at 653-0997 or via e-mail at:
mnadalin@stmarylanaster.org
Children’s
Choir: The Children’s choir sings at various Masses throughout the
liturgical year. Practices take place at 10:00 AM in the church balcony
between the Sunday Masses. The choir practice schedule will be posted
in the church bulletin. All school-age children are eligible to sing in
this choir.
To
volunteer for this ministry please contact MATTHEW NADALIN, Director
through the Church Office at 653-0997 or via e-mail at:
mnadalin@stmarylanaster.org
Funeral
Choir: The Funeral Choir leads the sung prayer of the Funeral Liturgy.
This very special group of people gathers on short notice to provide
this invaluable service to families who are grieving the loss of a
loved one and/or family member. This is a life-changing ministry for
all those who chose to participate in this way.
To volunteer for this ministry, please contact MATTHEW NADALIN,
Director through the Church Office 653-0997 or via e-mail at:
mnadalin@stmarylanaster.org
Pipe Organ
The
primary instrument at sung liturgies is the human voice. Another
important instrument at the center of our liturgies at Saint Mary of
the Assumption is the magnificent pipe organ. It was built by the
Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut in 1988. It was installed
in January of 1989 and first played at the Easter Vigil of that same
year. It replaced another Austin Organ that had been in use for 75
years. Our Austin Organ (
Opus 2714)
consists of 3 manuals (keyboards), a two and a half octave
pedal board and has 34 ranks of pipes. That is 2,093 individual pipes.
The pipes are made of zinc, spotted metal, poplar, walnut, mahogany,
and sweet maple. The 93 pipes that you can see along the front and side
of the instrument are called “façade pipes,” and only 9 of them are
“speaking” pipes. The others are only for show. The remainder of the
speaking pipes are found behind the façade pipes tucked away from view.
We are truly blessed to have such a fine instrument leading our
liturgies.
Music
Guidelines for Weddings
Only
liturgically appropriate music may be used at weddings. All music,
sacred or of a classical nature must be approved by the Director of
Music. All weddings will utilize the parish organists and cantors. All
weddings (ceremony or Nuptial Mass), will have three parts that are
always sung: the Gathering Hymn, the Responsorial Psalm, and the Gospel
Acclamation. These elements are led by a St. Mary cantor. The Wedding
Liturgy begins with the Prelude Music. Ushers should reverently and
quietly escort family members and friends during this time.
Popular
and secular music is not appropriate for use during the Wedding Mass or
Ceremony. This also applies to vocal or instrumental music played
during the prelude.
You must
contact the Director of Music, Matthew Nadalin, to set
up an appointment to plan the music for your Wedding. Music for Weddings at St. Mary of the Assumption Guide
Music
Guidelines for Funerals
A
funeral is a time for the Parish to gather and honor the life and
legacy of the deceased. Because funerals are Parish liturgies and not
private services, the music must reflect the faith of the parish
community. Music that is used at Sunday liturgies is illustrative of
the type of music that is appropriate for use in the Funeral Liturgy.
Secular music is not appropriate for the liturgy, nor is recorded music
acceptable. We are blessed to have our own Funeral Choir which leads
the Assembly during the Funeral Liturgy and provides Prelude music
prior to the Mass.
