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, Susie Marion.

Cantors:
Danielle Bickers
Judy Groff
Dave Kilbarger
Annette Presnell
Chris Ryckman
Tom Shuman
Becky Sullivan
Linda Swartz


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 CARLTON RIDER, Director through the Church Office at 653-0997 or via e-mail at: crider@cdeducation.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 REBECCA SULLIVAN, Director through the Church Office at 653-0997 or via e-mail at: rsullivan@stmarylancaster.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 SUSIE MARION, Director through the Church Office 653-0997 or via e-mail at: smarion@stmarylancaster.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 35 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.

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.

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.

The Director of Music is always available to assist with music selections for the Funeral Liturgy. This is a very difficult time for the family and we are honored to help in this way. The Director of Music, Susie Marion, can be reached through the Church Office at 653-0997 or via e-mail.