“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
St. Louis Bertrand, Foreston * St. Mary's, Milaca * St. Kathryn's, Ogilvie * St. Mary's, Mora
Music Opportunities
at St. Joseph, Pillar of Families Parish
4pm “Hospitality” Choir
This choir sings for the 4pm Saturday Mass at St. Louis Bertrand. Members simply “come and sing”– rehearsal takes place 30 minutes before Mass starts (in the back classroom between the church and the parish hall).
All are welcome to participate. This choir sings mostly familiar songs and does not require intensive rehearsals or commitments.
Guardian of the Redeemer - 8am Choir
This choir sings for the 8am Sunday morning Mass at St. Mary’s in Milaca 3-4 times a month. They may also sing for some holidays, depending on the church schedule.
Rehearsals are 30 minutes before Mass starts (in one of the back classrooms – through the Parish Hall and down the hallway, last classroom on the left).
There is also a longer choir practice on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30pm in the church. Members sing familiar songs, learn new music, and develop as a choir together. Anyone 4th grade and up are welcome to participate.
Servants of Christ - 10am Choir
This choir sings for the 10am Sunday morning Mass at St. Mary’s in Mora twice a month. They may also sing for some holidays, depending on the church schedule.
Rehearsals are two Wednesdays a month from 5-6pm in the choir loft. Members sing familiar songs, learn new music, and develop as a choir together. Anyone 4th grade and up are welcome to participate.
St. Joseph, Pillar of Families Parish Choir
This choir sings for the larger Solemnities and Feasts in the Parish. They focus on developing vocal ability, learning choral music, and promoting musical excellence. Members must do a vocal check with the Music Director or be invited to join, and must be at least 13 to participate.
Rehearsals are 1-2 times a month on Wednesdays at 5pm at St. Mary’s in Mora in the choir loft. This choir will sing 3-4 times a year, primarily for Masses at St. Mary’s in Milaca (with potential for more frequency in the future).
“Awaken” Praise and Worship Group
This group sings and plays for the monthly “Awaken” nights throughout the Parish and they play Praise and Worship and other contemporary music.
Rehearsals are set based on the musicians’ Music Opportunities at St. Joseph, Pillar of Families Parish schedules, usually once or twice a season.
Accompanists
We are always in need of extra pianists or organists to accompany the liturgies at any of the churches in the Parish. Pianists or organists must be competent on their instrument, read music and sight-read well, have a commitment to practicing on their own, and be available to rehearse with the choir or cantor at scheduled rehearsals. Adults or youth are welcome – new or youth accompanists will be mentored by existing accompanists and/or the Music Director.
Cantors
Cantors sing the Psalm and Gospel Acclamation during Masses at any of the churches in the Parish. They also will either lead the singing for the whole Mass (when the choir is not singing) or be a good section leader (when the choir sings with them).
Cantors must be invited by the Music Director or do a simple audition, if interested in participating in this ministry. Cantors must read music and/or have an excellent ear with the ability to learn music quickly, be able to hold a pitch and sing in tune with sensitivity, and must have their own personal practice time to learn the music, in addition to rehearsal with the choir and/or accompanist.
Instrumentalists
Anyone who plays an instrument can be involved in various groups at the Parish, with approval of instruments and skill-level by the Music Director.
Instruments suitable for Mass include: guitar, string instruments (violin, viola, cello), and woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone). Brass and percussion instruments are most suitable for the Christmas and Easter seasons. Instruments more suitable for a rock band (such as electric guitar or drum sets) are welcome to join the Awaken group for Praise and Worship.
Instrumentalists must read music well, be competent on their instrument, and attend scheduled rehearsals.