Music Ministry

“God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises…it is no wonder that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people” (Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, para. 1-2).

With this in mind, it is the goal of the St. Bernard’s music ministry team to lead the assembly into full participation in the liturgy through singing and experiencing music. St. Bernard’s has several ensembles that prepare different styles of music. This helps the diverse members of the assembly participate through music that speaks especially to them.

Sunday Morning Choir
This group sings at the 9:00am Sunday Mass from September through May. This choir prepares four-part choral music ranging in style from traditional hymns and classical sacred songs to more contemporary Catholic favorites. Membership tends to be adults, but college-age young people and teens are welcome to join if this is the music you like to sing. Contact Judy Schwager for more information or if you would like to join.

Contemporary Praise Band
This group sings at the 11:00am Sunday Mass all year long. This ensemble consists of several singers with piano, guitar, and drums. We are currently looking for a bass player. This group sings contemporary Christian pop songs that also encourage participation in the Catholic liturgy. St. Bernard’s encourages teens to join this ensemble, but college age young people and adults are also welcome if this is the music you like to sing.  The Praise Band rehearses on Tuesdays at 6:00pm from September through May. Contact Judy Schwager for more information or if you would like to join.

Youth Choir
The Youth Choir is open to any child or youth currently in grades 1 through 8. The choir practices Wednesdays from 5:45-6:30pm during the school year, immediately following Wednesday night religion classes and youth group. The children will learn basic music skills and singing techniques along with their fun-filled songs. Repertoire will consist of Vacation Bible School favorites, songs familiar to the parish, and songs for holiday programming. Contact Judy Schwager for more information or if you would like to join.

Cantors
The cantor leads the assembly in full participation at Mass. The cantor’s primary duty is to sing the psalm during the Liturgy of the Word. “As one who proclaims the Word, the psalmist should be able to proclaim the text of the psalm with clarity, conviction, and sensitivity to the text, the musical setting, and those who are listening” (Sing to the Lord, para. 35).  If you can do this, you can be a cantor. New cantors will be trained for the cantor ministry and paired with an experienced cantor until ready to lead solo. Contact Judy Scwager for more information or if you would like to train to become a cantor.

Instrumentalists
Special feasts and holidays are made more solemn with the addition of instruments to the usual vocal ensembles. Young musicians are especially encouraged to play for church! Contact Judy Schwager for more information or if you would like to sign up now to play for church.