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THE MUSIC MINISTRY OF ST. MARY’S... is not comprised of volunteers, but of committed individuals returning something to God. You are invited to join with us in making that commitment."When Jesus told the parable of the talents, He was making a statement of this truth. God gives us certain abilities that He expects us to use. If we fail to use them, and fail to glorify Him, we have sinned. ‘It follows then, that in the musically mature church, the ministry of choir singing is now regarded as a privilege and a trust.’ “ --/ Loveland and Rice/ Adult Choir
This choir rehearses Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Church (except during the month of July) The choir alternates singing at the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses at the Church, as well as for all Solemn liturgies and other special occasions. St. Mary’s ChoristersSt. Mary’s Choristers is a group of children from age 6-16. They are members of Pueri Cantores, the International Association of Catholic Children’s Choirs, and participate in the regional festival sponsored by this organization. The festival for 2011 will be on April 2 at the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Houston with Cardinal DiNardo presiding. To find out more about Pueri Cantores, visit www.puericantores.org.This choir sings and also plays the melody chimes. They sing or play at Mass approximately once each month during the school year, and on other solemn occasions. They also lead the caroling preludes at the Children’s Mass on Christmas Eve. The Choristers rehearse on Wednesday evenings in the Church hall from 6-7:00 p.m., immediately preceding CCE classes. St. Mary’s Bell ChoirSt. Mary’s Bell Choir rehearses on Mondays at 6pm in the Church. This group play English handbells and melody chimes. They play at Mass approximately once each month, and on solemn occasions and at special events.No prior music experience is necessary. Resurrection ChoirSt. Mary’s Resurrection Choir is part of our church Bereavement Ministry. The choir sings for all funeral Masses. Members of this choir are notified by phone or email of each funeral Mass. Since there is no regular rehearsal, the choir gathers approximately 15 minutes prior to the Mass. Members might be part of the daily Mass communicants, or already part of one of our music groups. It is not necessary to read music -- rather, it is to join voices together to lead in song and witness Christ's love through our parish to families who have lost a loved one.May the Choirs of angels come to greet you. May they speed you to paradise. May the Lord enfold you in his mercy. May you find eternal life. Weddings at St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’sCONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES!As bride and groom-to-be, you are beginning one of the most exciting journeys in your lives. Your marriage liturgy at St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Catholic Churches will be your point of departure for this journey. In order to help make this a memorable occasion for you, your families, and your guests, this information will assist you in understanding about and selecting music that will create an atmosphere that reflects the sacrament as a celebration, uniting God and you in a new relationship.MUSIC AND ITS ROLE IN THE WEDDING LITURGYThe Marriage Rite is a liturgical celebration, a sacrament of the church. As in any liturgical setting (i.e., Mass), the music is to be chosen with care and discrimination. Since in the liturgy the assembled people of God join with the bride and groom in asking God's involvement and blessing as a new home is established, the music should accentuate the reverence of the liturgy.The texts and music should contribute to the worship atmosphere of the service. The selections should be of a musical quality. The texts should correspond to the themes which are inherent in a Christian marriage liturgy (e.g., God's love for the church displayed through Christ,) forming the foundation for the love a man and woman share. God's involvement and blessing petitioned for the marriage; the praise of God necessarily expressed when Christians rejoice. For that reason, operatic selections, art songs, along with popular and theatrical love songs, are inappropriate. While they are being used frequently in marriage services, their texts extol romanticized or secular ideas about love and marriage and, therefore, detract from the worship of God. ARRANGEMENTS FOR MUSIC AT YOUR WEDDINGSt. Mary’s is fortunate to have three organists, one of whom will be available to play for your wedding, barring any previously scheduled conflicts. You may reach the Wedding Coordinator, Linda Armstrong, at the Church (936-894-2223), at home (936-825-0565), or via email (linda@deerchase.com) to make initial arrangements concerning your music. You may also submit any questions or concerns via email to info@smsj.org.Should you prefer to use your own organist, it will be considered as a possibility. Additionally, it will be necessary to speak with the organist whom you will be using about their experience, as well as discussing our instruments and practice availability. The Wedding Coordinator will make this determination. You are responsible for providing a list of the proposed music a minimum of three (3) weeks prior to the wedding. CANTORS, VOCAL - INSTRUMENTAL SOLOISTS, CHOIRSWhether you will be having a Simple Service or Mass, the cantor/soloist has an important role. All of our weddings have a cantor present. Cantors should be selected from the cantors of St. Mary’s.NOTE: If you will be making your own arrangements for a soloist, here are additional responsibilities: 1) Providing all the music that will be used (at least a week before the wedding) 2) Having original copies available in the key they will be performed 3) Being prepared well enough that we will only need to practice each selection one time prior to the wedding to determine tempos and other things which will enhance the music It has become more common for couples to request our Parish Choir or Bell Ensemble for the wedding. The Parish Choir has participated in numerous weddings -- adding a particularly festive touch! Depending upon when your wedding is scheduled, arrangements can be made to have a balanced schola present. This is part of the music ministry fund raising efforts. COMPENSATION AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe fees for the music are as follows These fees cover the consultation and professional services the day of your wedding and should be paid either at or prior to the rehearsal:
A rehearsal with singers/instrumentalists one hour prior to the wedding is included in the regular fee for the Organist. If your singer/instrumentalist desire additional rehearsals, the fee per rehearsal is $75.00. MUSIC RESTRICTIONS1) St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Church follows all musical and liturgical guidelines set by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.2) Usage of pre-recorded tapes or CDs is not permitted whether for music during seating of guests, processionals/recessionals, or to accompany any vocalist. This in keeping with the musical and liturgical guidelines set by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. 3) The Lord's Prayer is never sung during the Liturgy so that every person present can participate. If you feel it is necessary to have a solo version performed (such as the Malotte setting), this can be included in the music selected for the seating of your guests prior to the liturgy. 4) The music used prior to and during the Service/Mass must be the same in nature as that which would be used in any Mass. Additionally, the songs must be in keeping with Catholic theology. Secular songs are to be used during the reception. 5) You are not limited to the selections that appear here. Should you prefer something else, please feel free to make this preference known to the Wedding Coordinator. However, you will need to obtain such if it is not in the Church’s music library. SELECTING MUSIC FOR YOUR WEDDINGThe following music needs to be selected for a SIMPLE SERVICE:PROCESSIONAL(S) GATHERING HYMN (Optional) RECESSIONAL The following music needs to be selected for a MASS: PROCESSIONAL(S) GATHERING HYMN (Optional) COMMUNION SONG RECESSIONAL Additional vocal/instrumental music may be used in the following places: - During the seating of guests/relatives (Simple Service, Mass) - Preparation of Gifts (Mass) - Meditation (Mass) - Taking flowers to the Blessed Mother statue [i.e., Ave Maria] (Simple Service, Mass) You can hear brief examples of all the music listed on YouTube. The Solos are offered as examples of additional programming.You are not limited to these choices. They have been put together from popular choices over the years. You can hear any of these musical settings on YouTube. Processionals for the Bride and Bridesmaids: The Prince of Denmark’s March by Clarke Air from Water Music Suite by Handel Air for the G String by Bach Andante by Handel Canon in D by Pachelbel Crown Imperial by Walton A Joyous Air by Purcell St. Anthony Chorale by Brahms Largo from Four Seasons by Vivaldi Procession by Callahan Rondeau by Mouret Trumpet Tune in D Major by Clarke Trumpet Tune in D Major by Johnson Trumpet Voluntary by Stanley Voluntary in B flat Major by Stanley Solos: Funerals at St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Catholic ChurchThe following is a partial list of music that can be used in the Mass. Since many songs can be used in several places, the following notation can help you choose an appropriate placement.The Funeral Coordinator and/or Director of Music will be happy to choose any or all of the music, if you so desire. Please assist in that process by indicating if you would like more traditional songs and/or contemporary songs. A printed worship and music aid will be provided by the Church for the service. The use of secular music (music not written for use in a sacred liturgy) is not permitted. All music must be suited for the Mass -- the highest form of prayer the church offers. If you have any questions, the Funeral Coordinator, Laveta Malek, will be most happy to help you with your selections. She can be reached through the Church office (936-894-2223) or at home (936-894-2465). Special Notation: In keeping with musical and liturgical guidelines set by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, the usage of pre-recorded tapes or CDs is not permitted whether for music during the Mass, or to accompany any vocalist. E=Entrance P=Presentation C=Communion
The following Responsorial Psalms are appropriate:
The following solos are often requested:
Readings for a Christian Funeral These Readings are suggested in the Order of Christian Funerals. At a funeral, one reading from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament and a Gospel are proclaimed. (Click onto www.BibleGateway.com and enter a bible reference from the tables below to get the verse online.)Here are other alternate suggestions for appropriate readings: Fundraising & Donations A fantastic music program cannot exist without the support of parishioners and patrons. We are grateful for those of you who have contributed to the music ministry in the past, and ask all of you who love and appreciate our choirs, cantors and instrumentalists to consider donating some of your time, talent and treasure to make some of our musical dreams come true. If you would like to contribute to the needs of the St. Mary’s Music Ministry, you can send a check payable to St. Mary’s Music Ministry, P.O. Box 388, Plantersville, TX 77363 Music Ministers Linda Armstrong Liz Torres Director of St. Mary’s Bell Choir Phone: (281)536-8681 E-mail: Annette.young9@hotmail.com |
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