Philosophy of Liturgical Music

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 that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith.  It should heighten the texts so that they speak more fully and more effectively.  The quality of joy and 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" USCCB paragraph #23) 

The entire worshiping assembly exercises a ministry of music.  Some members of the community, however, are recognized for the special gifts they exhibit in leading the musical praise and thanksgiving of Christian assemblies.  These are the pastoral musicians, whose ministry is especially cherished by the church.  (Liturgical Music Today, paragraph #63)

What motivates the pastoral musician?  Why does he or she give so much time and effort to the service of the church at prayer?  The only answer can be that the church musician is first a disciple and then a minister.  The musician belongs first of all to the assembly; he or she is a worshiper above all.  Like any member of the assembly, the pastoral musician needs to be a believer, needs to experience conversion, needs to hear the Gospel, and so proclaim the praise of God.  Thus, the pastoral musician is not merely an employee or volunteer.  He or she is a minister, someone who shares faith, serves the community, and expresses the love of God and neighbor through music. (Liturgical Music Today, paragraph #64)

Music Ministry

"Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises." Psalm 98:4


Welcome to the St. André Bessette music ministry page! Our music ministry enriches the spiritual lives and liturgical experience of the parish community. Through this wonderful gift that God has given us we are able to unite our prayers together with melody and song; creating a pathway to a deeper faith experience for our congregation.

"The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy." The composition and singing of inspired psalms, often accompanied by musical instruments, were already closely linked to the liturgical celebrations of the Old Covenant. The Church continues and develops this tradition: "Address . . . one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart." (CCC 1156)

Music Mass Schedule

TRADITIONAL CHOIR
Mass: Sunday 8:30am
Where: Sacred Heart Church
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30pm @ CHOIR LOFT
Musicians: volunteer cantors + choir members
Instrumentation: Organ / Cantor + Choir 

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP GROUP
Mass: Sunday 10:30am
Where: Sacred Heart Church
Rehearsals: Wednesdays @ 6:30 - 8pm PASTORAL CENTER (2nd Floor)
Musicians:  Mary Ellen Connell (piano), Dr. Mark Kelly (acoustic guitar), volunteer cantors.
Instrumentation: Piano / Guitar / Singers

Cantor / Organ
Mass: Saturday 4pm + Sunday 7am
Where: Sacred Heart Church
Instrumentation: Organ / Cantor

How I wept, deeply moved by your hymns, songs, and the voices that echoed through your Church! What emotion I experienced in them!  Those sounds flowed into my ears, distilling the truth in my heart. A feeling of devotion surged within me, and tears streamed down my face -- tears that did me good.  (St. Augustine, Confessions 9:6, 14)