The Music Ministry at Saint Seven's

The Ministry of Cantors

Singing is for one who loves. – St. Augustine.

The church states that the ministerial role of the cantor is to ‘lead and sustain the people’s singing and to lead the different chants.’ The cantor also ministers as the psalmist, one who sings the passage from the Book of Psalms between the Prophecy (First Reading) and the Epistle (Second Reading), a beautiful and far reaching liturgical tradition of the Church. As the psalmist the cantor is also ministerially responsible to proclaim the short, biblical verse inherit within the Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia).

Please contact the office of Music and Liturgy if you are interested in becoming a part of this spiritually rewarding ministry or would like more information. All necessary historical, liturgical and musical training will be provided to you.

The Choir Ministry

"Song and music are closely connected with the liturgical action. The criteria for their proper use are the beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly, and the sacred character of the celebration." Catechism of the Catholic Church, ¶1191

In her wisdom, the church has asked that ‘choirs be diligently developed.’ The choir, within the Sacred Liturgy, has been privileged with the liturgical function of ‘ensuring that the parts proper to it… are properly carried out and foster the active participation of the people through singing;’ To lead congregational singing, alternate singing with the congregation and ultimately to sanctify God, and to edify the faithful.

Choir rehearsals will be conducted on Thursday evenings in the Church at 6:30 beginning the first Thursday in September and will minister at the 9:15 Liturgy on Sunday mornings. To commit and participate in this ministry, please call the Office of Music and Liturgy and schedule an interview with the Director. (this includes currently active members).

Requiem Choir

“Requiem Aeternum, dona eis Domine: et lux perpetua luceat eis.”
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them – Introit from the Funeral Liturgy.

Music at funerals should offer support, consolation, and should uplift the family and community during times of grief and sorrow. Music, at the service of the Eucharistic Celebration, can create ‘a spirit of hope in Christ’s victory over death and in the Christian’s share in that victory during the Funeral Liturgy.

Please consider joining this special and unique choir/ministry by being an instrument of peace and answering the promise Jesus spoke of when he said in Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are they who mourn; they shall be consoled;” by sharing your voice in a spirit of consolation to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Children’s Choir

The office of Liturgy and Music is pleased to announce the formation of St. Steven’s first ever children’s choir. Open to children in academic grades three through eight, the choir will rehearse every Wednesday, immediately following Religious Education classes, for one hour in the Church. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to enrich the children’s musical abilities, through the exploration and discovery of the rich treasury of Catholic music and liturgical heritage. You can register your child in the Office of Liturgy and Music during the week during normal business hours, or after any of the weekend Liturgies. There will be a required nominal $40 dollar registration fee for the year to cover cost of materials per child. Please stop by and register your child and receive more information regarding the choir’s schedule of rehearsals and Liturgies! (If financial constraints exists, please let us know when you register your child.)