“Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” Ephesians 5:18-19
As Music Ministers, we offer our gifts to the greater glory of God. Whether you are a choir member, cantor, instrumentalist or part of the gathered assembly – we all have the ability to deepen our own faith as well as lead others to Christ. Christ is present when the church prays and sings together.
The people of Saint Agnes Parish have been making a joyful noise since its founding in 1957. Music adds beauty to our liturgies, celebrations of the Eucharist, and at weddings and funerals. There have been different types of choirs of over the years – traditional, contemporary, folk, children, and blended. Karen Kustra has been the Director of Music for 25 years here at St. Agnes and has used a blended style of music at each Mass, something from the past and something new, since we have all ages coming to worship. At one point a few years ago we had about 50 Parish Choir members, 30 Joyful Noise singers, and a dozen instrumentalists. Although our numbers are a little lower now, we hope that many of you will consider bringing new life to the Music Ministry Family. It is our call to praise God and help others move to a deeper relationship with him through music. Here are a few ways YOU can help – no matter what your skill level is!
Parish Choir
If you love to sing, the Parish Choir welcomes 8th graders to retirees to join our “choir family” to share your voice in leading the assembly in sung prayer at the 9:00 a.m. Mass each Sunday and other celebrations from mid-September through early June. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Joyful Noise Choir
Boys and girls, ages 7 through high school, lead the assembly in sung prayer at the 11:15 a.m. Mass every other Sunday as well as other celebrations. Rehearsals are every other Tuesday evening. For more information on the Joyful Noise Choir, please contact Louise Daniels, Director of Joyful Noise Choir at 724-863-2626 or ldaniels@dioceseofgreensburg.org
Cantors
Our Cantors lead the assembly in sung prayer at all weekend liturgies and Holy Days. A musical background is helpful but not required. Commitment is approximately once a month.
Resurrection Choir
The voices of our Resurrection Choir bring a prayerful note to our parish funerals. Commitment is “as needed” for morning funerals. No evening rehearsals are required.
Liturgical Instrumentalists
Musical prayer is always enhanced at Mass and on Holy Days by the gifts of talented Instrumentalists. If you are a high school musician or one of our parish’s more seasoned musicians, we welcome you to share your talents on a regular basis or occasionally as your schedule permits. If you are a younger, student musician, you are encouraged to share your talents with the Joyful Noise Choir.
Our Music Ministry is truly a family. Besides making music, we support the parish by coming together to support our Bazaar by purchasing a large TV for the basket raffle, baking for the bazaar and fish fry. Throughout the year we celebrate by gathering with food, fun and fellowship. It is a blessing to come together each week and share our happy times, milestone events – birthdays, anniversaries, family accomplishments. It is also a comfort to come together and support each other when times are not so good and when we just need someone to listen to us. Yes, being part of Music Ministry is a truly being part of a family.
Our Parish Choir rehearsals have not been regular due to Karen’s unexpected health issues. We will get back on track with regular Wednesday rehearsal on November 30 – just in time for the Advent/Christmas season, which has some of the most beautiful music of the year. Please consider joining us. Come, be a part of our musical family! Your voice is a gift to you from God. How you use it is your gift to him!
Besides singing, (or in addition to singing), you can always support the Music Ministry with gift cards to Main Street Music in Irwin. We have an immediate need for some new microphones, cables, and music stands.
Thank you for your consideration, your support, and your prayers. We look forward to seeing you at rehearsal!
