Music Ministry
Music Ministry in Our Tri-Parish Community
Regarding music at Mass, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal states:
41. The main place should be given, all things being equal, to Gregorian chant, as being proper to the Roman LIturgy. Other kinds of sacred music, in particular polyphony, are in no way excluded, provided that they correspond to the spirit of the liturgical action and that they foster the participation of all the faithful.
103. Among the faithful, the schola cantorum or choir exercises is own liturgical function, its place being to take care that the parts proper to it, in keeping with the different genres of chant, are properly carried out and to foster the active participation of the faithful by means of the singing. What is said about the schola cantorum also applices, with due regard for the relevant norms, to other musicians, and especially the organist.
104. It is fitting that there be a cantor or a choir director to direct and support the people's singing. Indeed, when there is no choir, it is up to the cantor to direct the different chants, with the people taking the part proper to them.
Furthermore, the Second Vatican Council's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy states:
In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to hight things (Article 120).
In keeping with the spirit of these core instructions, music at our Masses is vocal, with organ accompaniment. Gregorian chant is a growing staple in our parishes at Mass. Seeking to form a via media between purely changed propers and the most post-conciliar practice of substituting hymns in their place, we offer a blend of traditional organ-accompanied hymns and Mass parts, while unaccompanied Gregorian chant is sung for the Offertory and Communion (as well as the Introit during the solemn seasons of Advent and Lent).
Ensemble/Solo Opportunities
Rosa Mystica is a small women's ensemble (SSAA) which sings alternating Sunday mornings at either Our Lady of Lourdes or St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer. This ensemble leads all sung music at Mass, and chants the propers in medieval-style organum. We're always looking for new voices, so if you're interested, contact the Director of Music to set up an audition. Singers with previous choral experience and the ability to read music will be given preference.
In addition to this, we are always looking for new cantors to lead the congregation in song. Contact the Director of Music to set up an audition. As above, singers with previous choral/cantor experience and the ability to read music will be given preference.
DIrector of Music
Our Director of Music, Mr. Jesse N. Glaude, is a veteran organist and church musician with over 30 years' experience in the field. He is an alumnus of Westiminster Choir College and has served churches of many denominations, creating everything from traditional vocal ensembles to chamber music programs, sacred music workshops, silent movie nights, charity concerts, and a non-profit music school that served the city of Norwich (CT) for a decade. He may be emailed at: jessnathanglaude@gmail.com