SACRED MUSIC AT ST. MONICA
“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 sacred song united to the words,
it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.”
“The purpose of sacred music [...]
is the glory of God
and the sanctification of the faithful.”
Sacrosanctum Concilium, § 112 (The Constitution on Sacred Liturgy, Vatican II)
Music Ministry News and Updates
LISTEN NOW to the Kyrie Missa Orbis Factor (Mass XI) we will sing during Lent:
**Note: The very last Kyrie is slightly different, starting on a lower note.
Pew Music Worship Aids
Right now you will find half-sheet worship aids in the ends of the pews.
These contain the music for the Responsorial Psalm and any other music for Mass not in our hymnal, as well as translations of Latin that the choir or cantor is singing.
Please avail yourself of these to have the fullest understanding of what is being sung in the Mass. Thank you for Leaving them in the pews so that each Mass with music can use them (4:30, 8:30, 10:30).
Choirs & Ensembles
Contact Director of Sacred Music, Jessica Roberts at jroberts@stmonicamish.org to find out how to develop and share your music gifts with the parish!
10:30 Choir
Rehearses Wednesdays, 7-9 PM
Sings on Sundays at 10:30 AM Mass
Volunteer choir of music-enthusiasts and professionals. The choir sings a wide variety of choral pieces regularly at the 10:30 am Sunday Mass and for special events and concerts throughout the year. Repertoire is selected from a variety of sacred music genres and composers from the early church to the present day.
Parish Children's Choir - seasonal (for now)
Rehearsal & Mass schedule TBA!
Open to children and youth (2nd-6th grade) of the parish to engage with their Catholic faith and serve at Catholic liturgy. Choristers explore the vast treasury of sacred music and share their talents at Mass, while developing their singing and musicianship skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Praise & Worship w/ Adoration
Fourth Thursdays 6 pm, Second Sundays 4 pm
Contemplative, contemporary praise & worship music.
Fourth Thursdays 6pm (August-May).
Contact Sean Scott (leader) for details about how to join: spscott82@gmail.com
Second Sundays 4 pm, led by Jen Havard - contact her to get involved: jenjenwh@gmail.com
Instruments
Sunday 10:30am Mass
Praise & Worship, Taizé, and other opportunities
Instruments illuminate and enhance our musical worship and praise
Cantors
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday 8:30am, 10:30am
Training provided.
All those who have some musical experience and a pleasant voice are encouraged to prayerfully consider this ministry! Ability to read music, or a willingness to study and practice, is required.
“In the earthly liturgy we share in a foretaste of that heavenly liturgy which is celebrated in the Holy City of Jerusalem
toward which we travel as pilgrims…”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 1090
"The liturgy is the summit toward which
the activity of the Church is directed;
at the same time it is the font from which all her power flows."
Sacrosanctum Concilium, § 10
“How I wept, deeply moved by your hymns, songs,
and the voices that echoed through your Church!
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.”
Saint Augustine, Confessions
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; cry out to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with a song of praise, joyfully sing out our songs." - Psalm 95:1-2
"Sacred music is at the service of the Word, which is the Person of Christ."
Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi: As we pray, so we believe, and so we live. | "Music is meant to harmonize us." - Bishop Robert Barron
“Sacred music should consequently possess […] sanctity and goodness of form, which will spontaneously produce the final quality of universality.”
- Pope St. Pius X, Tra le sollectitudine, § 2