The Music Ministry at St. Joseph, Auburn is an integral part of our faith community. There are various ways to become involved in this ministry.

Our SENIOR CHOIR meets on Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. in the church for rehearsals from September through May. The choir sings at the 11 a.m. Mass as well as at special liturgies: i.e. Confirmation, Holy Week and Christmas. Membership is open to those of high school age and beyond. No auditions are held; just a sincere desire to enhance the liturgy is required !

A FESTIVAL CHOIR is another avenue of ministry. This group would join our regular adult choir for rehearsals 4 weeks prior to Christmas and during the 6 weeks of Lent. For those who love to sing and are unable to make a long-term commitment, this might just be the answer to share your talents with our faith community.

The CHILDRENS CHOIR is in its fifth year (after a brief hiatus). This choir is open to all students in grades 1-6. It is a unique mix of age, talent and enthusiasm. This choir rehearses in the church on Thursday afternoons from 4-5 p.m. They usually sing at the 9 a.m. Mass twice a month, but this can vary. They sing in the pre-Mass concert on Christmas Eve as well.

The CANTOR MINISTRY is separate from the Senior Choir, although most cantors are also members of the choir as well. A cantor is the leader of song for the faith assembly and needs proficiency in vocal technique, musicianship, liturgy, Scripture, psalmody and pastoral ministry to be effective. Every effort will be used to prepare and develop their musicality and liturgical knowledge.

Our YOUTH CHOIR is new to the Music Ministry this year (2007-2008). This group is open to students in grades 7-12. Practices are usually held between the 9 and 11 a.m. Masses on appointed Sunday's. This talented group of young people sing at the 11 a.m. Mass OR at the 9 a.m. Mass according to a pre-arranged schedule. (This schedule sometimes needs adjusting, due to the commitments of its members). This group also participates in the pre-Mass Christmas concert and other liturgies during the liturgical year.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC adds yet another dimension to the celebration of the liturgy on special occasions. Some instruments are more suitable than others for liturgical use; among them the flute, clarinet, oboe, strings (violin, viola, cello), trumpet and French horn. The guitar and keyboard are often used in contemporary groups (such as our Guitar Group). Others who are proficient at playing an instrument are welcome to speak to the music director to determine where their talents might be used.

A GUITAR GROUP or CONTEMPORARY GROUP could be another avenue of ministry. Previously, we have had several adults (singers and instrumentalists) who practiced at a time convenient to most and who, in the past, played at the 10 a.m. Mass at St. Edmund's. Perhaps this can be a ministry for our middle/high school/college age group once a month at the 9 a.m. Mass. If anyone is interested in forming and directing this ministry, or belonging to such a group, please speak to the music director.

If you are interested in participating in any of the above music ministries, please call the rectory and leave a message for the music director or simply approach her after any of the weekend liturgies ! Your talents will be most welcome !

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