Music Ministry

Cantors lead the congregation throughout Mass. Their primary concern is the sung responsorial psalm and sung Mass parts. They also lead the hymns and song of praise sung throughout the liturgy. Cantors are frequently called on as soloists or to lead special services. They may wish to rehearse during the week and receive voice lessons. An audition is required.

Instrumentalists (keyboard, percussion, brass, strings, etc.) are all welcome to play for various weekend and special liturgies. The ability to read music and a competent skill level is required. An audition is required.

Sound Board Technicians operate the equipment used to amplify and enhance voices and music during weekend Masses, funerals and other services. An ear for balance, sound, and music is helpful.

Contact Kellen O'Grady to share your talents in any of these ministries! Email kogrady@seasparish.org or call 651.437.4254 x230.
 

The descriptions below may help you prayerfully discern which ensemble may be right for you. Full rehearsal and Mass participation schedules are linked to each ensemble description. Email Kellen O'Grady with inquiries into any of the following ensembles.
 

This 10-16 voice SATB choral ensemble sings one to two times a month at various Masses and on high holy days from September through Corpus Christi. This choir sings much more difficult music and can sing up to 8 or more parts. The ability to read music and independent score study outside rehearsal is required. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Participation in this ensemble is by audition and invitation only. Chapel choir is off for the summer.
 

This funeral ministry serves the seventy or more funerals a year at SEAS. A “come-when-you-are-able” ministry, singers are notified of upcoming funerals with the date and time. The choir rehearses in the St. Clare room 45 minutes prior to the start of each funeral. Each funeral is roughly a two-hour commitment from the start of rehearsal to the conclusion of the liturgy. The only musical requirement is the ability to keep pitch. No audition is necessary.
 

This ensemble plays music for the monthly Dominus Est! service. “Dominus Est” is Latin for “It is the Lord!” and refers to the acclamation of the disciples in John 21:7. The service is an hour of praise & worship, Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, and the opportunity for sacramental Confession. This ensemble rehearses one hour prior to the service. Making music in a contemporary style, all kinds of instruments are welcome. An audition for proper musical placement and the ability to quickly learn music is required. Summer dates are June 26, July 20 (Friday at 6:00 p.m. - a special time with Families of Faith), August 28 and September 25.

See the rest of the 2018 schedule here.
 

This ensemble of ten ringers plays a three-octave handbell set. They ring one to two times a month and on high holy days from September through Pentecost. The ability to read pitches is not required, although rhythmic accuracy is necessary. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. No audition is necessary. Handbell choir is off for the summer.
 

This vocal ensemble is comprised of student singers from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, grades 4-8.  They rehearse and sing twice monthly for the 1:15 p.m. school Mass on Wednesday and the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday at the church. This group is named for St. Dominic Savio, a 17th century student who died of an illness at age 14. He accomplished holiness through daily tasks we ask of our SEAS students: Spirituality, Excellence, Academics, and Service. Savio Singers are off for the summer.
 

This adult choral ensemble sings twice a month at the 10 a.m. Mass and on high holy days from September through Pentecost. The choir sings up to four parts. The ability to read music is recommended but not required. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. An audition is requested for proper voice placement. Seton Singers are off for the summer.