Music Ministry

Music Ministry is a very important part of our worship life. We are a group of parishioners from many generations and walks of life who join with the congregation as leaders in praying in song.

Our ministers range from semi-professionals with music degrees to musicians with no formal training; from by-ear learners to skilled sight-readers; from confident soloists to nervous but generous team players. While musical training is helpful, the greatest asset of our ministers is a servant’s heart: the willingness to give the gifts they have in service to God and others. We work hard, support each other, learn and develop, and grow in spirit together, and are always looking to add members to this spiritual family.

Music Ministry Rehearsal Nights
Thursdays, 7:30–9 PMchurch, September–May

These rehearsals are open to members of every ensemble, giving all our ministers an opportunity to work on music and technique together. It is not required to come to this rehearsal, but all are welcome and encouraged to attend whenever possible.

Mass Day Rehearsals
Each ensemble rehearses 30 minutes prior to their mass time in the main church. Ministers are requested to arrive early enough to settle in and be ready to begin at that time.

Parish Choir
The Parish Choir is the core ensemble of the Music Ministry program, made up of parishioners who regularly serve the 10:30 AM Mass, but also of members of every ensemble who join the choir for major celebrations such as the Triduum, Christmas, and sacramental celebrations.

All parishioners high school age and older are welcome; new members will be paired up with a current member in their vocal section to answer their questions and find their own niche.

Parish Ensembles
All our other masses have smaller ensembles who serve their communities regularly throughout the year. All parishioners high school age and older are welcome.

Children's Choir
The Saint Paschal Baylon Children’s Choir is a parish ensemble for young parishioners in Grades 2–5 who take on the role of leading the congregation in song in several masses throughout the school year. Our children don’t just get up and perform, they lead just like their adult counterparts!

Our co-directed rehearsals are Thursdays, 5-6 PM, in the church.

Schola
Our 6th-8th grade students at Saint Paschal Baylon School are invited to join the Schola, our music ministry ensemble for school masses throughout the school year. Students in this ensemble lead psalms, announce songs, play instruments, and lead their school community in worship.

Instrumentalists
We are thrilled to hear the sounds of all kinds of musical instruments in our worship! We welcome guitar, keyboards, percussion, brass, winds, and strings for any of our mass times.

Cantors
Regular members of the Parish Choir or an Ensemble who wish to participate in a more challenging capacity are welcome to serve as Cantors, playing a special role as servant leaders in the liturgy by leading psalms, acclamations, and other duties. This is a role requiring a more advanced level of competency and skill.

Funeral Music Ministry
Every funeral we celebrate at Saint Paschal Baylon is served by this small group of volunteers who are welcome to minister whenever they are available. In addition to the blessing of leading in song, this ministry is one of consolation to families in their time of grief.