St. Mary's Church is proud of its long tradition of sacred music, alive and active well into its second century. Singers of all ages, from middle school to retirement, sing each Sunday in St. Mary's Choir. On Feast Days and other special occasions, the Schola Gregoriana sings the Gregorian chants appropriate to the day, integral to the Catholic liturgy for millenia. The newly-restored pipe organs ring out at every weekend Mass. Visiting choirs, orchestras, organists, and singers perform concerts of sacred and classical music throughout the year.
At the Saturday 5:30 p.m. Mass, the congregation sings the Ordinary of the Mass (the Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei) with the accompaniment of the organ. The Psalm and Alleluia are led by a cantor, as are the Introit, Offertory, and Communion Propers, integral to the liturgy since the early Church.
The Sunday 10:45 a.m. Sung Mass with St. Mary's Choir is at the center of the parish's musical life. Each week, the choir sings choral works by a range of composers from Palestrina to Paulus as well as the Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Propers, and also leads the congregation in the singing of the Ordinary of the Mass. The choir thus lives out the words of the Second Vatican Council: “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.” Sacrosanctum Concilium, ¶112 Visitors should note that the texts and translations of the music sung by the choir, as well as the names of composers and sources of text, are always printed on the front page of the bulletin, in line with the Order of Mass.
On Solemnities and Feasts which occur on Sundays, at Christmas, and in Holy Week, the Choir is joined by the Schola Gregoriana. This smaller ensemble studies and performs the Gregorian chants proper to each liturgical day: the Introit, Gradual (psalm), Alleluia, Offertory, and Communion antiphons. This music is a gift from our mothers and fathers in the faith, allowing us to worship God with the same words – and melodies –known to saints in the earliest days of the Church, and remains a vital component of the modern liturgy: “The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services.” -Sacrosanctum Concilium, para. 116.
On Holy Days of Obligation that fall on weekdays, a Sung Mass will be celebrated, most often at 7 p.m., at which the Schola will sing the proper chants, and a Gregorian setting of the Ordinary of the Mass will be sung in alternation by the Schola and Congregation. And, on certain Solemnities, for example, the Body and Blood of the Lord (Corpus Christi), or Christ the King, Vespers is chanted at 4 p.m.
In the seasons of Advent and Lent, Compline is chanted in candlelight every Sunday night at 8 p.m. by the Schola Gregoriana, joined by members of St. Mary's Choir and singers from neighboring parishes. Compline is preceded by an organ recital on the 3rd Sunday of Advent and on the 4th Sunday of Lent.
The Choir and Schola are always glad to welcome new members; those interested in singing should contact director Chelsea Barton via email ([email protected]). Prospective singers should bear in mind that participation in musical ensembles, like any other team, requires punctuality, discipline, and a commitment to continued learning. Previous experience is not necessary – but a willingness to study and practice outside of rehearsal is required for success. For those interested in joining the Schola, instruction in the notation used for chant can be provided, as needed.
The Choir rehearses from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings in the church, and from 10:00-10:30 prior to the Sunday 10:45 Mass. The Schola rehearses from 8:45-9:45 a.m. on Saturday mornings in the church, and prior to liturgies as needed.
For information on upcoming choral music, concerts, or special liturgies, see our Facebook page, or consult the parish bulletin.
The history and specifications of the 1890 Barckhoff organ in the gallery and the 1872 House organ in the chancel can be found in this document.
A summary of the history of music and musicians at St. Mary's can be found in this document.
