The Music Ministry at St. Joseph Parish is busy preparing for the music it will present during our Christmas Liturgies, as well as for the Annual Christmas Concert set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 in the church sanctuary.
“The concert will have all the members of the Music Ministry together when I blend the youth and adult choirs,” says Christina Dupre, Worship and Liturgy Coordinator. “There will be some surprises in the program!”
Another project that is underway is the recording of Christmas and seasonal music for a CD.
“I will have information coming out soon for those who would like to order a CD,” Christina says.
Members of the ministry include the Youth Choir that is made up of third-to-eighth-grade students at St. Joseph School. Older students and adults sing in the Adult Choir. The instrumentalists include guitarists, a flutist, violinists, and keyboard players.
“All our Liturgies have a group or ensembles and we blend them together,” Christina says.
Those serving in the Music Ministry are fully engaged in stewardship.
“That is one of the things we do,” Christina says. “I do try to get the parish fully involved, and the ministry members really practice hard on Wednesdays for about two hours. As we get closer to the Christmas concert, we sometimes rehearse twice a week. They are giving up their time so we can have a better Liturgy and worship in the parish. They are giving of their talents. In stewardship, you are giving your time and talent — your gifts — and they definitely fall into that. They are really dedicated. It makes it easier for me.”
Not only do the members have the opportunity to live in stewardship, but they also are able to grow closer to Christ through their work.
“When we begin rehearsal, we begin with a prayer and we try to select music to fit the Scriptures each week,” Christina says. “We are very worship-oriented as far as our selections. It definitely brings them and the congregation closer to Christ. We make sure the music is presented properly. This leads to better worship with the well-prepared homily Fr. Tim always gives.”
In addition to the Music Ministry, Christina is working to develop a media ministry.
“The video screens are there to enhance a better worship experience,” she says. “This will help the people to get closer to Christ and prayer.”
Anyone interested in joining the Music Ministry is welcome to come to the rehearsals.
“Anyone can join now if they want,” Christina says. “We do practice hard!”
To join, come to a rehearsal, held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in the music room at the church.