Music is a powerful and beautiful way to give praise to God. Within the celebration of Holy Mass, music can be used to enhance and elevate the liturgy. The choir plays a big role in helping provide this beautiful music, which parishioners can use as an opportunity to meditate on the mystery of the Mass. Some people feel connected with what the liturgy is saying through the words that are spoken — however, others understand more when it comes to them in music.
Ernest Neal is the Choir Director here at Holy Family Cathedral. He has been involved for 16 years and understands the role of the choir well.
“The texts that we sing bring to mind the great sacrifice of Christ’s passion and death,” Ernest says. “This leads to a deeper understanding of the Mass and its meaning.”
The choir is open to all parishioners who wish to participate. The main requirements include a good singing voice, the availability to attend weekly two-hour rehearsals, and to sing for the 10 a.m. Mass. Many members also stay and sing for the 12:00 p.m. Mass as well.
“The choir has changed and grown over the past several years in its ability to perform music of significant difficulty because of the strong commitment of each member,” Ernest says. “We sing the best choral music of centuries past. This has broadened members’ appreciation of sacred music from various times and places.”
Choir members are living their call to stewardship by giving of their time weekly to share their talents with the rest of the parish. For many members, being able to share this gift and love of music, is a very rewarding experience.
“They enjoy being of service to the parish through great music that allows them to help parishioners pray in a more profound way,” Ernest says. “My love for great choral music and a desire to bring it into the context of the Mass is what led me to get involved.”
If you are interested in getting involved or have questions about the choir, please contact Ernest Neal at 918-698-0651 or eneal@tulsacathedral.com.