"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
preeminence is that, as sacred song is closely bound to the text, it forms a
necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy." (Constitution on the
Sacred Liturgy, VI. 112)
In their recent statement Sing to the Lord: Music in Catholic Worship, the
American Bishops said:
"God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song. God dwells within
each human person, in the place where music takes its source. Indeed,
God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises.
As St. Augustine says, “Singing is for the one who loves.”
Music is therefore a sign of God’s love for us and of our love for him. In
this sense, it is very personal. But unless music sounds, it is not music,
and whenever it sounds, it is accessible to others. By its very nature song
has both an individual and a communal dimension. Thus, it is no wonder
that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental
presence of God to his people."
At Holy Family Church, the Music Ministry is an integral part of our
liturgical worship. Whether it’s through involvement in one of our choirs,
leading singing as a cantor, or participating as a member of the
congregation, everyone is encouraged to be active in our music ministry.
Children's Choir
Click here for the Children's Choir calendar
Our parish also has a Children’s Choir which is open to all children in the
parish who are registered either in Holy Family School or Religious Education
programs, grades 3 through 8. The Children’s Choir sings once a month
during the school year, usually at the 5:00 Saturday afternoon or 9:00 Sunday
morning Mass; for the parish Festival of Lessons & Carols; for the Christmas
Eve Vigil Mass; First Communion, and other events in the life of the parish.
The children have the option of attending an afternoon rehearsal on Mondays
(3:00 – 3:45,) or an evening rehearsal on Thursdays (7:00 – 7:45.) They only
need to attend one rehearsal or the other, not both. The week before they sing
a Family Mass, both sections of the Choir are combined at the 7pm rehearsal
on Thursday evening so that they can practice with each other and the
accompanist. The choir is directed by Robert Todd.
Click here to download the registration form to your computer as a WORD
document. You can then open the file, enter the information, and email the
completed file to the Music Office at music@holyfamilystpete.com
If you do not have WORD on your computer, you can download the form in .
pdf format here. Complete the form by hand and return the hard copy to the
Music Office.
Cantors
Holy Family is fortunate to have dedicated singers who are willing to spend
time in individual preparation as leaders of singing for our public worship.
Because of the leadership involved in this ministry, an audition and the ability
to read music are required. Cantors are provided with music and materials in
advance and are afforded the opportunity to rehearse with the Music Director.
If you would be interested in assisting the parish by serving as a Cantor,
(especially for the 7:30 A.M. Mass on Sundays!), please contact Robert Todd. (l-
r) Susan Carr, Bill Cote, Susa Hanks, Steve Novak, Pat Hilley, and Angela
Kelly. Not pictured: Michelle Klima and Ian Slattery.



Click HERE for the
photo gallery of the
choir's year-end party
Our Adult Choir sings at the 11 A.M. Mass from mid-September through the
Feast of Pentecost. They also sing for Christmas, Holy Week, and other
major festival occasions in the life of the parish. The Choir maintains an
extensive repertoire of modern and traditional choral music to complement
our liturgies. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at from 7:30 to 9:00
P.M. The ability to read music, though helpful, is not required. For more
information, please contact Robert Todd.
Folk Group
Our Folk Group sings year-round at the 9:00 A.M. Mass and is directed by Ms.
Pam Ferguson. Their Web site can be seen at Ms. Ferguson's TeacherWeb
Home Page