Music Ministry

The mission of the Music Ministry of St. Joseph’s is to support and enhance the full participation of our Congregation in the music of the liturgy. The Music Ministers (cantor, choir member, instrumentalist, or accompanist) lead and support the music of the liturgy – the sung liturgical texts as well as the hymns, songs, and other musical pieces that support and enhance the liturgy. These Ministers facilitate the celebration and help the assembly enter into and respond as the one body of Christ. The Ministers musically pray the liturgy and helps the assembly enter more deeply into the liturgical prayer.

Our music ministry participates in all our liturgical celebrations. Here are just some of the ways that music enhances our liturgies:

  • Adult Choir:
    • Leads the music for all of the Masses on the weekend
    • Rehearses together on Wednesdays from September to mid-June to prepare for our liturgies
    • Instrumentalists:
      • Are welcome to participate in any of our liturgies.
    • Accompanists (Piano or Organ):
      • Please contact the office if you are interested in playing or developing your skills to play for liturgies.
  • Children’s Choir:
    • Leads the music at our weekend Mass the last weekend of every month
    • Leads the music for 4 pm Christmas Eve Mass
    • Rehearses on Wednesdays

Requirements

  • Attend rehearsals and be present at scheduled Mass.
  • Be willing to learn and experience possibly unfamiliar styles and forms of music.
  • Learn the music as well as possible.
  • Participate in each rehearsal with concentration and attentiveness.
  • Provide good visual and aural leadership.
  • Arrive well before the scheduled Mass time.
  • Assist the assembly to pray together in song.
  • Be prepared to deal with changes and spontaneity.

Skills

  • Ability to carry a tune. The voice must be strong, but not overpowering, steady, and on pitch.
  • A good sense of rhythm and tempo.
  • An ability to learn clear enunciations of texts.
  • General knowledge of music and a basic reading ability in music.
  • Knowledge of the official structure of the Order of the Mass.

If you are interested in volunteering in this ministry or have questions, please click on the link below and submit your information.

We adhere to the Archdiocese of Baltimore Policy for the Protection of  Children and Youth.  All adult volunteers in this ministry need to register on our management compliance website www.virtus.org   and read the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct and Statement of Policy,  complete online training, have a background screen performed, and provide 3 references.   The training and background check must be repeated every 5 years.  For more information, click here.