Music Ministry
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“[Music] has the power to lead us back to the Creator of all harmony, creating a resonance within us which is like being in tune with the beauty and truth of God, with the reality which no human knowledge or philosophy can ever express.”
Pope Benedict XVI -
Meet our director:
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Claire McCarthycemccarthystpeternewbrunswick.orgDirector of Sacred Music
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Our approach to sacred music is guided by an understanding of music’s unique and exalted role in the celebration of the Mass and other liturgies. Because of this understanding, music is a part of all major liturgies on Sundays and Solemnities. St. Peter’s enjoys a variety of musical expression, from simpler Masses with cantor and organ alone, to other liturgies that enjoy the benefits of a full choir and instruments such as brass, guitar, and timpani, which add even greater festivity and solemnity. The music program at St. Peter’s draws upon the Church’s rich legacy of sacred music as well as the ever-growing body of contemporary music.
See the information below on how you can become involved in Music Ministry at St. Peter’s.
The Parish choir sings at the 10am mass and the Student choir sings at the 6pm mass. Both groups rehearse a half hour
before mass. Once a month, we hold a rehearsal at 8:45 in the loft to dive deeper into upcoming music
We also have cantors and music at the vigil mass and the noon mass.
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parish Choir:
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The Parish Choir, whose membership is open to anyone high school age or older, sings at the Sunday 10:00 am Mass, as well as Feasts and Solemnities throughout the year. Its repertoire includes traditional choral works, polyphony, Gregorian chant, and modern compositions. Prior musical training and experience is not a prerequisite, and no audition is required.
Learn more about our Parish Choir
The Parish Choir is always welcoming new members. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Sacred Music, Claire McCarthy, or call the parish office.
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Cantors:
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A cantor is a liturgical minister whose primary role is:
- to proclaim the Word of God by singing the Psalm and Gospel Acclamation
- to facilitate the singing of the worshipping community as a leader of song, helping the congregation find it's voice.
A cantor must be a competent vocalist who is familiar with the role of music in the liturgy and with the liturgy in general. Volunteer cantors are welcome by audition only. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Sacred Music, Claire McCarthy, or call the parish office.
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Instrumentalists
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Our music program welcomes any parishioner who is a proficient player of an orchestral instrument and is willing to volunteer to play at Mass. Players must be able to improvise individual parts from an organ or piano score (with chords), since limited music is available for solo instruments. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Sacred Music, Claire McCarthy, or contact the parish office.
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choir helpersJoin the "Choir Helpers" GroupMe! You will get a text message when the music ministry needs helping hands for booklet folding, chair moving, etc. Contact Claire McCarthy [email protected] if you're interested!
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