“Sacred music reduces distances even with those brothers and sisters who sometimes don’t feel close.” Pope Francis
Scripture explains that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). Music is one of God’s good gifts. God has given both man and angels the gift of music-making (Genesis 4:21; Job 38:7). The purpose of music and singing is to rejoice in and worship the Lord (Psalm 95:1-2). The Lord created the powerful gift of music and He has given us voices to praise and worship Him with. The Music Ministry spreads the Word of God through music experiences. The purpose of the Music Ministry is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through song, encourage believers in their walk with Christ. The Music Ministry at the Basilica is open to all parishioners. It is composed of those who have the desire to sing and worship the Lord. If you play a musical instrument and would like to use your talent for the Lord, Saint Patrick Basilica has a place for you. The Music Ministry provides an avenue through which individuals may share their gifts and be an integral part of the worship.
It is important to be mindful that music ministry is rooted in prayer, not performance. The role of music is to serve the needs of the Liturgy and not to dominate it, seek to entertain, or draw attention to itself or the musicians.
Liturgical music is not about us. Rather, as liturgical musicians we are called to use our gifts to help the gathered assembly participate more fully in the liturgy and grow in relationship with God. This is the fundamental difference between prayer and performance. Our music must serve the liturgy.
When we sing, it is said, we pray twice! There is so much goodness, truth, and beauty to be found in the music at Mass. Worshipping God through music has the ability to lead us to encounter His true presence-and that is such a gift. God is always moving and working through the sincere worship of His people, and He is seeking us out and finding ways to reach out to us.
Music is powerful. When we come to Mass on a Sunday – this is our opportunity to give thanks to God for His marvellous works and to encourage one another in the faith to keep moving towards Jesus. The majority of us belt out our favourite tunes at a concert, or in the car, but why do we feel so reserved at Mass? May we always remember the words of the Psalm:
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; cry out to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with a song of praise, joyfully sing out our psalms. Psalm 95: 1-2
If you would like more information on the music ministry at Saint Patrick Basilica, please contact us at [email protected]
Invitation to New Singers!
We are welcoming new members for the 2024-2025 Season.
The following choirs are accepting new members:
The Children’s Choir
• For boys and girls 7-13 years of age
• Sunday 9:30 Mass [Bi-weekly]
• Bi-weekly rehearsals
• Music Theory lesson materials included
The Girls’ Choir [New!]
• For girls ages 15 years and up
• Sunday 9:30am Mass [Bi-weekly]
• Bi-weekly rehearsals
• Music Theory lesson materials included
Adoremus Choir
• Sunday 12:15pm Mass
• Weekly Rehearsals
Soprano, Alto and Tenor openings.
For more information please see the bulletin boards, website or contact the Music Director at:francescabaileymusic@gmail,com or visit the choir loft after Sunday Mass.