The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Music Ministry is a dynamic group of talented, dedicated musicians with the aspiration of enhancing our Liturgies. We actively search out new members for all of our ministries. Please take time to look at the descriptions of our many ministries to see if you might be interested in becoming part of this integral parish ministry. If you have any questions or are interested in joining our ministry please contact the Director of Music, Leslie Thayer (814-944-2044; lthayer@dioceseaj.org)
Cantor:
The Cantor is an individual singer, male or female high school or above, who stands in the sanctuary and encourages or invites the assembly’s full, active, conscious participation in song. He or she needs to be able to read music, speak and sing clearly and confidently in a microphone, and to engage people by their pleasant disposition and eye contact. Cantors sing at Sunday masses, Holy Day masses, Funeral masses Weddings, Evening Prayer and other special prayer services. Cantors rehearse weekly by private coaching.
Psalmist:
The Psalmist proclaims the appointed Psalm for the mass in song, and invites the assembly’s participation in singing the refrain or antiphon. Women and men who possess the qualities of Cantor (listed above), and who have received Baptism and Eucharist are invited to join this ministry group. Psalmists rehearse weekly by private coaching
Adult Choir:
This choir is open to men and women high school age and above. They assist the assembly to participate fully, consciously, and actively at mass, performing choral music related to the season or celebration of the day. Additionally, they participate in the Diocesan Festival Choir that serves as the music ministers for Diocesan celebrations such as Ordinations, RCIA rites, and Chrism Mass. The Choir sings regularly at the 10:00 Sunday Mass. Rehearsal are held Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00 PM, from the first week in September through the week of Parish Feast Day – Corpus Christi.
Instrumentalists:
If you play a musical instrument at the high school level or above, and would like to play at mass or a prayer service or Daily Office, you are invited to meet with the Director of Music to make those arrangements. Piano or organ students are welcome to complete a period of study with the Director to prepare to lead the assembly and assist a Cantor and Psalmist.