"The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. - Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy)
Ours is a very important job. We assist the clergy during the liturgy, most often at Mass. Through attentive and diligent service, we provide the priest with the assistance he needs to preside at the most important liturgical service most parishioners participate in every week. We also assist during other liturgies throughout the year, such as with the Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings during Lent, Holy Week services and funerals. Once or twice each year, boys and girls in the fourth grade and older are asked to volunteer for this service. Careful training is provided for as many sessions as each volunteer needs in order to become comfortable with the duties. Call the Parish Office at 410-427-7500 for additional information.
Cantors
Our principle purpose is to encourage sung participation by the community at Mass. Cantors need to be able to sing on pitch, be comfortable singing alone before an assembly, and have a welcoming presence. Call our Director of Liturgy and Music at 410-427-7516 or email us to set up an audition for additional information.
Children's and Youth Choirs
Our purpose is to further the musical development of children, while enhancing our liturgical music. Call our Director of Liturgy and Music at 410-427-7516 or the Parish Office at 410-427-7500 or email us for additional information.
Contemporary Choir & 40 More Days
it should be noted that contemporary compositions often use a diversity of musical forms that have a certain dignity of their own. To the extent that they are helpful to the prayer of the Church, they can prove a precious enrichment. - Sacrosanctum Concilium. We serve as music ministers for Mass every Sunday, as well as for other Masses, liturgies, services, and concerts throughout the year, especially during the Christmas season and Holy Week. Rehearsals are on Thursday nights. You should have a love of music, a good ear, and the ability to carry a tune (although no formal music training is necessary). Call Kevin Cronin at (410)491-6621 (cell phone) or leave a message at the Parish Office (410)427-7500. You may also just speak with Kevin personally after Mass.
Eucharistic Ministers
Our Eucharistic Ministers perform a very valuable and much appreciated service to our church in assisting the presider at Mass in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ. For more information about this ministry, please contact Pat Comber at 410-828-4553, email us, or Pat Zoppo at 410-961-0873
Lectors
Lectors make the Word of God come alive by proclaiming it to the Christian assembly. We schedule 2 lectors for each weekend Mass and 1 for each weekday Mass. New lectors are always welcome. We look for the same skills necessary for good public speaking, such as: effective use of a microphone, careful enunciation, appropriate rate of speech, good eye contact, proper posture and movement, the ability to convey emotions, gain and keep the attention of listeners, and the ability to convey enthusiasm and motivate listeners. Call Anne Burke at 410-377-9182 or the Parish Office at 410-427-7500.
Schola Cantorum
"Choirs are to be developed with great care, especially in cathedrals and other major churches, in seminaries and in religious houses of study. At certain moments in the Liturgy, [the choir] has a specific role of its own. - Sacrosanctum Concilium. The Saint Pius X Schola Cantorum sings on alternate Sundays. The Schola is a group of 4-8 singers that chant the psalms and acclamations at Sunday mass, and also assists with the singing of hymns and responses. The Schola regularly performs a choral prelude and post-communion music in addition to the scheduled service music. The Schola has performed music that ranges from early Sarum and Gregorian chant, to the works of Mozart, Bach, Tavener, Palestrina, Byrd, Elgar, and Howells. We welcome new members who love the classic choral repertoire and have an easily blended voice. The musical demands of the Schola ask that interested singers have a good knowledge of written musical notation, and the confidence to sing independent choral parts a capella. Interested singers should contact John Weber, Director of Music, at (410) 427-7516 to schedule an audition.
Seasonal Music Ministry * Christmas Eve Chorus * Instrumentalists
We enhance the liturgical music for special occasions or feasts. Call our Director of Liturgy and Music at 410-427-7516 or email us to set up an audition for additional information on this special ministry.
Ushers
Ushers welcome members of the congregation to the liturgy, help individuals locate seats when necessary, assist with gathering the collections and the presentation of the offertory gifts and, in general, assist in the smooth running of the liturgies. Membership is open to men, women and teens. Call Bob Stryjewski at 410-377-4449 for additional information.
