Music

music

Helps the gathered community express its faith through song by providing a musical foundation for the various roles and rites in the Liturgy.

Formation

Rehearsals and liturgical preparation are required that ministers might gain an understanding of their role in the liturgy and also grow in their faith and love of Christ. Weekly rehearsals are held throughout the year, with additional rehearsals based on the needs of the liturgical season and Holy Days. In addition, an annual Evening of Renewal is provided for all liturgical ministers to reflect on their role as a minister and a member of the St. Edna's Catholic community.

Expectation

Those interested in serving are welcome to join at anytime during the year. Choirs are open to anyone who possesses a love of music. Participants must be able to carry a tune, match pitch, and follow direction. Music ministers are expected to consistently attend rehearsals and meet at designated times before liturgies to ensure consistent liturgies. Music ministers provide a musical foundation for the various roles and rites in the liturgy. They model being a member of the "Body of Christ" through their vocal or instrumental musical gifts. Music ministers collaborate with other liturgical ministries by providing an environment of welcome and hospitality.

Liturgical Music Opportunities

Sunday 9:30am Mass Choir

Volunteer adults of all ages. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm in the church. The adult choir sings at the 11:30am Mass once a month. Additional rehearsals may take place before Christmas and Easter. Choir season runs from September to June.

Cantors

Volunteer teens and adults as discerned by the directors. Rehearsal with the choirs as needed for special liturgies.

Instrumentalist

Volunteer teens and adults as discerned by the directors. If you want to share your talents at the Sunday liturgies, please contact Lisa Hall at lhall@stedna.org.

Rehearsal Schedule

Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings starting at 7:00 - 8:30pm in the Church. Additional rehearsals will take place close to Christmas and Easter, and those will be posted as the time gets closer.

Children's Choir

Our Children's Choir is an opportunity for children in grades 1-6 to praise God together in song. We have rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:10pm in church in preparation to sing for the 9:30 Sunday Mass once a month.

The Minor Miracles is an opportunity for kids to glorify God in a fun way by using their unique gifts and talents to be music ministers for our parish Masses. St. Augustine once wrote, “To sing is to pray twice.” Our time together making music is rooted in prayer and community. The repertoire that we sing consists of a variety of songs that exposes children to various musical time periods and cultures within the Catholic tradition of our parish.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will typically take place in Saint Edna Church on Thursday evenings. The main doors closest to Arlington Heights Road will be open by 6:15pm, and rehearsals will be held from 6:30-7:10pm.

Parents and older/younger siblings are welcome to sit in the church during rehearsals, but we ask to have complete silence in the church- conversations can be held outside or in the narthex. Parents are also welcome to drop-off and pick-up their children. We ask that parents come into the building for pick-up; we do not want to have any child going out into the parking lot by themselves.

There is no need to bring anything for rehearsal other than a ready mind, open heart and beautiful voice! I will have packets of music for the singers- they are welcome to take them home each week after rehearsal as long as they promise to bring it back!

We will have weekly Thursday rehearsal unless noted. I don't need to know when kids will be missing a rehearsal, but please let me know if your child will not be at an upcoming Mass.
Rehearsals will begin August 31.

There will be NO rehearsal on: March 28.

There will be a Tuesday rehearsal on March 26.

Masses

The choir will sing together on the Mass dates listed below. Please bring your child to church by 9:10 on Sunday mornings that we are singing. Cantors should be in church no later than 9:00am. A quick rehearsal before Mass really helps the children settle in and focus, as well as helps me run-through songs and check microphone levels.

I ask that the kids dress in their "Sunday best"---collared shirts, pants, skirts, dresses-- anything but jeans or sweatpants!! As music ministers, they have a special role in the Mass- even dressing the part helps the children understand that.

I’m sure I will get a bathroom request or two during Mass. If a child asks to use the bathroom during Mass, I will send them straight to you so that both you and I know where your child is at all times.

9:30am Mass Calendar for the Year:

January 28, 2024
February 25, 2024
March 31, 2024 (Easter Sunday)
April 21, 2024
May 9, 2024 (Mother's Day)

The remaining Mass dates for the school year will be sent out at a later date, with the final rehearsal and Mass in May.

Singing in a Post Pandemic World

As we know, the last few years have been full of surprises! We will continue to follow CDC and Archdiocesan guidance here at St. Edna. If you prefer that your child wears a mask while singing, they are more than welcome to do so. I ask that if your child is not feeling well or has had significant recent exposure to germs, please keep them home from rehearsal and/or Mass. I’m hoping that this upcoming cold and flu season is kind to all of us and our loved ones!

Membership

I'm always happy to have more singers - please pass on our choir info to interested families in 1st through 6th grades!! To register for this year's choir, please complete the following form:

https://forms.gle/sKCY2EmMsue4LmRB9

Communication

I will always send information: rehearsal updates, snow day cancellations, etc. via email. If there is another email address that you’d like for me to have, please let me know.

Please contact Mrs. Allison Blomeke any time: ablomeke@stedna.org