Music is an integral part of the celebration of the Mass; it has been since the very earliest days of the Church. Skillful singing glorifies God; dignifies the Mass in a way that cannot be reproduced by any other means; and renders the prayers and readings more memorable and moving. Catholics with musical knowledge, musicianship, and singing ability have a certain obligation to use these skills and talents for the greater glory of God and the edification of their brothers and sisters.
Duties: Support the congregational worship by singing at Sunday 8:30 Mass with a group of committed musicians. The choir also sings at special Masses such as Confirmation, Easter Vigil and Christmas Midnight Mass.
Time: One Wednesday evening rehearsal each week. Warm up 45 minutes before Mass.
Skills: A clear voice and a good ear (vocal evaluation necessary). Music reading skills are a plus but not required.
Coordinator: Mary Stevens
Duties: Lead the assembly in prayerful song with or without an accompanist; periodic cantor training; private preparation time at home.
Time: Varies; arrive 45 minutes prior to Mass
Skills: A skilled solo voice; a deep sense of prayerfulness and reverence for the assembly's sung prayer, strong leadership ability. (vocal evaluation is required)
Coordinator: Mary Stevens
Duties: Assist with leading the assembly in prayerful song with the IHM Youth Musicians.
Time: Weekly rehearsals September through May, time and day TBD; 10 to 12 Masses a year, usually the first Sunday of the month at 11:15 Mass; the children are also invited to sing at the Children's Christmas Eve Mass.
Note that there currently is no Children's Choir. If you are interested, please contact Mary Stevens.
Skills: A love of singing; an ability to be reverent at liturgy.
Coordinator: Mary Stevens
Duties: Lead the assembly in prayerful song and music at Mass
Time: Individual practice; rehearsal one hour before Mass, usually the first Sunday 11:15 Mass of the month
Skills: A strong signing voice, or accomplished instrumentalist.
Coordinator: Currently vacant, call Parish Office, 301-863-8144
Duties: Play for the Children's Christmas Eve Mass, along with the IHM Youth and Children's Choir.
Time: individual practice and several group practices starting in November, usually following the Saturday 4PM Mass; warm up and play Christmas carol concert 30 minutes before the Mass.
Skills: Proficient instrumentalist
Coordinator: Mary Stevens
Duties: Sing at Mass with a group of committed musicians
Time: Two -three Masses per month plus rehearsals on Thursday evenings and warm up one hour before Mass (usually the 3rd Saturday 4 PM Mass, and the 4th and 5th Sunday 11:15 Masses)
Skills: Ability to lead the congregation in sung prayer either vocally or on guitar
Coordinator: Patrick King, 240-925-0546, kingpl2@yahoo.com
Duties: Sing at Mass once each month (usually 2nd Sunday at 8:30 Mass) with a group of committed musicians
Time: One Mass per month plus two rehearsals.
Skills: A clear voice and a good ear (sight-reading skills desirable but not necessary.)
Coordinator: Gary Faller, 301-481-6985, gdfaller@md.metrocast.net
Duties: Sing at 4 PM Saturday Mass on the 5th Saturday of the month.
Time: Two rehearsals the weeks prior to the 5th Saturday; individual practice, warm up one hour before Mass.
Skills: A clear, strong singing voice. Note reading ability is a plus but not required.
Coordinator: Mary Stevens
Responsabilidades: Participar con el coro durante la celebración de la misa.
Habilidades: El deseo y la habilidad de cantar en unión con el resto del grupo o facilidad con algún instrumento musical para enaltecer la dignidad de la celebración de la Misa. Capacidad de poder seguir tonos musicales y dirección del coordinador.
Horario: Durante la Misa (domingo 1 pm) y reuniones de ensayo.
Coordinador: Andrés Cruz, 240-287-0044