Welcome to the Music Ministry!

We have started a Bell Choir that meets on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the school. If you are interested in joining this special group, please contact me at the above email address or call me at: 847-550-9048. No experience is necessary.

We, the music ministers of St. Mary Parish are comprised of a welcoming group of individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds. Our various groups enjoy sharing our talents and time through the art of MUSIC. We gather in unity to worship and celebrate our faith through music and involve our bodies, minds and souls in our praise of God. We help lead the celebrations and inspire the people by using our musical talents to glorify Him.

We continually strive for excellence and strive to make our music worthy of such an important place in worship. Our repertoire encompasses many styles of song. We present traditional styles with voice, piano and organ, as well as a more contemporary sound; blending voice, piano, electric keyboard, bass, percussion, guitar, flute, and voices.

"All Are Welcome" to join our ministry. No auditions or previous experience are necessary – just a desire to SHARE and have fun!

If you are interested in joining any of the music ministries below, please contact Mary Pietro, the Director of Liturgical Music, at: (email)marypietro@aol.comor call me at: 847-550-9048 OR stop by the music area in the church after any weekend mass.

Music at St. Mary Church

Music truly sets the spirit and tone of our worship. Our song selection and style of execution varies slightly at all weekend masses on any given weekend. The chart below will explain what typically happens at each of the six masses offered at St. Mary.

The Adult Choir practices on Wednesday evenings in the church at 7:30 p.m.

The Ensemble practices on Wednesday night at 9:00 p.m. in the church.

The Teen Choir practices on Tuesday evenings in the school.

The Children and Junior Choirs practice on Monday evenings in the church and/or school.

• Vocalists/Choir: If you like to sing and praise God with your voice then this is the time to make the ministry of music your own. Come to one of our Wednesday evening rehearsals and we will get you set up. Come by after a 9:30 a.m. mass on Sunday to find out additional information.

• Cantor: The cantor leads the congregation in sung prayer stemming from the Jewish tradition of a leader intoning the psalm verses. A cantor must have a curiosity for learning, some experience in front of others, a skill in singing, and the ability to communicate notes and text to the assembly.

• Instrumentalists: Accompanying is a discreet art form that requires a sensitive and proficient minister. With necessary skills, any age...ALL are welcome to accompany our choirs or cantors. All instruments, including brass, woodwinds, percussion and strings are valued. You are encouraged to come and play weekly, or play more sparingly such as at the celebrations of Christmas and Easter.

• Teen Choir: High School can be a difficult time to find a place to "fit-in". St. Mary’s Teen Choir is a wonderful place to sing or play with other teens in the parish. Come by the music area in church and speak with Bobby Krueger, Director of our Teen Choir, after a 4:30 p.m. mass to find out more information.

• Children's & Junior Choir: Young people can express their belief in God, using their unique gifts and talents, by participating fully in the music of the liturgies. The Children's Choir (K-4^th grade) and the Junior Choir (5^th-8^th grade) is an excellent place for our young people to get involved in the mass, while expressing their faith through music.

Contact Us

Music continues to be an important part of the life and liturgy at St Mary. Participation in one of the music groups provides more than a musical experience. It provides an opportunity for Christian Education, outreach and spiritual formation. If you think you'd like to become part of this vital ministry, please contact us.

You are invited to stop by the Music Ministry on Saturday afternoons or Sunday mornings after mass to meet our choir directors and other choir members. You can also call Mary Pietro, the Music Director 847-550-9048.

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

Mass Time	Music	Description
Saturday 4:30 p.m.	Teen Choir	Contemporary style of music
Sunday 7:30 a.m.	Cantor & Accompanist	More traditional style of music
Sunday 9:30 a.m.	Adult Choir	Mixed style of music appropriate for all ages
Sunday 11:30 p.m.	Contemporary Ensemble	Mixed style (leaning on the contemporary side)of music appropriate for all ages