God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song. God dwells with each human person, in the pace where music takes its source. Indeed, God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises.
A cry from deep within our being, music is a way for God to lead us to the realm of higher things. As St. Augustine says, “Singing is for the one who loves.” Music is therefore a sign of God’s love for us and of our love for him. But unless music sounds, it is not music, and whenever it sounds, it is accessible to others. By its very nature song has both an individual and communal dimension. Thus, it is no wonder that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people. (2007. Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, No. 1-1. USCCB.)
The mission of Music Ministries at St. John of the Cross Parish is to proclaim the gospel message through sung prayer, thereby fostering faith by drawing our community “into the divinely inspired voice of the Church at prayer” (STL, No. 5). At the core of this ministry are nearly 100 dedicated musicians, both volunteers and professionals. There is a place for every parishioner to participate: as a choir member, instrumentalist, cantor, or participant in congregational song. Contact Jessica Koch, Director of Music Ministries, to find out more!
Registration for the Children’s Choir is now open. Click here to register.