Music Ministry
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“[Music] has the power to lead us back to the Creator of all harmony, creating a resonance within us which is like being in tune with the beauty and truth of God, with the reality which no human knowledge or philosophy can ever express.”
Pope Benedict XVI -
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Claire McCarthycemccarthystpeternewbrunswick.orgDirector of Sacred Music
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Our approach to sacred music is guided by an understanding of music’s unique and exalted role in the celebration of the Mass and other liturgies. Because of this understanding, music is a part of all major liturgies on Sundays and Solemnities. St. Peter’s enjoys a variety of musical expression, from simpler Masses with cantor and organ alone, to other liturgies that enjoy the benefits of a full choir and instruments such as brass, guitar, and timpani, which add even greater festivity and solemnity. The music program at St. Peter’s draws upon the Church’s rich legacy of sacred music as well as the ever-growing body of contemporary music.
See the information below on how you can become involved in Music Ministry at St. Peter’s.
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parish Choir:
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The Parish Choir, whose membership is open to anyone high school age or older, sings at the Sunday 11:30 am Mass, meeting at 11am to practice. Our choir sings traditional hymns, chants, modern sacred music, and choral pieces. Prior musical training and experience is not a prerequisite, and no audition is required.
If you are a Rutgers student, we invite you to sing in the student choir. They sing once a month at the 6:00pm mass, meeting at 5:00 pm to practice. The student choir sings mostly contemporary music, with some traditional hymnody and choral pieces.
Both choirs come together for a number of Feast Days and Solemnities. The pinnacles of our year are our Advent Lessons and Carols and our Holy Week Liturgies leading up to the Easter Vigil.Learn more about our Parish Choir
The Parish Choir is always welcoming new members. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Sacred Music, Claire McCarthy, [email protected], or call the parish office.
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Cantors:
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A cantor is a liturgical minister whose primary role is:
- to proclaim the Word of God by singing the Psalm and Gospel Acclamation
- to facilitate the singing of the worshipping community as a leader of song, helping the congregation find it's voice.
A cantor must be a competent vocalist who is familiar with the role of music in the liturgy and with the liturgy in general. Volunteer cantors are welcome by audition only. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Sacred Music, Claire McCarthy, or call the parish office.
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Instrumentalists
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Our music program can welcome parishioners who are proficient players of orchestral instruments on a limited basis. Players must be able to improvise individual parts from an organ or piano score (with chords), since limited music is available for solo instruments. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Sacred Music, Claire McCarthy, or contact the parish office.
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