Music Ministry

The sacred stories of Scripture recount that God’s people are singers!
Christ himself sang with his apostles.
And so we, as Christ’s disciples, follow in his way and sing.
We sing with gratitude in our hearts. 

Saint Joseph Parish is blessed with a vibrant ministry
of choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists
made up of parishioners with musical gifts
who give of their time and talent
to support the assembly in its worship
and to enhance the musical prayer of the liturgy.

Those in the music ministry will be more than happy to tell you that this joyful work not only enriches their spiritual life but also gives them the great gift of friendship with other music makers along life’s journey. Together, as we minister serving God and the assembly, our faith life is enriched communally! Consider joining one of the many ways to praise the Lord with music and help lead our community’s song!
 
St. Joseph Choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 7:15 p.m. beginning September 13th. The Choir serves as the music ministers for the Sunday 9:00 or 11:00 a.m. liturgy.

New! Sunday Night Ensemble serves as the music ministers for the first and third Sundays of the month beginning in October. Rehearsals start at 4:00pm on the day of each liturgy.
 
St. Joseph Handbell Choir is in need of additional ringers for the coming year. The bell choir plays on its own as well as with the vocal choirs of the parish at selected liturgies throughout the year, averaging once a month.  Anyone high school age or older with some music reading ability is welcome. Training is offered to learn handbell technique before joining the choir.  Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning September 14th.
 
Instrumentalists at Saint Joseph Church bless our parish tremendously! We currently enjoy the wonderful talents of people who share their talents and play clarinet, flute, guitar, piano, recorder, sax, violin, and even euphonium! A person who serves as an instrumentalist needs to be rather proficient since “training” is not provided at the parish level. 

Resurrection Choir are present to the bereaving family and friends during Funeral Masses by supporting the assembly’s participation in word and song. There are no auditions and anyone is welcome to join. Members come as often as their schedules allow. The Choir arrives one half hour before a funeral to rehearse any special music that is needed. Funerals are normally held in the mornings. Choir members are informed of a funeral by an email or telephone call.
 
To serve in any of these music ministries, contact Bob Valle at the parish center (630-964-0216, ext. 1209) or by email (bvalle@sjpdg.org). For the handbell choir, contact Bob or our Handbell Choir director, Darlene Crilly at dcrilly@sjpdg.org.