Director of Music Ministries:  Rick Reed (936) 295-8159 x117, rreed@saintthomashuntsville.org

Ministry Mission Statement:

Music has always been an integral part of Catholic worship, celebration, and liturgy.  The music ministry seeks to lead the congregation in praising God, raising a joyful sound of praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, and enhancing the experience of coming together in community and as one body in Christ.  We seek to engage, not just to be observed.  We seek full, active, conscious involvement of the whole congregation and in that way become an instrument to teach and to comfort.  Music in the Catholic Church provides the opportunity for a deeper connection to Christ, the liturgy, and our church family through sound and silence prayerfully intertwined.  Our Music Ministry seeks to encourage and enrich church members' participation in the Mass by ensuring that all Masses have music which is not only liturgically appropriate, but also engaging and meaningful.

Capabilities:
We provide the opportunity for musicians and singers of all ages and ranges of
ability to participate in this ministry.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Be wiling to share your talents, skills, and enthusiasm!
• Attend rehearsals to prepare for the liturgies
• Arrive on time and prepared for scheduled rehearsals, Masses, and other events
• Keep track of music
• Dress in clothing which is appropriate to wear in the Sanctuary
• Work with other music ministers to create music which is pleasing and engaging to hear
• Keep up to date on Virtus training, to remain in compliance with the Archdiocese
• Be aware of when you are scheduled to provide music and arrive at the scheduled time and location ready to play/sing
• Contact the Director of Music Ministry if you will be uanble to attend a liturgy or rehearsal
• Be aware of how our sound system operates, especially the different types of microphones

Usual Ministries for Sunday (weekend) Masses: 

NOTE:  additional instruments are welcome and encouraged at all Masses - contact Rick Reed for information.

Usual Ministries for Holy Days: 
The Evening Mass for a Holy Day of Obligation is normailly 7p.  It is celebrated bilingually (English/Spanish), and the music ministry choirs join together to support the sung prayer.  We are continuing to build a repertoire of music that can be sung in either or both languages.

Cantors:
Cantors share information with the congregation, including song numbers, particular verses, and also proclaim the psalm from the ambo.  Cantors normally perform their ministry from the front of the church, usually by the choir.  Contact Rick Reed for further information and to offer your skills!

Special Choirs:
Special choirs are formed for various liturgies, especially the Triduum.  Membership in these choirs is open to all parishioners, even if not currently involved in the music ministry.  These are short term commitments.  Watch the bulletin and listen for announcements for more information.