Music Ministries
You’re invited to Join the Music Ministry!
Whether you sing or play an instrument, you are invited to join the music ministry! There are music opportunities for school-aged children, teenagers, young adults and mature singers and instrumentalists, including Sunday Mass, Holy Days and Feast Days, and special liturgies such as First Communion, Advent and Lent Vespers and more.
For more information, please contact: Susan Scaffidi, Music Director: sscaffidi@setoncatholicchurch.org
Choirs
Children’s Choir: Our children’s choir sings one Sunday each month during the school year, and rehearses weekly. Led by Jennifer Thomas, the children are taught proper rehearsal and ministry skills. As they advance, our children have the opportunity to serve as cantors (soloists). The children also sing for the Christmas Vigil Mass for Children, First Communion Masses and other special liturgies.
Youth Ensemble: Junior high and high schoolers and college-age singers—many of them “graduates” of our Children’s Choir—participate in our Youth Ensemble. Led by Anthony Rinaldi, this is an opportunity for teens and young adult singers to develop sight-singing and other musicianship skills, and learn a more advanced musical repertoire. The Youth Ensemble rehearses weekly and sings one Sunday each month year-round.
Adult Choir: The Adult Choir sings at the 9:30 Mass once each month and rehearses each week throughout the year. Led by Susan Scaffidi, the Adult Choir includes singers of all skill levels and are supported with skill-building activities at each rehearsal. Members of the Adult Choir also serve at most of the Holy Days and Feast Days, such as Christmas Mass at Midnight, Easter Vigil Mass, and more.
Holy Days and Sacred Seasons Music Groups: These special occasion ensembles are perfect for children, teens and adults who would like to participate but have limited schedules. We have had special ensembles for All Saints Day, Thanksgiving Day, Advent and Christmas, Ash Wednesday and many more Holy Days, Feast Days and Sacred Seasons. All skill levels are encouraged.
Instrumental Music: Musical instruments add a wonderful dimension to our liturgies. There are opportunities for all ages throughout the year to play either on a regular basis or for a Holy Day, Feast Day or during a Sacred Season.
Funerals
Music Guidelines for Funeral Masses, Memorial Services, and related Liturgies:
Our Director of Music, Susan Scaffidi, will assist you in planning music for Mass or a Memorial Service and Rosary/Vigil. Please contact Susan at sscaffidi@setoncatholicchurch.org.
Music for Mass and other liturgies: Only sacred (church) music/hymns are used during a funeral Mass. We will use our own instrumentalists and singers for this purpose. Please contact our Director of Music to choose appropriate hymns. The hymns selected should come from the sacred music repertoire that adheres to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Church Musicians: The parish will provide a cantor (vocal soloist) and accompanist. Our parish musicians are excellent, experienced and well-trained.
Fees for Musicians: $150 per musician.
Guest Musicians: The parish allows guest musicians on a case-by-case basis, and must demonstrate experience serving at a Roman Catholic Mass or other liturgy. Guest musicians must meet with the Director of Music for music selection and rehearsal in order to participate. A fee will be charged for additional or separate rehearsals for guest musicians.
Recorded Music: Roman Catholic Church standards for Mass and other liturgies forbids the use of recorded music during any liturgy. Use of recorded music in the chapel, but outside of a liturgy, will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but in accordance with the music guidelines discussed above.
Videos: Given time limitations, we can no longer include video presentations during a funeral Mass. The appropriate place for showing videos is at a reception.
Eulogies: Because of time limitations, only one person can deliver a eulogy at the end of the funeral Mass. This person should be a member of the family or close family friend. The eulogy must be written out and is limited to 8 minutes. A eulogy deliver in the chapel should avoid any inappropriate language or stories that might bring offense to the sacred nature of the funeral service. Please consult with Msgr. Perry or presiding priest before selecting a eulogist.
Weddings
Music Guidelines for Wedding Mass and Wedding Simple Ceremony:
Our Music Director, Susan Scaffidi, will assist you in planning music for your Wedding Mass or Ceremony. Please contact Susan at sscaffidi@setoncatholicchurch.org.
The music selected must come from the sacred music repertoire that adheres to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. This is especially true of vocal music, as the text becomes part of the prayers of the Mass. Instrumental music, such as that used for prelude, bridal processions or recessional marches, should be such that it does not evoke inappropriate associations (such as theme songs to films or television shows with inappropriate content or images).
Church Musicians: The parish can provide a cantor (vocal soloist) and accompanist. Our Music Director can help you find additional instrumentalists, such as a violinist, flutist, etc., should you wish to have a larger ensemble. Our parish musicians are excellent, experienced and well-trained.
Fees for Musicians: $150 per musician.
Guest Musicians: The parish allows guest musicians on a case-by-case basis, and must demonstrate experience serving at a Roman Catholic Mass or other liturgy. Guest musicians must meet with the Music Director for music selection and rehearsal in order to participate. A fee will be charged for additional or separate rehearsals for guest musicians.
Recorded Music: Roman Catholic Church standards for Mass and other liturgies forbids the use of recorded music during any liturgy. Use of recorded music in the chapel, but outside of a liturgy, will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the music guidelines discussed above.