Welcome to the Music Ministry Page for St. Francis de Sales. We have a thriving and dedicated
team of musicians who help enhance and encourage our worship together. Opportunities are available
in the Cantor Program, Chorale, Contemporary Choir, Children's Choir, and Teen Choir. We are
always looking for dedicated instrumentalists to share their talents with us too. In addition to
our Sunday Ministries, we have a vast array of events scheduled each year, including Benefit
Concerts, Dedication Concerts, and various other venues. And we can't forget to mention our very
active Choir of Angels at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School. We hope that you will consider
joining our talented group of musicians! Please feel free to contact me with any questions you
may have. Thank You!
Psalmist: The psalmist has the special task of drawing all present into the proclamation of the word of God in the psalm by introducing the psalm responses and Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation and by singing the verses of the Responsorial Psalm and the Alleluia and Gospel verses. The psalmist may also introduce all antiphons and sing the verses of the psalms used. The role of the psalmist and cantor may be carried out by the same person. Cantor: The cantor's function is to lead and encourage the congregation in singing. In preparation for the liturgical celebration, the cantor may introduce and teach new music to the people. Cantors lead the music at every celebration at our parish. They are our song leaders, animators, and psalmists. Rehearsals are once a month for two hours. Organist/Pianist/Accompanist: The organ and other instruments not only support and encourage participation through song but also, in their own right, can powerfully assist contemplation and express praise and a variety of human feelings before God. Even at celebrations when no choir sings, basic musical participation can be ensured by an instrumentalist and one or more cantors. Especially through responsorial singing, they can draw the people into singing together. All Choirs are Liturgical: The choir remains at all times a part of the gathered assembly. It can serve that assembly by leading it in sung prayer and by reinforcing or enhancing its singing -- for example, by sharing the singing of the verses or sections of a hymn or song, alternately, by introducing a sung response or antiphon; or through harmonizing or elaborating in other ways. The choir may appropriately sing alone more elaborate music -- for example, an anthem after communion -- that can aid the prayerful reflection of the congregation. SFDS Chorale: The Chorale usually sings at the 10:30AM Mass each weekend, except for the first Sunday of the month, when the Teen Choir sings. In addition, this group usually sings for evening Holy Day Masses and Special Feasts during the Church Year. This choir sings from September through May each year, and sings a wide variety of congregational music as well as a varied repertoire of choral music. Rehearsals are every Tuesday from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. This choir is directed by Greg Buchberger. We are currently seeking a choir accompanist. Contemporary Choir: The Contemporary Choir sings one Mass each weekend, usually at 9:00AM. This choir sings year-round, and sings a variety of contemporary music including arrangements from the Newman Singers and the Notre Dame Folk Choir. .This diverse group also includes an ensemble of guitars and various other instruments. Rehearsals are every Wednesday from 7:00PM to 8:00PM. This choir is facilitated and accompanied by Michael Hayes. Choir of Angels: Currently, the Choir of Angels is made up of students in grades 1-8 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School. This group rehearses weekly, on Thursday mornings from 7:50-8:30AM. This outstanding choir has a membership of almost 60 students. The Cherubs (grades 1-4) usually sing for Tuesday school liturgies, and the Archangels (grades 5-8) usually sing for Thursday school liturgies. The Choir of Angels has recorded a CD and is a very strong group of singers in the Lake Geneva area. Children's Choir: Currently, the Children's Choir sings only seasonally for special liturgies, like Christmas Eve Mass. This group is open to all children in grades 3-8 who are members of St. Francis de Sales Parish or School. With the dedication of parents and students, this group has the ability to thrive and grow! Teen Choir: The Teen Choir sings year-round at 10:30AM Mass on the first Sunday of each month. We rehearse together on the first Sunday of the month at 9:00AM in the Music Room. This group has a wonderful collection of very talented and gifted voices! This group is conducted and accompanied by Greg Buchberger. Excepts taken from "Introduction to the Order of Mass: A Pastoral Resource of the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy" |
