Music Ministry

Music instills hope in the human spirit, so scarred and sometimes wounded by the earthly condition.

The music ministry at St. Katharine Drexel Parish is a profound and sacred offering that beautifully enriches the liturgical life of the Catholic Church. As St. Augustine famously proclaimed, “He who sings prays twice,” highlighting the unparalleled spiritual power of music in deepening our connection to God. Through song and melody, the music ministry not only enhances worship but also inspires a collective prayer experience, uniting the congregation in one voice of praise.

Sacred Scripture

“David commanded the commanders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers and to play on musical instruments, harps, lyres, and cymbals, to make a loud sound of rejoicing.”
— 1 Chronicles 15:16

Schola

The schola, often described as the heart of the music ministry, plays a vital role in leading the congregation in singing hymns, responses, and psalms. Their voices serve as a guide, uplifting the community in moments of prayer and reflection.

The Cantors

Cantors, too, hold a special place within the music ministry. As leaders of sung acclamations and responses, they carry the responsibility of drawing the faithful deeper into the liturgy. Their role is not merely to perform but to inspire active participation, as the Second Vatican Council encouraged when it called for “full, conscious, and active participation” in the liturgical celebration.

Music is both a gift from God and a means to glorify Him.

It is an invitation for all—singers, cantors, and instrumentalists alike—to participate in this sacred art. As St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “Music is the exaltation of the mind derived from things eternal.” Through their dedication, the members of the music ministry lead the faithful in this exaltation, drawing hearts closer to the divine.

Volunteer: Music Ministry on Flocknote

Jonathan Barney

Director of Music

jonathan@drexelcc.org

Christmas Settings

Preparing our hearts in song for Christmas.

A Christmas Gloria

This joyful setting of the Gloria by Paul Gibson captures the festive spirit of Christmas with bright, flowing melodies and a strong sense of praise. Written to be both uplifting and accessible, it invites full congregational participation while offering energy and color for choir and instrumentalists. Ideal for Christmas Masses, A Christmas Gloria beautifully supports the Church’s song of joy as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Holy, Holy

Set to the beloved Christmas carol “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” this festive Sanctus from Paul Gibson’s A Christmas Mass brings a familiar and joyful melody into the liturgy of Christmastide. Faithful to the current Roman Missal, this setting encourages confident congregational singing while adding a distinctly seasonal character to the Eucharistic Prayer. Published and recorded by OCP, it is a spirited and reverent choice for Christmas Masses.

When We Eat This Bread

This Communion acclamation from Paul Gibson’s A Christmas Mass pairs a clear, lyrical soprano line with a warm, accessible melody suited to the Christmas season. Set in D and fully aligned with the current Roman Missal, it supports reverent proclamation while inviting strong congregational response. A fitting and graceful choice for Christmas Masses, it complements the joy and mystery of the Eucharist celebrated at the Nativity.

Amen

This festive Amen from Paul Gibson’s A Christmas Mass offers a bright, confident conclusion to the Eucharistic Prayer during the Christmas season. Featuring a clear soprano line in the written key, it is crafted to be both expressive and accessible, supporting strong congregational affirmation. Faithful to the current Roman Missal, this setting adds a joyful sense of celebration to Christmas liturgies.

Lamb of God

Set to the timeless carol “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” this Agnus Dei from Paul Gibson’s A Christmas Mass brings a serene and reverent beauty to the Communion rite during Christmastide. Faithful to the current Roman Missal, it supports congregational participation while highlighting the prayerful mystery of the Eucharist. This setting is an elegant and fitting choice for Christmas Masses.