Skip to main content

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.

Logo
Jonathan Barney
Director of Music

jonathan@drexelcc.org