Worship at Epiphany of Our Lord Church
Liturgy is the “source and summit” of our lives, the “font from which all… power flows.” Every aspect of our lives, our families, work, education, and recreation begin in our relationship with God as encountered in the Word and the Eucharist. As the foundation of our lives, our parish strives to make the celebration of liturgy our very highest priority.
Worship at Epiphany engages all of a participant’s being – sight, sound, smell, taste, touch – a kaleidoscope of dimensions in which to approach and find God. The mysterious scent of incense rising with our prayers to God, the taste of bread and wine that is sweet food for our souls as well as our bodies, the warmth of a handshake that reminds us that in Christ we are one, the music of God’s voice resounding in the proclamation of the Word in song.
Epiphany of Our Lord Music Ministry
The Holy Spirit has blessed the people of Epiphany Parish with a great variety of gifts for building up the Body of Christ. From this talented community spring the life and growth of our sacred music ministry. We also welcome musicians from outside the parish, both Catholics and Christians from other faith traditions, to join us in singing our praise to God.
Be filled with the Spirit,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and playing to the Lord in your heart. Eph. 5:19.
Our primary music ministry: the Singing Assembly
Our greatest singing group is the assembly gathered for each celebration. As a parish that embraces “full, conscious, and active participation” by the whole assembly, we have a great history of strong congregational singing. Whoever said Catholics can’t sing hasn’t been to Epiphany!
In addition to its primary role of leading the assembly in song, this group also sings choral anthems as an offering to God and for prayerful contemplation by the assembly. Its repertoire includes a variety of musical styles.
• Sings weekly at the 9:00am Sunday Mass
• Rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00pm
• Membership open to high school age and older, call to discuss placement
• Ability to read music is a plus, but not required
Contemporary Ensemble
This ensemble includes acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, piano, flute and percussion plus a small choir. Its repertoire focuses on contemporary songs of folk and popular styles as well as energetic Praise and Worship music.
• Sings for 11:00 Mass once per month, usually on the fourth Sunday
• Rehearses once per month, usually on a Tuesday evening 7:30 to 9:00pm
• Membership open to all ages, call to discuss placement
• Ability to read music is a plus, but not required
Handbell Choir
This group embellishes (no pun intended!) liturgical hymns and acclamations and plays solo pieces.
• Plays for occasional 5:00, 9:00, and 11:00 Masses September through May
• Rehearses on Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 7:30pm
• Basic ability to read music and a sense of rhythm is required
• Placement by audition, call to discuss your interest
Cantor Ministry
Cantors lead the assembly in sung prayer for parish Masses as well as for weddings, funerals, and other communal celebrations. Cantors rehearse periodically and must be able to prepare music in advance. Cantors possess a strong singing voice and the confidence to lead the assembly in sung prayer. Placement is by audition, please call to discuss your interest.
Praise God with trumpet blasts, with harp and lyre.
Praise God with flutes, strings, and drums.
Praise God with crashing cymbals.
All that is alive, praise the Lord!
Psalm 150
Instrumentalists
As directed by these inspired words of King David, we are called to praise God with our instruments. We welcome a wide range of instruments, including woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion. Placement is by audition, please call to discuss your interest.
As directed by these inspired words of King David, we are called to praise God with our instruments. We welcome a wide range of instruments, including woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion. Placement is by audition, please call to discuss your interest.
Singing belongs to lovers as a sign of love.
St. Augustine
Have you ever considered joining a parish choir? Do you want to join but keep putting it off? Well, here’s your chance to get involved!
What are the benefits of joining a parish choir?
• Serve God. All of our worship practices, including sacred songs, are ultimately directed to God. Our music is a “sacrifice of praise” where we offer the best of our talents and abilities back to God.
• Serve others. All gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of musical ability, is given to build up the Body of Christ – the Church. Proclaiming the Good News through song is one of the primary ways our parish gives witness to our faith. Every week our music touches people in ways we may never know, making real and lasting changes in people’s lives.
• Be enriched. Singing in a parish choir is a wonderful way to intensify your prayer life, become more deeply connected to God, and to meet others who share your love for music. Some of our choir members have been involved for many years – a testament to the joy of sacred music enriching their lives.
He who sings prays twice.
Ancient proverb
If you would like more information about sacred music or are interested in joining our music ministry, please contact Scott Pluff, Director of Music Ministries, by calling 314-977-7213, by writing epiphanymusic1@gmail.com, or by stopping by after Mass.
