Saturday 5 PM Ministry
**Due to some losses in 2023, the 5 PM Ministry is in need of musicians! Our greatest needs include singers (all parts) and melodic instrumentalists (flute, violin, etc.), but all are welcome. Please consider joining us! **
weekly updates
Posts to our blog site and Facebook group with updates & materials.
MUSIC & Cantor Schedule
**All music & cantor scheduling is subject to change**
JUNE
Music Selections (TBD)
Cantor Schedule (TBD)
about us
The 5 PM (formerly 5:30 PM) Music Ministry is an informal, conducted ensemble that plays folk, contemporary and (sometimes) traditional music.
Like our Sunday counterparts, we've taken on many forms since the beginning of the Parish. We've grown from a guitar-based Ministry, to that of a mixed ensemble (experiencing quite a few ups and downs along the way!). Many wonderful musicians and leaders have come and gone, but our goals haven't changed: sing praise to the Lord, lead the people in song, and have fun doing it!
Today, our group consists of 4-8 vocalists, piano, guitar, percussion, flute and (until recently) violin & mandolin. In the past, we've also had bass guitar, string bass and saxophone. Our musicians are (mostly) volunteers with various skill levels; a few are also 'veterans' who have dedicated many years to our ensemble. Long-time parishioner and volunteer Cris Bloom has been with the Ministry since 2010; he took over as Music Director in 2014.
Most music is from OCP's Spirit & Song 1 (1999) and GIA's Gather, Third Edition (2011). Music is planned 1-3 months in advance, with cantors for the Responsorial Psalm & Gospel Acclamation scheduled monthly. All other music is typically lead by the group, rather than by cantor(s).
Plans for each Saturday Mass are shared weekly via our internal blog site. This includes music selections and materials, as well as any news, announcements or updates since the previous week.
The music for Masses is typically recorded. These recordings are then edited & shared weekly with group members. Besides helping us build a library of reference material, these also let us see what worked well, and what could use improvement.
In addition to Saturdays, we normally play for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve, and other special liturgies.
Regular rehearsal is held the hour before Mass (4:00-5:00 PM) in the Sanctuary. Special rehearsals are scheduled as needed. While we do ask 'core' singers & instrumentalists to be at rehearsals, all are welcome to sing for Masses (even if you can't come early).
If you're searching for an informal group to grow and practice your skills, please do get in touch! We're always looking for new talent (even if you're only available sometimes). No formal experience required!
VIDEOS
Check out a small collection of recorded content, primarily produced during the COVID-19 Pandemic.