The Eucharist is the source and summit of what we do as Catholics. The primary purpose of the Music Ministry here at St. Francis Xavier Parish is to support the full and active participation of the assembly at each Eucharistic celebration.
Below you will find a description of the various musical programs offered at St. Francis Xavier. We welcome and encourage your participation in one of these ensembles!
Current Adult Choir members: click here for ministry practice site
Contact: Carissa Young, director of music, cyoung@sfxmedina.org
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir is open to any parishioner of St. Francis Xavier, high-school-aged or older, who has a desire to promote a full, active and conscious participation in the liturgy through music. This group primarily sings at the 10 a.m. liturgy each Sunday as well as major feasts and holidays from September through May. While reading music and/or professional training is not required, a pleasant voice, eagerness to work together, willingness to learn new music and the desire to sing well are strongly encouraged. This group practices on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the church.
Children’s Choir
The Children’s Choir is open to any student of the parish, grades 2 through 6, who enjoys singing. Our focus will be on learning sound musical techniques and basic musicianship while having fun and making music for the glory of God. Rehearsals are held from 6 to 6:45 p.m. on Thursday evenings in the church. The Children’s Choir typically sings once a month as well as for special feasts and holidays.
Bell Choir
The Bell Choir is open to any parishioner of St. Francis Xavier, high-school-aged or older, who has a desire to ring hand bells joyfully, prayerfully and for the glory of God! This group practices on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the choir loft. The Bell Choir plays at various Masses as scheduled, approximately once per month. Music reading skills are recommended, but not required.
Resurrection Funeral Choir
The Resurrection Choir is an important element of each funeral liturgy celebrated at St. Francis Xavier. Open to any individual who is available to sing on weekday and Saturday mornings, this group practices 20 minutes prior to each funeral liturgy. There are no auditions for this choir; however, a pleasant voice and the ability to attend rehearsals are important. Membership in the Adult Choir is encouraged and helpful in learning music in harmony.
Cantors
The primary role of a cantor is to serve as psalmist – leading and proclaiming the verses of the Psalm Response and Gospel Acclamation. In addition, the cantor is a leader of congregational singing. A cantor must possess confidence and have a pleasant singing voice. An audition is required to serve in this role at St. Francis Xavier.
Instrumentalists
Any parishioner high-school aged or older who is proficient on a string, wind or brass instrument is encouraged to share his or her musical talent at St. Francis Xavier. Extra instrumentation is welcome at all liturgies, but most noticeably during the Christmas and Easter seasons.
Life Teen Band
The Life Teen Band leads music for praise and worship during our weekly Life Teen Masses at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. High school students are encouraged to take an active role as instrumentalists or vocalists; adults with music experience are needed to support their ministry. The band is directed by Mickie Getz. To contact Mickie, please call our parish office at 330-725-4968.