Music ministry is an important part of the Liturgical life of the parish. Our Music Ministers help lead the congregation in full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgical celebrations. We help gather the voice of the community into one. Music accompanies processions, it invites people to listen, colors and drives the drama of worship. Music serves and enhances the Liturgy so that all who gather to celebrate Christ’s Paschal Mystery may become One Body, One Spirit in Christ.
Our Children’s Choir sings on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month during the school year at the 9:00am Sunday Mass, on Christmas Eve, and for First Holy Communion in May. Choir Practices are Thursdays after school. All children of the Parish and from all schools are welcome to join (2nd – 8th grades).
The St. Simon Parish School Middle School Choir (Grades 6th-8th) sings on the 3rd Sunday of the month during the school year at the 9:00am Sunday Mass, on Christmas Eve, and for First Holy Communion. Choir Practices are Thursdays after school. St. Simon Parish School students have the opportunity to choose Choir as an elective subject.
The Sunday 5:00pm Mass Youth Band provides contemporary music with members from Youth Ministry and young adults.
The St. Simon Parish Choir (adults) sings for the 11:15am Sunday Mass, as well as for high holy days such as the Easter Vigil and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The choir sings in four-part harmony, both hymns and choral works. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm throughout September, and then on Wednesdays at 7:00pm from October onwards in the church.
Contacts:
Children’s Choir Director, Chynna Cavales, ccavales@stsimon.org
St. Simon Parish Choir Director, Tamami Honma, thonma@stsimon.org
Sunday 5:00pm Mass Band Director, John Kellett, john.kellett@dsj.org
If you are interested in serving in the Ministry of Music as a cantor, musician, or pianist, please contact the Liturgical Music Coordinator. The acting Musical Director is Fr. Brendan McGuire.
St. Simon Parish Children’s Choir – online form here
The St. Simon Children’s Choir and Middle School Children’s Choir is open to children of the Parish and School in 2nd to 8th grade. Children’s Choir rehearsals are held on Thursday afternoons with an expected commitment of children to participate in Choir at Sunday masses one to two times per month as well as Wednesday 8:30am Masses for St. Simon Parish School students.
Thursday afternoon rehearsals – 3:15pm – 4:15pm in the Church (if you are traveling to St. Simon from another school, it is okay to arrive as soon as you can after 3:30/3:45pm).
Sunday mornings – warm up/rehearsal at 8:15am before 9:00am Sunday Mass in the Parish Center. St. Simon Parish School students will also practice after morning assembly before the 8:30am Wednesday Mass.
Calendar and music – a calendar, student agreement and links to music will be provided to parents and students in a timely manner. Children will learn how to prepare choir binders and will be given homework assignments to rehearse at home.
For more information, please contact Ms. Chynna Cavales, Children’s Choir Director, ccavales@stsimon.org or email communications@stsimon.org
St. Simon Parish Sunday 5pm Youth Band – online form here
The Sunday 5pm Band is a youth-oriented contemporary ensemble and serves at Confirmation mass for St. Simon Parish. While they cater primarily to teens, this group welcomes adult age groups too. The ensemble currently rehearses before mass on Sundays. No experience required!
For more information, contact John Kellett, Sunday 5pm Youth Band Director, john.kellett@dsj.org or communications@stsimon.org
St. Simon Parish Adult’s Choir – online form here
The St. Simon Parish choir sings for the 11:15am Sunday Mass, as well as for high holy days such as the Easter Vigil and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The choir sings in four-part harmony, both hymns and choral works. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm throughout September, and then on Wednesdays at 7:00pm from October onwards in the church.
For more information, contact the Tamami Honma, St. Simon Parish Choir Director, thonma@stsimon.org
God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song. God dwells within each human person, in the place where music takes its source. Indeed, God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises.
Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, paragraph 1
