"And Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church" - Jesus
We have a dedicated team of musicians who help enhance and encourage our worship together. Opportunities are available as a Cathedral Cantor, in the Cathedral Chorale. We are always looking for dedicated instrumentalists to share their talents with us too. We hope that you will consider joining our talented group of musicians!
If you are interested in joining please contact our music director at 815-965-2765 X 103.
The psalmist has the special task of drawing all present into the proclamation of the word of God in the psalm by introducing the psalm responses and Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation and by singing the verses of the Responsorial Psalm and the Alleluia and Gospel verses. The psalmist may also introduce all antiphons and sing the verses of the psalms used. The role of the psalmist and cantor may be carried out by the same person.
The cantor’s function is to lead and encourage the congregation in singing. In preparation for the liturgical celebration, the cantor may introduce and teach new music to the people. Cantors lead the music at every celebration at the Cathedral. They are our song leaders, animators, and psalmists. Rehearsals are once a month for two hours.
The organ and other instruments not only support and encourage participation through song but also, in their own right, can powerfully assist contemplation and express praise and a variety of human feelings before God. Even at celebrations when no choir sings, musical participation can be ensured by an instrumentalist and one or more cantors. Especially through responsorial singing, they can draw the people into singing together.
Cathedral Chorale:
The Cathedral Chorale sings at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Masses. In addition, this group sings for evening Holy Day Masses, Midnight Mass, Triduum, Confirmation, and other Liturgical Celebrations during the Church Year. This choir sings a wide variety of congregational music, as well as, a varied repertoire of well-composed choral music. Rehearsals are every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Excepts taken from “Introduction to the Order of Mass: A Pastoral Resource of the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy”