“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
Music ministry is an important part of the liturgical life of the Cathedral. Just as Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations rightly demanded by the very nature of liturgy, it also calls on individuals to participate in music ministry so that these celebrations may be enhanced.
Cathedral Ensembles
There are a number of ensembles at the Cathedral, offering opportunities for music ministry for all ages.
The Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir provides musical leadership as a group three times a month at the 11:00 am Sunday Mass (mid-September through the beginning of June), Christmas and Holy Week and at other special services throughout the year. The choir made up of some 25 singers, provides a wide range of liturgical choral music of all periods of the church’s tradition from Gregorian chant through the 20th century. The choir also sings an annual Advent Lessons and Carols during Advent. Membership in the Cathedral Choir is open to singers through audition. Though previous choral experience is not required, it is helpful. The ability to read music is very helpful and desirable. Contact 414/276-9814
Cathedral Women’s Choir
The Cathedral Women’s Choir provides musical leadership at the 5:15 pm Liturgy on three Saturdays per semester, 5:15 pm Mass on Christmas Eve, and 9:00 am Mass on Easter Sunday. The choir provides a wide range of liturgical choral music of all periods of the church’s tradition. Membership in the Women’s Ensemble is open to all singers. Though previous choral experience is not required, it is helpful. The ability to read music is very helpful and desirable. Contact 414/276-9814
Cathedral Handbell Ensemble
The Cathedral Handbell Ensemble is made up of dedicated parishioners and friends of the Cathedral who share their musical talents to enrich the beauty and prayerfulness of our liturgies through the use of handbells and hand chimes. It is most helpful if prospective handbell ringers have music reading skills in either the treble or bass clef. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 pm until 7:15 pm. Participation is open to all members of the Archdiocese. Contact 414/276-9814
Cathedral Spanish Choir
The Cathedral Spanish Choir provides musical leadership for the 1:00 pm Sunday Mass once or twice per month as well as on select major solemnities during our liturgical year. Rehearsing once or twice per month from September through May, this choir prepares and leads sung prayer using hymns, psalms, and chants with Spanish texts for the celebrations at which they serve. Contact 414/276-9814
Cathedral Cantors
Cathedral Cantors assist the congregation during Cathedral Liturgies & Weddings. Cantors are trained singers and must be able to read music. Contact 414/276-9814