Music Liturgy is a Communal Worship of God

The Mass is a special liturgical celebration where all God's people gather, not only to give praise and worship, but to share the joy of God’s love with the whole community. Music is not an exclusive gift that has been given to some and withheld from others - music is a skill and a potential that everyone possesses through hard work and time. You do not need to read music! In fact, some of the world’s most loved musicians do not read music: Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, any of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and many more. If you have a love of music in your heart and a willingness to grow alongside a supportive, judgement-free group of people then music ministry is for you.
Come sing of God’s joy with this wonderful community!

If interested in our Music Ministry, please complete the
Liturgical Ministry Enrollment Form on the LINKS section on this page.
 

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Upcoming Ministry Events

The Spitfire Grill, a gentle but powerful drama based on a 1996 film of a young woman, just out of prison who finds spiritual redemption working at a small cafe. Come experience a range of emotions including fear and guilt, forgiveness, transformation, sacrifice, beauty of creation, healing, preconception and love in this classic performance. Set in a small Wisconsin town, this beautiful story is enhanced by a gorgeous, soulful score. SJCC Peace and Justice Commission will host these performances for our community. The performances are presented by the Cross Community Players, who weave artistic expression and charitable support for Cross Services, a local non-profit organization who serve families and individuals in times of need.

The We Are All Criminals SEEN exhibit will also be open before and after the performances with free access. Read more at www.weareallcriminals.org.

TICKETS: Adults $18 | 65+ and Students $16 | Under 2 Free
               Tickets available at www.crossplayers.org/tickets.

WAYS TO SUPPORT CROSS SERVICES: 
1. Bring non-perishable food items and school supplies (collected at all performances).
2. Make a financial donation on this site for Cross Services or at the performance.

We are All Criminals Exhibit: SEEN
February 16 - 27, 2023
(Open Around Mass & The Spitfire Grill Performance Times at the Parish Center)

We Are All Criminals is a non-profit organization dedicated to challenging society’s perceptions of what it means to be “criminal.” Through shared stories of those who committed or were accused of committing crimes, those who got away with them, and those who have been directly affected by the criminal justice system, we seek to erase the barriers that separate us. Hosted by the SJCC Peace and Justice Commission; find out more at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkpzNxVUfkM.

SEEN is a prison portrait and poetry project. But more importantly, it’s a Minnesota portrait and poetry project. Through photography, video, and written word, we share the poignant brilliance of poets and prose writers in Minnesota state prisons, and work together to make the invisible visible, the unheard heard, and the unseen seen. In collaboration with the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop (MPWW) and the thoughtful, intelligent, humble, and deeply gifted writers on the inside, WAAC challenges and disrupts mass incarceration by clearing the pathways for people behind bars to have their voices heard, faces seen, and humanity recognized–and for people on the outside to reckon with the inhumanity of our country’s mass incarceration mass disaster.

Opportunities!

There are many opportunities for music ministers (vocal and instrumental) to be involved in sung prayer at St. Joseph. Below is a listing and description of each of our music ministry opportunities. You are invited and always welcome no matter your age or prior experience!
 

Interested?
Contact our Director of Music and Liturgy

Liturgical Choir
No experience is necessary to join the choir. The only requirements are a love of music and the ability to spread joy to those around you! Music is not a natural-born talent that some people possess and others do not. Music is a skill that is acquired through time, dedication, and risk-taking. Our choir is a safe place where all voices are welcome and cherished, no matter their experience level. Our choir is built on a foundation of community and seeks to minister through joy. This is a safe place to grow your voice and take your love of music to new heights. We look forward to overflowing the choir area with joyful noise, music of all styles, and smiling faces! St. Joseph’s Liturgical Choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7:00-8:30pm at the Parish Center - come as you are able throughout the year and bring a friend!

Children’s Choir
We look forward to hearing the beautiful sounds of children’s voices fill the sanctuary again this Christmas.  Children’s Choir is open to students in grades 2-8 with a love of singing. Rehearsals will take place November through December as announced in the bulletin. There will also be a dress rehearsal the morning of December 24. The Children’s Choir will sing at the 3:30pm Christmas Eve Mass at the Parish Center. We are beyond excited to hear their angelic voices every Christmas!

Festival Choir
Festival Choir is a parish-wide invitation to join in singing for Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and other special Masses. Rehearsal is limited to an hour before Mass and there is no pressure to join on a weekly basis. Music is easy and accommodating to those who do not feel comfortable yet with tackling expanded choral music. All generations are invited, making Festival Choir a great opportunity for entire families to sing together!
 
Cantor Ministry
Cantors lead the assembly in sung prayer at weekend and holiday liturgies. Cantor training sessions are available seasonally and are open to anyone who is interested. Whether you are an experienced singer or are seeking a way to support the community you love through song, cantor ministry is a volunteer ministry for all. Music reading is not necessary to be an excellent musician. 

Instrumentalists
Musicians who are skilled in an instrument are invited to share their music at Mass. Youth who are interested in our Mass training program are especially encouraged to step forward. The Mass training program for young musicians is an “ease-in” style where musicians can get comfortable with a small number of songs during Mass and gradually work up to playing the entire Mass when they are ready and comfortable.

Soundboard Ministry
These ministers assist the Music Ministers in set-up and take-down of all sound equipment for music ensembles, including microphones, monitors and stands, and operate the sound board during liturgies. Training is provided and open to all. This ministry is especially suited for those of all ages who have a love of technology.

Small Ensembles
A variety of different ensembles are available and always welcoming to new faces and voices of all ages. 
 

St. Joseph's Musicians!

Ensemble Compilations by the Talented St. Joseph's Music Ministers


St. Joseph Christmas Choir


Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee


In Every Age