"The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art."---Sacrosanctum Concilium 112./Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, no. 112

The above quote makes a bold claim:  that music is integral to the Roman Rite, that its value is inestimable, and that the universal musical tradition of the Church is something to be held in high regard.

Sacred Music at St. Joseph

Sacred Music

The Sacred Music Ministry at St. Joseph is charged with the task of offering music in the liturgy that contributes to the "Glory of God, and the sanctification of the faithful," (Cf.  Sacrosanctum Concilium,  Article 112). This is accomplished by seeking to offer the most prayerful rendering of sacred texts, the most empowering leadership to congregational song, and the most inspiring contributions to the prayer and devotion of the assembled faithful.

Congregational Song

The human voice is the primary instrument of musical worship. The communal singing of hymns, psalms, and sacred texts fosters unity, gives glory to God, and reveals the mysteries of our faith. As God has blessed us with the gift of music, so should we return the sacrifice of praise to Him.  All of the assembled faithful are called to use the gift of their voice in service of these goals. 

Cantors

Cantors proclaim certain sacred texts proper to the liturgy in the choir's absence. This may encompass the Responsorial Psalm, Sequence, Communion Antiphon, or other parts of the mass. Cantors do not lead the congregation's singing, but add the virtue of their vocal expertise as a supplement to the congregation's voice.

Resources for Cantors

St. Joseph Choir

The Choir sings at the 8 AM ,9:45 AM, and 11:30 AM mass on Sundays, as well as Holy Days of obligation, from September through May. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 PM, and at other times during special seasons.  New members are welcomed throughout the year, and encouraged to contact Thomas Greer, Coordinator of Music, at the parish office (321-727-1565, or music@stjosephpb.org ).  Anyone can learn to sing or to sing better, and potential singers of all perceived skill levels are encouraged to contact Thomas for more information about the choir.

Resources for Choir

St. Romanos Choir and Voice for Life

The St. Romanos choir sings monthly at the 11:30 Mass and other feast days.  Membership is open to ages 9 and up.  Rehearsals are held on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00-5:00 pm in the church.  Combining with the St. Joseph school choir, this is the only Catholic children’s choir on the Space Coast.

Voice for Life is a supplemental music curriculum designed to teach, encourage, and develop young singers with healthy vocal technique, good choral sound, and love for the liturgy and the worship of God in His temple.  Voice for Life sessions meet Thursdays from 4:00-5:00 in the 100 building.

Voice for Life explanation

Vespers Choir

The Vespers Choir sings at Vespers services, which are held throughout the year. For more information about Vespers at St. Joseph please contact Dallas Gambrell, Director of Music and Lituryg.

Saint Lazarus Choir

The Saint Lazarus Choir provides choral accompaniment and God-glorifying music at funeral liturgies.  In an age where there is so much isolation and sadness at the end of life, the Saint Lazarus Choir provides comfort and strength to parishioners in the funeral liturgies of the Church.  The Saint Lazarus Choir meets on a seasonal basis to rehearse simple anthems, psalm settings, and Mass Ordinaries.  Due to the unscheduled nature of funerals, a requirement for membership is availability during daytime hours. 

Instrumentalists

Parishioners with previous musical experience as an instrumentalist are warmly encouraged to join the music ministry.  Wind and string instruments add a rich dynamic color to hymns, psalms, and Mass Ordinaries.  Instrumentalists meet with the regular St. Joseph Choir rehearsal on Thursdays and at extra rehearsals for feasts throughout the year.