Born in Rome in the 3rd century, Cecilia, raised as a Christian, dedicated her virginity to God. Against her will, she was forced to marry a young nobleman, Valerian. Walking down the aisle, her inner voice sang out to God for help. She told Valerian if he touched her that her guardian angel would be angry and make him suffer. Valerian wanted to see this guardian angel, but Cecilia insisted he be baptized first. He was, and upon his return the angel appeared and crowned the newlyweds with roses and lilies. Valerian agreed to a life of celibacy with her. His brother also became a convert and with Valerian buried the bodies of martyrs for which they were arrested and beheaded. Anti-Christianism was rampant in Rome at that time, and when Cecilia refused to denounce her faith in Jesus, she was sentenced to be steamed to death in her own bath. Even after adding seven times the normal fuel for her furnace, she survived. A henchman was sent in to behead her and chopped her three times in the neck. She lived for three days, making the Sign of the Trinity with her fingers. Hundreds who came to plead to save her life were converted. She, her husband and brother-in-law were buried in Rome.

The purpose of the music ministry program is to create a dynamic musical environment that helps to deepen the spirituality of the entire parish family. This dynamic musical environment offers parishioners the opportunity to be involved with the music. People can participate either by joining a choir, playing an instrument (if they are proficient enough), and by congregational singing or passive listening. The ministry is multifaceted. The choirs employ a variety of musical styles at our liturgies. We have cantors who help encourage congregational participation. Additionally, we periodically employ outside musicians (i.e., out of our parish) for special events and liturgies such as our annual Messiah concert, Christmas & Easter liturgies, weddings, funerals, etc.

Each person involved with the music ministry contributes his or her own unique talents. Because of the diversity of the people involved, the music program essentially is a microcosm of our parish as a whole. The music serves a ministerial function that enhances our "place of being", our souls.

Without music, liturgies are effete and without much animation. Moreover, the Liturgy Documents state that "the musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater than that of any other art. The main reason for this preeminence is that, as sacred song closely bound to the text, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.

Sacred music will be the more holy the more closely it is joined to the liturgical rite, whether by adding delight to prayer, fostering oneness of spirit, or investing the rites with greater solemnity."

In order to meet these expectations, the existence of a fine music program is an imperative to any parish that strives to worship in a more profound manner. Parishes that downplay the importance of a music program, deny their people a more soul-penetrating form of worship.

In summation, the mission of the music ministry is to foster the spiritual development of each and every individual in our family and to be a living example of a Christ-centered community. Those people who would like become involved in our music ministry are encouraged to contact one of the music leaders.

Adult Choirs
Members of our Adult Choir sing and play instruments during Masses throughout the year. The Adult Choir sings at the 8:00 and 10:30am Mass on Sundays, the 5:30pm Mass on Saturdays as well as the Healing Mass every third Sunday at 1:00pm. Each year the Adult Choir performs a Christmas Concert and hosts other music-filled events to which everyone is invited.

Our primary choir is conducted by a individual who has conducted choirs world wide, upon retirement he has conducted our Choir that performs for the 8:00 and 10:00 Masses.

For more information about our Music Ministry, or to audition, contact: Mike Bobo.

Junior Choir
This choir, as a part of the Presentation School Music Program, is open to all children in grades three through fifth. The Junior choir sings at the Children's Mass on the Second Sunday of each month during the school year as well as special events. The choir is led by Mike Bobo.

Cantors
Cantors lead the music at all of our Masses. Our cantors join and are a part of our Adult Choir so they will become familiar with our repertoire and receive additional training in the skills needed to participate in this ministry. If you are a member of a choir, just let the director know you are interested in being a part of this ministry.

4:30 Band
This ensemble is a group s who sing and play instruments with a more contemporary liturgical flavor at the Sunday evening Mass at 4:30 PM. This group has developed two CD's that available for sale, a share of which goes to better AV equipment and to support the Parish music program. The band is lead by Robert Matthews.

Funeral Service
Music, vocal and insturmental, enhances the funeral liturgy, contact our musical leaders to coordinate the music for a memorial or funeral service.