Music Ministry

Music is central to Catholic worship, and St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral has a tradition of a vibrant, active, and multi-faceted music ministry. Congregational singing and participation are strongly encouraged and fostered. Music selection is consistent throughout the various Masses so that members of the parish become familiar with the core songs of our church.

Adult Choir

St. Mary’s Choir leads the music for 9:30 Masses, Holy Days, and special services throughout the year.  A full orchestra of strings, woodwinds, and brass joins in the celebration of our Christmas Eve 9:00 PM Mass.  Other ensembles of strings and brass join us for other Feast Days. 

Rehearsals are held each Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Choir Room (office wing).

You are invited to join the choir.  For more information, please see, call or email Dr. Greg.  No auditions or previous choir experience is necessary. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Diocesan Choir

St. Mary’s is the home to the Diocesan Choir which leads the assembly in song at our special Diocesan-wide liturgies with the Bishop.  This choir is open to ALL SINGERS AND MUSICIANS OF THE DIOCESE.  No auditions are ever required.  Most rehearsals are held immediately prior to the actual liturgy in order to minimize travel for those coming from distant parishes.  A full schedule of Diocesan Choir events is posted regularly in the West Texas Catholic newspaper.  Please contact Dr. Greg if you are interested. 

Cantors

If you feel called to lead the assembly in song as a solo Cantor, please contact Dr. Greg.  Cantors serve at our Saturday 5:30 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM Masses, Holy Days, and along with the Choir at our Sunday 9:30 Mass.  

Instrumentalists

If you play an instrument and would like to serve in our music ministry, please know that you are always welcome.  A professional composer and arranger, Dr. Greg will be happy to work with you and to provide specialized parts that suit your ability on any instrument.  

Noon Mass

Who are we?

We are a diverse group of people looking to share what we have at the Table of the Lord. Our group ranges from active high school students and busy parents of young children to adults with grown children. A number of us work full-time or go to school full-time, while others may simply be trying to make the most of their well-earned retirement. Others are generous enough to join us while performing the work/school juggling act. Some of us have sung in a church our whole lives and still others have only begun to sing publicly in the last few years. A few of us have studied music while others have gleaned their knowledge and craft by being part of professional bands that play throughout the panhandle. We are simply busy people who love music and love our Lord so much so, that we’ve married the two loves and participate in this beautiful thing we call Music Ministry.

Who are we looking for?

You. Now that you know our story, it’s time to add yours to our mix. We need singers and
musicians alike to make our choir complete. Our choir has been home to instruments such as the
cello, the violin, the electric bass and percussion. We are currently blessed to have in our ranks
a piano player and few guitar players, but there is always room for more. As we often say, “the
more the merrier.” Our choir meets for rehearsals on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. -8 p.m.
Members of our choir are expected to participate in at least one rehearsal and Mass a month.
More frequent participation would be appreciated, but we try to make accommodations for
those who are similarly “busy.” If this is a commitment you feel that you can make, then we’d
love to hear from you.

What is the audition process like?

Simply, there is none. Bring an open heart with your instrument(voice or otherwise) and we’ll go from there.

How do I sign-up?

For more information, please contact the Director of Music and Liturgy, Greg Onofrio at the
Parish office or email Michelle Correa, Coordinator of the Noon Mass Choir at
correa@stmarysamarillo.com.
 

“There is the music of heaven in all things and we have forgotten how to hear it until we sing.”  -St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)