Music Ministry
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The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus St. Augustine says rightly, “Singing is for one who loves.” There is also the ancient proverb: “One who sings well prays twice.”
Great importance should therefore be attached to the use of singing in the celebration of the Mass, with due consideration for the culture of the people and abilities of each liturgical assembly. Since faithful from different countries come together ever more frequently, it is fitting that they know how to sing together at least some parts of the Ordinary of the Mass in Latin, especially the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, set to the simpler melodies. (GIRM 39-41)
"The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this preminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy." The composition and singing of inspired psalms, often accompanied by musical instruments, were already closely linked to the liturgical celebrations of the Old Covenant. The Church continues and develops this tradition: "Address . . . one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart." "He who sings prays twice."
Song and music fulfill their function as signs according to three principal criteria: beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly at the designated moments, and the solemn character of the celebration. In this way they participate in the purpose of the liturgical words and actions: the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful:
- How I wept, deeply moved by your hymns, songs, and the voices that echoed through your Church! What emotion I experienced in them! Those sounds flowed into my ears distilling the truth in my heart. A feeling of devotion surged within me, and tears streamed down my face - tears that did me good. (St. Augustine, Conf.9,6,14:PL 32,769-770)
The harmony of signs (song, music, words, and actions) is all the more expressive and fruitful when expressed in the cultural richness of the People of God who celebrate. Hence "religious singing by the faithful is to be intelligently fostered so that in devotions and sacred exercises as well as in liturgical services," in conformity with the Church's norms, "the voices of the faithful may be heard." (Catechism of the Catholic Church#1156-1158)
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Contact Us
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Ernest Andreolieandreolistpaulsofprinceton.orgDirector of Music Ministry
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upcoming rehearsals
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music ministires
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The Adult Choir welcomes all adults of the parish and high school upperclassmen. The Choir is always looking for new members who not only sing but who also enjoy the camaraderie and fun that is a large part of this ministry. The choir practices every Thursday at 7:30 pm in the Choir Loft of the church, and usually sings at the 10:00 or 11:30 am Sunday Mass. It also sings at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Masses during Holy Week and for other selected liturgical events from September to June.
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Bell Choirs have been a part of the church’s worship for hundreds of years and are a beautiful addition to the music liturgy. In bell choirs, each small bell is hand-held and is tuned to play a particular note. (You can hold and play up to four bells at a time.) The hand bells are rung to the same tune as the music and thus accompany it. So, if you can’t sing, but love music – particularly of you can read music – a bell choir may just be your cup of tea!
The Adult Bell Choir welcomes all adults of the parish and high school upperclassmen. They rehearse on Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the music room.
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Cantors/Leaders of Song welcome the congregation to Mass, announce the music, rehearse new music with the congregation, lead songs during the liturgy while encouraging the congregation to participate, and sing the psalm for the Mass. If you have a good voice, can read music, and are comfortable singing and speaking before an audience, please consider helping to lead the music at our liturgies.
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The St. Paul’s Children’s Choir consists of children in grades 3 through 8 from St. Paul School, from the local public and private schools, and homeschoolers, as well. The choir practices during the academic year every Tuesday night in the choir loft from 5:45pm to 7:00pm. The choir sings for monthly 10:00am Masses and also serves the church by singing for other Masses and events as called upon.
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The Contemporary Ensemble sings both traditional as well as more contemporary hymns and songs at Mass, using guitars, keyboards, flutes and mandolins for accompaniment. The Ensemble can find a place for any level of mastery of instrument or voice and encourages teens, adults and the young-at –heart to join them. The ensemble practices with the Adult Choir every Thursday at 8 pm in the Choir Loft of the church, and helps lead songs once each month at the 5:30 pm Mass on Saturdays.
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The St. Paul Teen Music Ministry consists of teens in grades 8 through 12 from St. Paul School, from the local public and private schools, and homeschoolers, as well.
The Teen Music Ministry sings once a month for the 5:30pm Saturday Masses, and meets at 4:30pm in the music room beforehand to go over the music for the Mass. Yes, this happens once a month and there are no extra practices. That’s all there is to it!
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St. Paul parish concert series
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The St. Paul Parish Concert Series seeks to present a fine repertoire of sacred, classical and contemporary music in the beauty of our parish church for the cultural enrichment, education, and enjoyment of the Princeton area.
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Experience Great Music in a Great Space!
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