The Church of the Good Shepherd is committed to fostering excellence in congregational song and prayer. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council hailed the Church's rich tradition of Sacred Music as "a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art." As such, the Church states that music is not merely an ornament or nicety, but "a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy." Because Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is intended to be a foretaste of the Heavenly Banquet, it is essential that the quality of our sacred music reflect the beauty of the Eternal.

Adult Choir Currently undergoing some "reconstruction" before a new, fresh start, Adult Choir regularly sings at 10:30am Mass and rehearses from 7:00pm-8:30pm on Thursday evenings.  Members arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of 10:30am Masses and other liturgies for which they are called (such as Holy Days of Obligation or Holy Week liturgies).  The choir sings a variety of sacred music that, while challenging, is still meant to accommodate those members who do not have greatly advanced musical knowledge.  More announcements will be forthcoming.  This ministry is open to all parishioners from 9th grade onward.

Cantors lead the congregation in song during weekend Masses. This requires arriving 30 minutes ahead of Mass to practice with the Organist & Choirmaster, introducing the Mass of the day, leading congregational singing, and leading the responsorial psalm. Frequency of service is dependent upon the total number of volunteers. Service as a cantor is dependent upon a satisfactory audition with the Organist & Choirmaster. This ministry is open to all parishioners from 5th grade and up.

Youth Choir sing in the youth choir during weekend Masses. This requires attending weekly rehearsals during the school year, arriving 40 minutes ahead of Mass for warmups and practice, and singing during Mass. The youth choir generally sings at one 10:30am Mass per month from October through May. Those who participate in the youth choir learn the musical tradition of the universal Church, and they are enthusiastic about it! By singing in a choir, young people can develop a sense of professionalism and pride in what they do. This will have a positive impact on their religious education and understanding of the liturgy. This ministry is open to all parishioners in 4th through 8th grade.

The Church actually gives us a Mass setting in the Kyriale (a collection of Mass settings found in such documents as the Graduale Romanum) specifically for Sundays in Advent and Lent.  It is known as Mass XVII.  In the past, we've used the Kyrie (Lord, have mercy...) and the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God, you take away...) here at Good Shepherd during Advent, which we'll reprise this December as well.  Instead of the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts...) from Mass XVII, we'll stick with a more familiar and shorter one that we've also used in the past from Mass XVIII and probably incorporate the proper Sanctus this spring when Lent comes around, and then again next Advent.

For your convenience, here are some helpful materials to help you participate in the liturgy as fully as possible.

Kyrie (Mass XVII)--video here


A helpful guide to pronouncing Ecclesiastical Latin may be found here (we generally use these same linguistic rules when singing in Greek as well, as in the Kyrie).  While it is noble and praiseworthy to preserve our sacred language in these holy rites with proper technique, souls are not imperiled by making linguistic mistakes.  You are encouraged to practice and participate with our sacred texts with pride, and in communion with our fellow believers across the realms and centuries!