"The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. Choirs must be diligently promoted, especially in cathedral churches; but bishops and other pastors of souls must be at pains to ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightly theirs." - Vatican Council II, Sacrosantum Concilium, n. 114
Sacred Music illuminates truth, proclaims goodness, and fosters beauty. At the Cathedral of Saint Paul, Sacred Music is an integral part of the Celebration of Eucharist. The Sacred Music department, made up of dedicated professionals and passionate volunteers of all ages, strives to worthily adorn the sacred liturgy, offer due praise to God, and to inspire the voices of the faithful to ring out in song. Whether offering hymns, chant, polyphony, or the soul-stirring sounds of the organs, the voices of centuries of tradition are not silent, nor are the voices of those who daily proclaim the sacred texts that have inspired untold numbers of saints.
You are invited to learn more about the ministry of Sacred Music at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, and to explore ways to become more involved in its mission.
- Christopher M. Ganza, Director of Sacred Music
The Cathedral Choir is the principal liturgical choir both for parish and many Archdiocesan celebrations at the Cathedral. An ensemble of 35 volunteer musicians, the Choir sings for liturgies as well as concerts. Between September and May, they sing most Sundays at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, Singing music ranging from Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony to that of contemporary composers, the Cathedral Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Open to young singers in grades 3-8, the Saint Cecilia Children’s Choir is an ensemble dedicated to the formation in music ministry of its members. The curriculum includes work in vocal technique, music theory, ear training, and preparing the finest choral works, often in collaboration with the Cathedral Choir. The Saint Cecilia Choir ministers at Solemn Masses and Archdiocesan Liturgies during the months of September through May, rehearsing from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons. Auditions are held throughout the year, and are available to prospective singers by contacting Dr. Christopher Ganza at [email protected].