Welcome to all! Our staff is committed to creating an environment that best enables our community to fully participate in worship. In the music department, we seek to fulfill that commitment by encouraging participation through the use of well-trained song leaders, thoroughly prepared advanced choirs and instrumentalists, and thoughtfully chosen song texts that reflect the scriptural readings and lessons of the season.

As a worshipping community, we are called to take our part in the liturgy. Just as the priest has gestures and words that he must recite or sing in order for the Eucharistic celebration to be fulfilled, so does the congregation have its own responsibilities of gesture, word, and song. We are here for the sole purpose of praising our God – just as the saints and angels are doing at the very same time with us!

For some, the love of music calls them to be more fully involved in the Ministry of Music. Here, we become a more intimate family that joins together in friendship, faith and harmony to worship and praise the Lord. If you are drawn to give thanks to God for the special gifts that He has given to you, browse through any of our ensembles and find a place where you might enjoy using your talent. We have all experienced the joy of receiving abundant blessings in return for our gifts of time, talent, and treasure!

The musical arts have a profound impact upon our liturgical celebrations. Music also have a profound effect on the members of the ministry and our assembly. Therefore, any member of the parish, or outside of the parish are invited to join our fine roster of ensembles. If you are interested in hearing more information, or to schedule a voice trial, please email Dr. Marc Alan Brunelle, Director of Liturgy & Music.

The Sanctuary Choir

The Sanctuary Choir is made up of 30 professional and amateur musicians whose dedication and commitment to musical excellence is uncompromised.

The Choir leads assembly singing at the 10.30 a.m. Mass each Sunday, and includes anthems and motets spanning all periods in music history. In the summer of 2003 the Choir recorded a professional CD entitled, “We Lift up Our Hearts in Praise: The Sounds of Marcelline.” In 2014, they recorded their newest CD titled, "Like a Whisper: Sounds of Christmas, which also feature the Jubilation Ringers. This CD features beloved Christmas music by today's most influential composers. The Choir presents an annual Spring Concert (May) and Christmas (December) Concert,

In 2005 was honored with a special invitation by the Vatican to sing a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. The choir also performed a sold out concert at the Church of the Gesu, and sang a Solemn High Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. In the summer of 2008, the Choir and the Jubilation Ringers returned from a very successful concert tour of Prague, Austria and Germany. The Choirs performed concerts at St. Nicholas Church in Prague, St. Peter's Church in Vienna and sang a Solemn High Mass at the famed Salzburg Cathedral in Salzburg, Austria. In 2011, the Choir traveled to Barcelona, Madrid and Montserrat, Spain, presenting a series of successful concerts of spirituals from the Deep South, at such notable venues as the Cathedral of Barcelona, The Basilica of the Virgin Miligrosa, and Montserrat Abbey.

The Choir has performed in several liturgical celebrations at the Cathedral of the Holy Name in Chicago, IL, and for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. The Choir has also collaborated in concerts with Heartland Voices of Elgin, IL.

In 2018, the Choir was extended a rare invitation to sing at Carnegie Hall celebrating the music of Mark Hayes. In June of 2019, the choir was honored with an invitation to tape an episode on Sing4Him, on Shalom World TV, which features choirs from around the world. A link can be found on the left-hand column. 

The Jubilation Ringers

The Jubilation Ringers are made up of dedicated and hardworking musicians, whose dedication and commitment to the fine art of bell ringing has garnered them an outstanding reputation. This four-octave handbell choir enriches our worship services with their excellent skill and thrilling and joyous sounds.

This ensemble has performed at regional and national conferences for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians throughout the country. In the summer of 2003, the Jubilation Ringers recorded a professional CD entitled, “We Lift up Our Hearts in Praise: The Sounds of Marcelline.” They also take their love of ringing to the greater community through outreach efforts to nursing and long-term care facilities. The Jubilation Ringers have also collaborated in concert with Heartland Voices of Elgin.

In 2008, the Jubilation Ringers returned from a very successful concert tour of Prague, Austria and Germany. The Jubilation Ringers performed concerts at St. Nicholas Church in Prague, and St. Peter's Church in Vienna.

Schola Cantorum

A new addition to the music ministry is the Schola Cantorum, which is our highly trained volunteer choir who sing at various liturgies of the Eucharist during the year. The ensemble sings a variety of sacred music from Thomas Tallis and Palestrina to Ralph Vaughn Williams and newly composed music for this ensemble.

The Resurrection Choir

The members of this Choir provide music at all the Funerals that take place here. They are dedicated and provide such a comforting and appreciative presence that enhances each liturgy. There are no rehearsals and no meetings. Having the ability to sing a Funeral Mass during the week and on Saturdays is the only requirement.

The Cantor Guild

Members of the Guild are charged with leading the assembly in communal song. Membership in the Sanctuary Choir is expected, as well a some vocal training, and the ability to sing with a pleasant and confident voice. Members of the guild are also called upon to sing for parish Funerals and Weddings, and other liturgical celebrations. Membership in the Guild is by audition or invitation.