Music plays a vital role in the Catholic liturgy. Rather than being an entity unto itself, liturgical music serves a practical function, designed to bring praise to God and help us pray better.  In particular, singing has paramount importance in the liturgy, as demonstrated by the many sung acclamations meant to herald or reflect upon the actions and rituals taking place during the liturgy. Singing transforms our prayer into a higher and more effective form of expression and helps unite the congregation in one voice of praise and celebration.

St. Joan of Arc Parish has many opportunities for musicians of every level and for those who just like to sing. If you can carry a tune and match a pitch, you’re in!  Here are short descriptions of each group:

The St. Joan of Arc Choir is a 30-voice choir that ministers from the choir loft at the 10 AM Sunday Mass.  The choir’s repertoire includes traditional and contemporary music.  Weekly practices are on Wednesdays, 7:15-9:15 PM, in the Choir Room.  The choir’s season roughly coincides with the school year.
 
The Youth Choir is a new group being formed under the direction of Eleonore Ellero-Groth to sing sing at the 12 noon Mass, taking over for Anthems, the contemporary ensemble that ended its 38-year ministry on January 14, 2018.  It is hoped that former members of the Teen Choir and graduates of the Children's Choir will form the core of this new group. Practice times are yet to be determined.
 
The Children’s Choir is currently (January 2018) undergoing a transition to new leadership under Kristine Hass.  It is anticipated that this group will sing once a month at the different weekend Masses and at various special occasions during the year. See the Children's Choir webpage for more information.

The Guitar Group is a collection of singers and instrumentalists led (for over 40 years!) by Ken Madeleine. The group ministers year-round at 4 PM Saturday Mass.  They practice from 7:30 to 9:00 PM Thursdays and sing primarily contemporary music.

The Hand Bell Choir plays for big feast days (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost) and other special occasions.  It is made up primarily of parents of one-time children's choir choristers, although it is open anyone who knows a bit about music and has a good sense of rhythm. 

Instrumentalists are also welcome (and highly sought-after) to participate with our music groups and/or in other ways.

For more information contact any member or director of the group you’re interested in or contact Music Director John Perna (Phone: 586.601.1226).
 

i love to sing !!!