Sacred Music at Saint Veronica
“Sacred music, being a complementary part of the solemn liturgy, participates in the general scope of the liturgy, which is the glory of God and the sanctification and edification of the faithful.”
-Tra Le Sollecitudini (1903)
Instruction on Sacred Music, Pope Pius X
The tradition of Sacred Music at Saint Veronica is an integral part of the solemn liturgy, ennobling the liturgical action of the Mass through the singing of Gregorian Chant, which according to Sacrosanctum Concilium should be given pride of place in liturgical services, as well as classic polyphony (i.e. Palestrina) in accord with the spirit of that liturgical action.
As “the treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care,” choirs are developed with musical instruction and liturgical catechesis, with an intentional focus on training the youth. In the development of a Sacred Music program at this parish, the following is the vision moving forward:
Sacred Music Apprenticeship
The Sacred Music Apprenticeship will focus on training high schoolers (with skills in piano) to become organists capable of playing the Holy Mass and directing choirs with a spiritual formation in the liturgy. Apprentices will learn how to direct Gregorian Chant and sacred polyphony, learn the art of developing and accompanying choirs, and learn the basics of becoming a music director of a parish. Audition and interview is required.
Choral Ensembles
The Saint Benedict Cantorum (young men) and the Miraculous Medal Schola (young women) will be the parish youth choirs, grades 7-12 with experience in choral singing. A focus will be on praying the Mass, learning music theory and history, and developing an active community of youth in the liturgical life of the parish. With a weekly rehearsal, each ensemble will alternate singing the Mass twice a month. Initially, young adults are encouraged to assist with these groups and act as mentors for the youth in both musical and spiritual formation. Auditions are required.
For the younger voices, the Sacred Heart Treble Choir (grades 3-6) will introduce children to singing the Holy Mass and the Divine Office, with a focus in devotion to the Holy Eucharist. This ensemble will sing the Mass once a month with a weekly rehearsal and prayer. Parents are encouraged to attend and pray with the group. Auditions are not required.
The Saint Veronica Choir is comprised of adults with formal experience in choral singing. The full SATB ensemble sings twice a month (with the option to sing the off-Sundays in scholas) and every Sunday of the major liturgical seasons (Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter). Choristers are expected to sing for the parish recitals and concerts. Auditions are required.
Parish Recitals and Concerts
Singers and instrumentalists of all ages are invited to perform for the annual Saint Cecilia Parish Recital in November. While solos are acceptable, ensembles are encouraged.
Concerts will be held throughout the year, including Advent Lessons and Carols (a preparation of Christ’s coming in song and scripture), Christmas Festival (congregational hymns and choral motets to celebrate the birth of our Savior) and an Easter Devotion to Mary (Marian hymns, motets and scripture throughout the liturgical year). Instrumental ensembles, including strings and brass, are encouraged to perform.
For more information, please contact our Director of Music, James Senson: JSenson@StVeronica.net. Note that specific schedules regarding ensembles or events are pending the interest levels, so please reach out soon!