St. John the Baptist Parish - A Parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston

Music Ministry

Music enlivens our community prayer. When we lift our hearts and voices in song at mass or in other liturgical celebrations we express our belief that we are not just individulas alone, but a community united in woship.

“There is a vital interest today in the Mass as prayer. When all strive with one accord to make the Mass a prayer, a sharing and celebration of Faith, the result is unity. Styles of music, choices of instruments, forms of celebration, all converge in a single purpose: that men and women of faith may proclaim and share that faith in prayer and Christ may grow among us all.”
…from Music in Catholic Worship; Bishops Committee on the Liturgy.

HYMN

Christ comes, the promised peace of God,
His hands with healing filled,
In him is brokenness made whole
And love from hate distilled.
And when he comes, for whom we long,
Then will all rage be stilled.

Christ comes, the promised hand of God,
To cast the veil aside
That shrouds the world in bitter grief,
Where none from death can hide.
And when he comes, for whom we long,
Then will all tears be dried.

Christ comes, the promise kept by God,
The faithful One, and true.
In him is ev’ry hope confirmed
And ev’ry fear subdued.
And when he comes, for whom we long,
Then all will be made new.

… Genevieve Glen, OSB, Benedictine Nuns, Abbey of St. Walburga
Virginia Dale, CO.  Published by OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Prtland, OR 97213.

Youth Choir – We welcome any youth in Grade three and up. This choir rehearses Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center and sings weekly at the 10:00 a.m. Liturgy. The new Youth Choir Director, Shannon Conway, can be reached at (978) 531-3166 or via email at smileyshan1387@hotmail.com

Youth Band - Young people of middle school or high school age or older are invited to join this group which plays and sings at the 5 p.m. Youth Mass each Sunday dueing the school year. Anyone who sings or plays a musical instrument can join us any Sunday at 4 p.m.

Adult Choir—This choir is for anyone of high school age and up. Rehearsal is each Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Parish Center, and the choir sings weekly at the Saturday 4:00 p.m. Liturgy.

Cantor Program—Cantors are usually taken from members of our present music ministry program. However, auditions will be done for anyone interested in this ministry. Rehearsal is required the week before you are scheduled to cantor.

Vespers - During the Sundays of Advent and Lent, the parish will celebrate “Vespers” (Evening Prayer) in the upper church at 7 p.m. This ancient style of prayer may be a great benefit for you in preparing for Christmas and for Easter. The service lasts approximately thirty minutes. There are scripture readings, a short talk by members of the parish or visiting priests, and beautiful music. All are invited and encouraged to join us.

Volunteer opportunities!

  • Adult Choir – consists of adults, high school age and up, who sing weekly at the 4:00 pm Mass on Saturday. Rehearsals are at 2:30 pm before Mass.
  • Cantor Program – After one year, members of the Music Ministry program can apply to lead the congregation in song as cantors.
  • Youth Choir – Made up of children in grades three and up to sing Sundays at the 10:00 am Mass.
  • Young Adult Choir – Made up of young adults who provide music at the 5:00 pm Mass. Youth from the junior high and confirmation programs attend this Mass.
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“Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing.”
–Quaker Hymn