Music Ministry
Saint Joseph is proud to have our native parishioner, Laura Huval, as our music minister. Laura grew up in the choir loft of Saint Joseph Church singing alongside her family for decades. She brings passion and reverence to every Mass and church event. You can learn more about Laura Huval and her ministry at www.laurahuval.com.
Right of First Refusal
St. Joseph Catholic Church staff musicians have the right of first refusal for all liturgical services (funerals and weddings) here at St. Joseph Church Parish (not to include St. Rose of Lima Parish). The policy protects our parish sound equipment which is extremely valuable and costly to repair, and ensures that all songs are liturgically appropriate. To view our full policy, please click here.
Why We Sing at Mass
At St. Joseph Catholic Church, we believe that music is not simply something we listen to—it is something we offer to God together.
The Church teaches that sacred music is a prayer that enriches the Sacred Liturgy and helps lift our hearts to God. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us in Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, singing is one of the ways the entire assembly participates in the Mass. The choir and musicians are not performers; rather, they serve the liturgy by supporting and encouraging the voices of the faithful.
Whether you sing every note or are just beginning to find your voice, you are invited to join in the hymns, acclamations, and responses. When we sing together, we proclaim our faith, pray with one voice, and more fully enter into the celebration of the Eucharist.
As St. Augustine is often credited with saying, "He who sings prays twice." While the exact source of this quote is uncertain, the truth it expresses remains: singing can deepen our prayer and draw us closer to the Lord.
To read more from Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship from the USCCB, click here.
A Prayer to
Saint Cecilia
St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians and sacred music, pray for us.
Help us to sing with humble hearts, not for our own glory, but for the glory of God. May our voices become instruments of prayer that lead others closer to Christ. Inspire all who gather to lift their hearts and voices in joyful praise, united as one Body in worship. May every song we offer reflect our love for God and draw us more deeply into the mystery of the Holy Eucharist.
St. Cecilia, pray for us. Amen.
