Music Ministry is one of the most valuable and important areas of service in which one can contribute to the liturgical life of a faith community.  Music plays a great role in the liturgy of the Church, as it has the capacity to transcend words in the ability to convey divine truths, the grandeur of God and our human thirst to be in relationship with God.  St. Paul advised the Christian community in his letter to the Colossians:  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."  (Col. 3:16)  This is also our calling.  This is the calling of every member of the worshiping assembly.
 
Here at the Catholic Church of the Ascension we believe with St. Augustine that "He who sings prays twice."  Our whole music ministry is undertaken with an understanding of the importance for each of the baptized to be an engaged participant in the prayers, rituals and music of the Church.  As the Second Vatican Council so eloquently taught:  "The full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else, for it is the primary and indispensable source form which the faithful are to drive the true Christian spirit."  (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, no. 13.)  At the celebration of the Holy Eucharist each of us is called (and in a sense, obligated) to participate through the sung and spoken word.  Just as it takes many small pieces of diverse glass to make up a beautiful stained-glass window, so too does it take the voices of the entire assembly, people and priest, to make a beautiful offering of praise to our loving God.

We would also love to form additional vocal or instrumental groups if additional musicians come forward.  Any new groups could have a focus on a particular musical style/genre if a common interest emerges.  For example, a small brass group would be a wonderful addition to add solemnity to the high feasts of Christmas and Easter.  A chant schola would be another excellent development toward giving our parishioners more exposure to the musical patrimony of the Church.  There can be many exciting possibilities as additional musicians emerge.  If you have an idea for a musical group that could add to the liturgy, please let us know.