Louis S. Valenzi, Director of Music and Liturgy
[email protected]
Joseph E. Keffer, Associate Director
[email protected]
Adult Choirs - Rehearsals for 2023 begin September 14 at 7;00 in St. James Church
The Divine Redeemer Adult Choir sings at the 9:30 Sunday Liturgy at the St. Mary worship site and at
the 11:00 AM Liturgy at the Saint James site from mid-September through Pentecost. Choir members will be scheduled to sing at either location. Members are permitted and encouraged to sing at both Sunday liturgies if they wish. Combined rehearsals are on Thursday nights from 7:00 - 8:45 pm at the Saint James worship site.
We welcome all singers from high school age through adult and are particularly in need of male voices. The ability to read music and experience singing in choirs is preferred but not required. All that is required is the desire to fulfill an important ministry, possess a willing, flexible attitude, discipline, commitment, dedication and a sense of humor. Most of all, good choir members constantly seek to improve the quality of the group and use their gifts for the glory of God.
Cantors
If you’ve had a little vocal or musical training and/or perhaps previous experience as a cantor or as a soloist, and would like to help lead the congregation in prayerful song, then serving the ministry of Cantor might be for you. Cantors are scheduled based on their availability. Rehearsals are scheduled as needed. All new cantors will complete a one evening cantor workshop. All cantors will work toward and earn a Basic Cantor's Certificate, awarded by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM).
Handbell Choirs
The Divine Redeemer Bell Choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm at the Saint James worship site. The Bell Choir plays at various liturgies at either worship site throughout the season.
Ability to identify notes on the staff and count are helpful, but not required. You will be taught everything as you go.
Children's Choir
Children in grades 3-8 are invited to participate the the Divine Redeemer Children's Choir. The children sing at various times throughout the year at the 11:00 am Mass at St. James or 5:00 Mass at St. Mary's. This past year, the Choir sang at the 9:00 Thanksgiving Day Mass, Christmas Eve at the 4:30 Mass and various Masses throughout the year. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 4:00 until 5:00 at the St. James Site.
Instrumentalists
We are always looking for instrumentalists – guitars, flutes, brass, etc. Instrumental music can enhance the beauty of liturgical celebrations. Rehearsals are scheduled as needed. If you are proficient at an instrument and would like to enhance the Mass periodically, please contact the Director or Associate Director of Music.
Louis Valenzi, Director or Joseph Keffer, Associate Director
(412) 741-6650
[email protected] / [email protected]