"The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord's coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs." (cf. Col. 3:16)

In the liturgy – the great act of giving praise and glory to God – music is a most concrete and expressive way of announcing our belief and uniting our voices with one another. Congregational song unites not only our words and voices, but our hearts and minds. Every member of the assembly is called to participate in the liturgy by way of acclamations, responses, psalms, antiphons and other songs. With the support of competent music ministers, the entire assembly is enabled to voice its song of praise to the God of salvation. 

(Excerpts from A Companion to the Catholic Book of Worship III Guidelines for Liturgical Music.)

As we approach September, our parish choirs are preparing to resume rehearsals and full time ministry. This beginning to the choral year is a great opportunity for new members to join ranks with this vital parish ministry. Please accept this invitation from our music committee to read about our choirs and prayerfully discern if you are called to be a music minister. 

• Vigil Choir

The Vigil Choir, directed by Dawn Kerr, leads the assembly in song at the 4:00pm Anticipated Mass each Saturday. The focus of this choir is to lead and encourage unison congregational singing, though the choir may also sing in harmony. The Vigil choir practices weekly on Monday evenings, 6:30-7:30 in the church.     

Contact: Dawn Kerr                                440-1660                 dawn.kerr@hotmail.com

• Praise & Worship Band

The Praise & Worship Band, led by Sarah MacKinnon, leads the assembly in song at the 9:00am Sunday Mass. This group is made up of instrumentalists (keyboard, drums, bass, guitar, violin…) and Vocalists. The band focusses on singing contemporary praise & worship music while also incorporating traditional hymn tunes in a contemporary style. Audition Required. 

Contact  Sarah MacKinnon     225-2337                 smackin4@dal.ca

• Principal Choir

The Principal Choir, directed by Patrick Salah, leads the assembly in song at the 11:15am Sunday Mass. This four-part choir focusses on singing in choral harmony. Beyond leading the singing of hymns and mass parts, this choir explores a variety of choral repertoire from varying time-periods. Ability to read music and/or previous choral experience is an asset for this choir. The Principal Choir practices weekly on Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:30 in the church. We especially need tenors and basses! 

Contact Patrick Salah                             441-1448                 patricks@saintbenedict.ca

• Contemporary Choir

The Contemporary Choir, directed by Kim Sampson, leads the assembly in song at the 6:00pm Sunday Mass. This three-part choral group focusses on learning new and contemporary hymns. Instrumentalists are also welcome in this ensemble, pending an audition. The Contemporary Choir practices weekly following Mass, 7:15-8:45 in the church.                                                                                          
Contact: Kim Sampson                            865-8543                 kimplusmusic@eastlink.ca

• Consolation Choir

The Consolation Choir, directed by Lynda Tyler, leads the assembly in song for all Funeral Liturgies, which usually take place at 10:30am on appointed days. The Consolation Choir practices twice a month, on Monday afternoons, 2:00-3:30 in the church. 

Contact: Lynda Tyler                               443-0610                 lynda.clare@gmail.com

Saint Benedict Parish Music Committee

Patrick Salah                         Director of Music

Zita Poirier                              Organist

Mary Canfield                         Organist

Dawn Purcell                          Secretary

Heather Murphy                     Member at Large

Dawn Kerr                              Vigil Choir 

Sarah MacKinnon                 Praise & Worship Band

Kim Sampson                       Contemporary Choir

Lynda Tyler                             Consolation Choir