Music Ministry

The music ministry at Holy Comforter strives to live up to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, which called for a renewal in music that respects the Church’s “inestimable treasure” that has developed over her two-thousand year history. That includes everything from Gregorian Chant to 20th century hymns, motets, and Mass settings that reflect the dignity and solemnity of the Liturgy.

Get Involved

Music-Ministry-Choir

Choir:

The choir, which sings at the 11am Mass, rehearses on Wednesdays from 7-8:45pm. Our repertoire includes psalms, hymns, and motets ranging in style from Medieval to contemporary. It is preferable, though not necessary, to have music-reading abilities. Just be ready to offer a “sacrifice of praise” through hard work and consistency. We are in need of more members, especially women, if we are to maintain the high quality of music that the community has come to appreciate. Feel free to visit a rehearsal to see if God might be calling you to serve in this way or you can contact the Minister of Music, Daniel Kirkland, at [email protected].

Contact Music Director

Music-Ministry-Cantor

Cantor:

Cantors sing at the 5pm Saturday and 8:30am Sunday Masses and rehearse with the music director as needed according to their schedules. Duties include leading the congregation at the Responsorial Psalm, the Gospel acclamation, and the antiphons of the Mass, in addition to singing the hymns. Again, you do not need to be Pavarotti to be a cantor; a willingness to persevere in the pursuit of musical growth for the glory of God will more than suffice for any lack of training! We are particularly in need of cantors for the 8:30am Sunday Mass but could always use more at the 5pm Saturday Mass as well. Please contact the music director regarding interest in this aspect of music ministry.

Contact Music Director

Photo credit: Aaron Watson Photography

Music-Ministry-Schola

Schola Cantorum:

Those who have a special interest in Gregorian Chant are invited to consider joining the Schola Cantorum, which sings for the afternoon Masses on Sundays at 2pm and on certain feast days. The men, who chant the Propers, sing every second and fourth Sunday. The women, who sing the Ordinary and hymns or (often polyphonic) motets, sing every first and fourth Sunday. Practices are held on Mondays at 5:15pm (children) 6pm (ladies) and 7pm (men).  Please contact the music director for more details.

Contact Music Director

The Austin Organ

Opus 1820 was built by Austin of Hartford, Connecticut, in 1932. It has two manuals and ten ranks. Manual compass is 61 notes and pedal compass is 32 notes.

Wilhelmy of Staunton overhauled the instrument in 2005. It is currently in the care of Christopher Bono of Fishersville.