The mission of the Saint Bernadette Music Ministry is to foster the sung prayer of our parish worship.  Whenever we come together to celebrate the Church's liturgy, our relationship with God and with one another in Christ is deepened. Our singing together further enriches this encounter, as our voices become one.  "Singing is for those who love," as St. Augustine said.  Whether choir members, cantors, organists, pianists, instrumentalists or composers, our goal as ministers of music is the same: to facilitate and build the sung prayer of the entire liturgical assembly.

 

What does the Church say about music in the liturgy?  In 1903, Pope St. Pius X issued an instruction on sacred music. In it he states that the “active participation of the faithful…in the most holy mysteries and in the public and solemn prayer of the Church” is the “foremost and indispensable source…of the Christian spirit.” The Pope goes on to state that music is a major contributor to active participation in the liturgy  . . . read more

 

choirs

The Saint Bernadette Music Ministry welcomes singers and instrumentalists who wish to share their gifts to help foster the sung prayer of our parish.  If you enjoy singing or play an appropriate instrument and would like to contribute your talents to the parish liturgies in this special way, please contact David Mathers, Director of Music Ministries, at dmathers@stbernpar.org or (703) 451-8576 x112, or the director listed for the particular choir.

At rehearsals and Mass, choir members must follow current CDC and VDH guidelines. Currently, this includes the requirements to wear a mask and be seated with social distancing.

 

Saint Bernadette Choir

Sings for the Sunday 11:00am Mass from September into June, as well as Christmas Midnight Mass, liturgies of the Easter Triduum and other parish celebrations. Repertoire includes the broad range of excellent Catholic liturgical music including chant, polyphony, classical and contemporary hymns and choral works. Time: Sunday, 10:15am warm-up, Mass at 11:00am. Rehearsal Thursdays 7:30pm-9:15pm. Directed by David Mathers: dmathers@stbernpar.org or (703) 451-8576 x112.

 

Saint Bernadette Contemporary Choir

Sings for the Sunday 9:00am Mass from September into June, as well as Christmas Eve, Easter Vigil and other parish liturgies. Repertoire includes the broad range of excellent Catholic liturgical music including chant, polyphony, classical and contemporary hymns and choral works.  Choir includes SATB singers and a wide range of ensemble instrumentalists. Time: Sunday, 8:30am warm-up, Mass at 9:00am. Rehearsal Wednesdays 7:30pm-9:30pm. Directed by Sylvia and Bob Malinowski, sylviamalinowski@gmail.com or (703) 569-4092.

 

Saint Bernadette Coro Hispano (Spanish Choir )

Sings for the Sunday 1:00pm Mass throughout the year as well as Christmas Eve, Good Friday and Easter Sunday and other feast days. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7pm – 9pm and warmup on Sundays at noon. All are welcome: Spanish speakers and learners! - Directed by Juan Pablo Rodriguez,  jprodriguezy@gmail.com or (571) 216-8529.

 

Saint Bernadette Youth Choir

Grades 7-12. Singers and instrumentalists for the Sunday 5:00pm Mass every week, September to June, as well as Christmas Eve and Easter Vigil.  Rehearsals are every Tuesday 7:00pm-8:30pm. Contact David Mathers if you are interested, dmathers@stbernpar.org or (703) 451-8576 x112.

 

Saint Bernadette Children’s Choir

Grades 1-6. Sings for the Saturday 5:00pm Mass every other week September to June, as well as Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday.  Rehearsals every Thursday 5:00pm-6:15pm. Please contact Mr. David Mathers now if you are interested, dmathers@stbernpar.org or (703) 451-8576 x112.