Music
Sacred Music is a glorious and beautiful expression of prayer. In the Roman Catholic tradition, text and music corresponds to the mystery we celebrate, the structure of the rites, and the seasons of the liturgical year. In the course of the history of the Church, we have a rich heritage of musical styles including chant, polyphony, standard hymns, folk, and gospel, meditative contemporary tunes, simple melodies and rousing songs. Each style speaks to the heart of the faithful of various ages, cultural backgrounds and levels of faith. As we participate in the singing of texts of Sacred Scripture within the context of Sacred Mystery, it resonates within our hearts. Music sung together within the context of the sacred liturgy is a unifying force. Instrumental music inspires. Come and join us!
Adult Choir
The adult choir at St. Stephen sings in 2, 3, and 4-part harmony in a variety of styles. We are a warm and welcoming group, and we need YOUR voice!
Choir Members:
- Rehearse on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
- Sing at 10:30 AM Sunday Masses.
- Warm up 1/2 hour before each Mass.
- Sing on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Sing on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday at 10:30 AM Mass.
- Rehearse from September until Pentecost Sunday.
- Are assigned a Gather Hymnal.
- Call the Director of Music office at 414-762-0552 and let her know of your absence.
Children's Choir
Our Children's Choir is a warm, welcoming community where young voices help lift our parish's worship to new heights. This choir is for kids in grades 2-8. They sing regularly at weekend Mass, special feast days, and parish celebrations, giving its members an opportunity to share their musical gifts and grow in their understanding and love of the faith. The kids will also build friendships and experience the joy of serving God through song. Whether your child has sung in a choir before or is just discovering their voice, the St. Stephen Children's Choir offers a fun, faith-filled way to be a part of our community.
Resurrection Choir
Our Resurrection Choir serves a beautiful ministry at St. Stephen, offering comfort and hope whenever we celebrate the Order of Christian Funerals. Choir members are notified when a funeral is scheduled—most often on Saturdays, though they may occur on any weekday—and are invited to participate as their schedules allow.
This ministry provides a meaningful way to honor the passing of our loved ones and support grieving families through prayerful song. The music repertoire is familiar and accessible, and each member receives their own binder. We rehearse for about 30 minutes before each service, making the total time commitment roughly an hour and a half.
During the liturgy, the choir leads the hymns and Mass parts, and occasionally offers a prelude or meditation piece. Many members also participate in the Adult Choir, though it is not required. New singers are always welcome to join this compassionate and faith-filled ministry.
Cantor Ministry
The primary role of the cantor is to proclaim Sacred Scripture in the Psalms. The cantor also leads the hymns and acclamations. At St. Stephen, the cantor also welcomes the assembly and reads the announcements before Mass.
If you have a good singing voice, and are comfortable speaking from a written text, please consider being a cantor.
Instrumentalists
The music selected for Mass are completed at least 2 months in advance. In this way, there is time to practice, and opportunity to rehearse. If you would like to play selected solo music for preludes and postludes this is also welcome! The Director of Liturgy and Music and the Pastor have final approval of the choices. The parish has print music in C, Bb and Eb scores.