By Dr. Anthony Lupica, Director of Music Liturgy

The purpose of St. Bede's music ministry program is to create a dynamic musical environment that helps to deepen the spirituality of the entire St. Bede parish family. This dynamic musical environment offers parishioners the opportunity to be involved with the music. People can participate either by joining a choir (traditional choir on Sunday, 11:00 a.m. Mass or contemporary choir on Sunday, 9:00 a.m. Mass), playing an instrument (if they are proficient enough), and by congregational singing or passive listening.Our program at St. Bede's is multifaceted. The choirs employ a variety of musical styles at our liturgies. We have cantors who help encourage congregational participation. Additionally, we periodically employ outside musicians (i.e., out of our parish) for special events and liturgies such as our annual Messiah concert, Christmas & Easter liturgies, weddings, funerals, etc.

Each person involved with the music ministry contributes his or her own unique talents. Because of the diversity of the people involved, the music program essentially is a microcosm of our parish as a whole. The music serves a ministerial function that enhances our "place of being", our souls.

Without music, liturgies are effete and without much animation. Moreover, the Liturgy Documents state that "the musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater than that of any other art. The main reason for this preeminence is that, as sacred song closely bound to the text, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.

Sacred music will be the more holy the more closely it is joined to the liturgical rite, whether by adding delight to prayer, fostering oneness of spirit, or investing the rites with greater solemnity."

In order to meet these expectations, the existence of a fine music program is an imperative to any parish that strives to worship in a more profound manner. Parishes that downplay the importance of a music program, deny their people a more soul-penetrating form of worship.

In summation, the mission of St. Bede's music ministry is to foster the spiritual development of each and every individual in our family and to be a living example of a Christ-centered community. Those people who would like become involved in our music ministry are encouraged to contact Dr. Tony Lupica, or at 818.949.4327.