Sacred Music Ministry

The Parish Choir of St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church

The Parish Choir sings primarily at the Sunday 9:30 a.m. mass for the parish church of St. Ignatius Martyr in the city of Austin, Texas USA. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Membership is open to all adult parishioners. There is no formal audition in the traditional sense, but it is expected that all who apply for membership in the choir must be able to sing in-tune, follow directions easily and are willing to improve their musicality for the sake of the organization.
 
It is a fun-loving group that dedicates much of their time to bringing the best in liturgical music to our faith community. The chorus is a well-balanced SATB choir. Previous experience is not necessary. Some choir members do not read well but work well with those who do read music. The rehearsals are face-paced, non-threatening, filled with humor, task oriented and, much is accomplished quite a bit in a short amount of time.

The choir sings Latin motets, masterworks of the Baroque-Romantic periods, many modern works, spirituals, chants, some contemporary works and much more. Throughout the year the choir sings for approximately 50 liturgies including the 9:30 a.m. Mass from September through mid-June, Holy Week, Christmas, and some Holy Days, weddings on occasions, ecumenical liturgies, vespers and funerals when invited.
  

Requirements: The ability to sing in tune is expected. The ability to read music is a plus but is not required.

Time Commitment: Wednesday rehearsal, 7:00-8:30 p.m. and Sunday 8:45am - 10:30 a.m.warm-up and mass 

The Choir rehearsals resume in mid-August.  Email  Dr. Hoffman for more information.  

Dr. John J. Hoffman
Director of Worship and Sacred Music, Choirmaster/Organist
jhoffman@st-ignatius.org
 

Cantors / Psalmists are animators of the assemblies' sung prayer and provide sung portions of the communities' prayer that are more solo in nature.  Often these musical setting are chanted texts or through-composed settings that require a mature vocal technique.
 
Requirements: Must be a practicing Catholic and an audition is required. The ability to sing in tune with a pleasant vocal sound and read music is required. Must be an active member of the parish choir, ensembles or Mariachi Coro. to participate in this ministry.

Time Commitment: Weekly rehearsal with parish choir, ensemble or coro and must arrive 30 minutes before mass to rehearse with the accompanist and prepare for mass.

Dr. John J. Hoffman
Director of Worship and Sacred Music
jhoffman@st-ignatius.org

The Contemporary Choir provides music for the 11:15 a.m. Sunday Masses. Those who play musical instruments (flute, bass, guitar, etc.) are welcome on a regular basis or for occasional participation.

The Sunday Life Teen formation programs help form young Catholics in the faith.  The Life Teen Mass is an extension of this formation process.  The Life Teen Ensemble meets on Sunday afternoons at 4:15 p.m. in the Choir of the church and provides music for the Sunday 5:00 p.m. masses throughout the year.

Requirements: Open to youth, teens, young adults, and adults. Singers must be able to carry a tune.  All instruments are welcome. Sound and equipment technician assistance is needed as well. Adults must complete the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity Workshop and agree to a background check to be able to participate.

The Sunday 1:00 p.m. Spanish Mass features the music of Mariachi San Ignacio. The Coro is open to teens and adults.