Several weekly programs are already up and running, while others are in early stages of development. There are so many ways a person can participate in our music ministry, and all are welcome.

1. "Top Ten"... Please let us know your favorite songs, hymns, psalms, scriptures, glorias, Mass settings, instrumental prelude pieces, and what is particularly moving to you musically and spiritually. Send a note or an e-mail to mcollins@sjvianney.org.

2. Instrumentalists... People who play instruments and wish to join in at any mass are welcome as long as we prepare ahead of time. Currently we have a gathering time on Saturday afternoons at 3:30 PM, to look at the music before the vocalists arrive and to plan our arrangements. We have music books for C instruments, B Flat instruments, and Chord Charts which complement the Ritual Song Hymnals. Youth are welcome as well as adults. The best way to connect if you want to play is to see Merrill Collins at church after any Mass or call her at 939-7911 ext. 110 to set up a time to practice.

3. Children's World Percussion Ensemble... Make a joyful noise! All children are welcome to receive training and play for masses on a collection of world percussion instruments that Merrill has collected from cultures on all continents. Please come up to the piano following the 9:00 Mass (10:00 to 10:20 AM) to learn about these instruments and how to play them.

4. Choral Singers Choir... Rehearsal is Thursday evening from 7:30-9:00 PM in the sanctuary. A rehearsal also takes place on Saturdays 4:00 -5:00 PM. Choral ensembles sing at the 5:00 Mass on Saturday, and at the 9:00 and 11:00 masses on Sunday.

5. Cantor Program Soloists... Currently cantors rehearse before and after choir on Thursday evenings, or by special appointment. Please watch the bulletin for announcements regarding cantor training workshops and Psalm Fests.

6. Children's Choir... Children ages 4-12 are invited to join a weekly children's choir, Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM in the Hall. Sign up sheets are available in the Faith Formation Office or call Sue at 939-9544. Children will be singing for liturgies celebrating First Eucharist, Confirmation and at regular masses.

7. Youth Music Group Workshops... will be offered in contemporary idioms such as drum circles, spoken word, a capella, chant, gospel and improvisational sacred music styles. Please watch the bulletin for announcements.

8. Music Multi-Media Group... We coordinate recordings, documenting special music at Masses and concerts and prepare rehearsal recordings for singers and instrumentalists as needed. The media team works together to place appropriate mp3 music files on the Saint John Vianney website. Future key projects include production of instrumental CDs which can provide reflective centering music for use at home or while driving, highlighting the liturgical seasons. People with technical or multi-media production skills are welcome to participate on a per-project basis.

9. Music Ministry Outreach... As wonderful as it is to make good music on our home turf, it is also important to extend our music ministry to people who possibly cannot come to mass. There are nearby hospitals, senior facilities, and ongoing ministries to those in prison. Let's keep our ears open to the needs and respond as we can with our musical offerings.

10. "God Loves a Party"... As we continue to become acquainted let's have fun, share happy times, and gather together as a community. 

If you have any questions or comments, contact James Pfister at (925) 939-7911 ext. 110
or e-mail her at mcollins@sjvianney.org.

Background and Qualifications:

James Pfister, Director of Liturgical Music