Mr. Christopher Berke - Director of Music Ministries

Mrs. Nancy Phelan - Assistant Organist          

Mrs. Joyce Thorpe - Assistant Organist

Mrs. Elaine Stevko – Assistant Organist/Choir Accompanist

Mr. Scott Foley - Life Teen Band Director

Ms. Michele DiLuzio - Handbell Choir Director, The Cabrini Brass

Mrs. Margaret Schulze - Children’s Choir DirectorMrs. Barbara DiLuzio - Music Librarian

Music Ministries

Music in Catholic Worship (National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1983) states that "among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its faith, music is of preeminent importance."  At St. Frances Cabrini, music at sacred liturgy is a high priority, and all parishioners are invited to become part of this vital and growing ministry.Just as Johann Sebastian Bach dedicated each of his masterpieces with the words “Soli Deo Gloria” - - to the glory of God alone - - those who are called to minister in the parish music program are encouraged to raise their voices in worship and to be leaders of sung prayer at our many and varied liturgies.For more information on any aspect of our music ministry, contact Mr. Christopher Berke, Director of Music Ministries at the parish office, (352) 686-9954, ext. 407 or you could e-mail him at cberke@stfrances.org

The PARISH CHOIR sings at the 9:00 A.M.. Mass on Sundays, and at the 4:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass once a month, September through May.  Additionally, the choir sings for special occasions such as Christmas, Holy Week services, and Easter.  The Parish Choir sings a variety of choral music ranging from the ancient music of the church to contemporary settings of sacred texts.  The ability to read music is NOT a requirement to join our choir; the only prerequisites are that you have a pleasant singing voice and be able to follow direction.  Contact Chris Berke to join us.

Contemporary Ensemble

The newest music group is our CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE which provides music at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month (more often during the summer months).  We are always looking for new members and we prefer strong music-reading skills for this group.  As its name implies, the group leads music of a more contemporary flavor.

Childrens Choir

Music from our CHILDREN'S CHOIR is always appealing and is an important ministry.  Just as Jesus would welcome the little children in his arms, so we make available opportunities for young people to glorify God and enrich our community prayer.  All children in the parish in grades 3 through 7 are welcome to participate in our program.  The Children’s Choir is rehearsed as part of our Religious Education Program, and they sing at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from November through May.  The Choir Class is held on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.  A strong parental commitment to bringing the children to sing on Sundays is required.

The Bells of St. Frances is an adult 3-octave handbell choir.  They ring once a month, at the 9 a.m. Mass and at the Saturday vigil Masses.   In addition, they play for weddings, special church functions, concerts, Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.  The Bells of St. Frances are very active in the community, performing concerts for various organizations.

 The Bells of St.Frances has their own website! http://sfcbellchoir.tripod.com

For more information on the Bells of St. Frances contact Ms. Michele DiLuzio at the parish office, (352) 683-9666 or email her at sfcbellchoir@stfrances.org

Life Teen Band

Our LIFE TEEN BAND and SINGERS minister at the 5:30 P.M. Life Teen Mass every Sunday.  This ensemble of singers and instrumentalists leads the contemporary music which is an integral part of our youth ministry program.  This ministry is open to young adult and teen singers and instrumentalists.  They rehearse on Wednesday evenings.  Contact the director Scott Foley at s2h413@msn.com for more information.

Cantors

CANTORS lead congregational singing at Masses with music.  Their primary ministry is to proclaim the Psalm in song at Mass.  They are drawn from those in the choir program as well as other individuals who have a particular interest in this ministry.  Cantors are introduced to the program by audition only.

The Cabrini Brass

THE CABRINI BRASS is a newly-formed brass quintet which is made up of parish volunteers to provide music at various times throughout the year.  Contact Michele DiLuzio for more information.

Instrumentalists

INSTRUMENTALISTS are also encouraged to offer their talents to God through the music program.  Various opportunities exist for instrumental music at weekend and other Masses, and certain choir pieces are enhanced with instrumental accompaniment.