{"id":520,"date":"2020-11-05T12:05:27","date_gmt":"2020-11-05T17:05:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stthomannarbor.diocesanweb.org\/church\/?page_id=520"},"modified":"2026-01-08T08:56:04","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T13:56:04","slug":"liturgical-ministries","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sta2.org\/church\/liturgical-ministries\/","title":{"rendered":"Liturgical & Music Ministries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\u201cThe heavens open and multitudes of angels come to assist in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.\u201d \u2013<\/em> St. Gregory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThrough the liturgy the inner man is rooted and grounded in ‘the great love with which the Father loved us’ in his beloved son.\u201d \u2013<\/em> Catechism of the Catholic Church 1073<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that in a given year we celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass over 970 times at St. Thomas? Each week, over 60 volunteers are a part of this incredible endeavor. For more information about any of our liturgical ministries, or to inquire about joining the team, connect with Dan Vincke at dvincke@sta2.org<\/a>. For more information about our music ministries, contact Peter Spalitto, Interim Director of Music, at pspalitto@sta2.org<\/a>, or Lucia Skrobola, Interim Choir Director, at lskrobola@sta2.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n

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Liturgical Ministries<\/h3><\/i><\/div>\r\n \t\t\t

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion<\/h4>\n

These parishioners assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. Adults (16 years and older) who are fully initiated, active participants in the sacramental life of the Church are welcome. Training sessions are held periodically, and formation is ongoing.<\/p>\n

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Lectors<\/h4>\n

These parishioners carefully prepare scriptures for proclamation, utilizing an understanding of the liturgy and basic knowledge of scripture. Volunteers must be fully initiated, active participants in the sacramental life of the Church, and be willing to enter into initial and on-going formation.<\/p>\n

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Ushers<\/h4>\n

Ushers arrive early to assist in the preparation of a comfortable environment. They recruit volunteers for the presentation of the gifts, carry the collection baskets to the assembly, and are especially attentive to the needs of the elderly, the disabled, and families with small children.<\/p>\n

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Hospitality Ministers<\/h4>\n

These parishioners welcome everyone to Sunday Mass, striving to bring into reality the challenge of Pope Francis: \u201cThe Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven, and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Altar Servers<\/h4>\n

Servers assist the priest in prayer and action at Mass and other liturgies.<\/p>\n

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Sacristans<\/h4>\n

These parishioners provide the vital service of sanctuary preparation and care at daily and Sunday Masses.<\/p>\n

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Linen Care<\/h4>\n

These volunteers take linens home for laundering and ironing. This may include purificators, corporals, hand towels, albs, and altar cloths.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n \t\t \t\t\t

Music Ministries<\/h3><\/i><\/div>\r\n \t\t\t

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\u201cSing to the LORD, bless his name; proclaim his salvation day after day!\u201d<\/h4>\n

The Catholic Church has always affirmed the importance of sacred music, and we welcome all to our vibrant music ministry at St. Thomas. If you are interested in serving with your musical gifts or volunteering to assist with music technology, the music library, or other support behind the scenes, please contact Peter Spalitto, Interim Director of Music, at pspalitto@sta2.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Parish Choir<\/h4>\n

Our Parish Choir sings sacred music that spans the ages, including Latin chant, classical gems, and contemporary selections. The choir rehearses on Thursdays from 7:00-8:45 p.m. in Room 252 of the parish office building, then gathers at 9:00 a.m. in the choir loft on Sundays to support the liturgy at the 9:30 Mass. The choir sings at special liturgies and events including Lessons & Carols, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Holy Week, and our Easter Concert. Interested singers need to be able to stay on pitch and sing in parts. Auditions required. Please contact\u00a0Lucia Skrobola, Interim Choir Director, at lskrobola@sta2.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Cantor Ministry<\/h4>\n

A cantor assists us at our Sunday and holy day Masses by leading the hymns, psalms, and Mass parts. This ministry requires a desire to serve the parish, a clear voice with good diction, basic music reading skills, and knowledge of the flow of the liturgy. Cantors must audition, and they are scheduled in advance. Participation in the choir is not required to serve as a cantor, though regular preparation is required. Please contact\u00a0Lucia Skrobola, Interim Choir Director, at lskrobola@sta2.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Schola Cantorum<\/h4>\n

The Schola Cantorum is a group of experienced musicians who support Extraordinary Form Masses by singing Gregorian chant and Latin motets. This group rehearses year-round on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:45 p.m., then gathers at 11:00 to support the 11:30 Mass on Sundays. The Schola also sings Orchestral Mass settings for numerous holy days, as well as special events such as our Marian Concert, Hymn Festival, Lessons & Carols, and the Easter Concert. Auditions required. Please contact Lucia Skrobola, Interim Choir Director, at lskrobola@sta2.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Contemporary Ensemble<\/h4>\n

The 6:00 p.m. Mass on Sunday features contemporary music taken primarily from the Worship Now <\/em>hymnal and CCLI. Auditions required. Please contact Peter Spalitto, Interim Director of Music, at pspalitto@sta2.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Instrumentalists\/Accompanists\/Volunteers<\/h4>\n

We welcome skilled instrumentalists to assist our music ministry! If you play a band or orchestra instrument at a high school level, there are opportunities to play liturgically appropriate prelude music and to enhance the hymns at Mass. Small ensembles are also welcome. Pianists and organists will be considered as substitutes for Mass and accompanists for parish groups. Those who play guitar are invited to consider serving at our 6:00 p.m. Sunday Mass or additional prayer services. Serving as an instrumentalist or accompanist is by audition. Please contactPeter Spalitto, Interim Director of Music, at pspalitto@sta2.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n \t\t \t\t\t

St. Cecilia Society for Sacred Music<\/h3><\/i><\/div>\r\n \t\t\t

The St. Cecilia Society<\/a> is dedicated to the promotion of sacred music within the setting of parish liturgies and special events. The aim is to bring to life the beauty of masterpieces of sacred music spanning the centuries, to offer periodic liturgies and concerts involving sacred music in our beautiful church, and to help defray the costs of supporting these ministries. To donate, please select the St. Cecilia Society Fund on the online giving portal,<\/a> or write a check directly to St. Thomas and note that it is for the St. Cecilia Society.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n \t\t \t\t\t

Laudate Youth Choir<\/h3><\/i><\/div>\r\n \t\t\t

The purpose of the Laudate Youth Choir is to glorify God through excellent sacred choral music, forming the next generation in Catholic musical liturgy and cultivating an uplifting, faith-filled community for young singers in the greater Ann Arbor area. The ensembles sing at a few Masses at Ann Arbor parishes during the school year, at the Pueri Cantores Festival, and in local parish events such as the St. Thomas Hymn Festival, Lessons & Carols, and Easter Concert.<\/p>\n

Click here to learn more.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n \t\t \t\t\t

Schola Pueri Cordis Jesu<\/h3><\/i><\/div>\r\n \t\t\t

A Liturgical Choir for Ages 8-18<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rehearsals: Thursdays from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in Room 252 of the Parish Office Building<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pueri Cordis Jesu<\/strong>\u00a0translates to \u201cChildren of the Heart of Jesus.\u201d It is through our relationship with Jesus that we are able to pray while singing sacred music. The children in this schola will take part in the beauty of the Sacred Heart of Jesus through their formation in Gregorian chant and other sacred music.<\/p>\n

Schola Pueri Cordis Jesu<\/strong>\u00a0is a liturgical music formation choir for youth ages 8-18. While learning to sing sacred music in Latin, including Gregorian chant, traditional hymns, and simple polyphony, singers will receive formation in the roles of music ministers in traditional Catholic liturgy. Singers will have the opportunity to serve in music ministry at Extraordinary Form Masses at St. Thomas and numerous sacred music events.<\/p>\n