Music Ministry
Music plays an important role in the life of a parish. It is one of the first things people notice when they attend a church service. Music at Mass or other liturgies can be a source of consolation, a reflective prayer, or a joyous celebration.
Here at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, music serves to cultivate, strengthen, and deepen the spiritual experience of those gathered for worship. The Ministry of Music leads us in liturgical music during the weekend Masses, Holy Days, funerals, and weddings. Our Director of Music Ministry is Melanie S. Peetz. On a typical weekend, our music ministry provides music for 3 of the 4 weekend masses. Once a month, the parish offers a 5:30 p.m. mass that offers contemporary music and is primarily targeted toward the youth of our parish. We also have several guest instrumentalists who assist us with special celebrations. Parishioners are welcome and encouraged to share their musical talents with the community as singers and musicians in any of the various musical ensembles in the parish.
The 4:00 mass on the weekend features a cantor who leads the congregation. Through a skilled voice, the cantor provides musical leadership to aid parishioners in joining together in singing the music during Mass.
The Adult Choir sings each Sunday at the 8:30 a.m. Mass. It consists of parishioners from ages twenty-one and older who come together weekly to share their time and talent. Together, they experience the joy of ministering to a parish community of faith through active participation in various liturgies, the concert on Christmas Eve, and other celebrations throughout the liturgical year. The Adult Choir is committed to displaying excellent musicianship and knowledgeable participation in liturgy. Rehearsals for the Adult Choir occur every Wednesday from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. from September through June. Although we welcome those with experience, no formal training is required. Both vocalists and instrumentalists are encouraged to join.
The Youth Choir consists of children in grades 3 - 12 who provide the music for the 11:00 a.m. Mass every Sunday. Members actively participate in youth based liturgies, such as First Communion and Scout Sunday where they are accompanied by an ensemble consisting of organ, keyboard, or piano and guitar. Members of the Youth Choir are also encouraged to sing at our summer Vacation Bible Camp which features live music performed on the keyboard by our Music Director. Practice is held typically 30 – 45 minutes prior to the mass. All school age youth are welcome to join.
Our newest musical ensemble, Psalm33, is our Contemporary Christian Music Ministry group comprised of middle school to college age youth. ITheir music selections are non-traditional but scripturally strong. Over the past 5 years, Psalm 33 has participated in several events throughout the diocese which includes Grandparents Day at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, the Rosary Procession in Northampton, and for 3 years has provided music for the Faith on Fire Rally at Sacred Heart Church in Feeding Hills. The group also assisted the community by putting on a concert to help raise funds for homeless teens in Westfield, and has also participated in the Opioid Addiction Awareness Night in Westfield for the past 2 years.