Our Choir and Music Ministry: Invigorating the Prayer of the People

Prayerful singing lifts our souls to God and unites our worship with the choirs of angels. Here at Holy Family Cathedral, we are blessed to have a Music Ministry that leads us in song and encourages us to enter more deeply into the Mass.

“Music impacts the parish by invigorating the prayer of the people,” says Ernest Neal. “It helps them grow in their spiritual relationship with Our Lord Jesus, which often leads to the overall growth of the parish.”

Ernest, our organist and Director of Music, leads the choir and plays the organ at the 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Masses every week. Great care and thought go into choosing the Mass settings and hymns to enhance the liturgy and lift our hearts in prayer. The beautiful and engaging music helps to draw us into the liturgy through meaningful participation.

“Music at Mass is important because it offers a deep level of prayer and praise that is only possible through music,” Ernest says.

As we journey towards Christmas, Ernest and the choir are preparing some beautiful choral pieces for the concert that will precede the Midnight Mass. As the choir rehearses some challenging new music, they hope that it will inspire the parishioners and help them enter into the joy of Christmas. The hymns and carols that we will sing at the Midnight Mass are often familiar favorites and draw us into the beauty and peace of the Christmas season.

Our choir members make a great commitment to serve the parish. They offer not only their musical talent but a great deal of time as well. Members commit to rehearsals every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and sing at two Masses each Sunday. Participating in the choir is also a commitment to grow both in their musical abilities as they learn challenging new music, and spiritually as they engage with the liturgical music and share it with the parish. Parishioners with singing skills are invited to learn more about the choir. Some familiarity with reading music is necessary, but more important is the passion.

“A love for the music of the Church and singing are most important,” Ernest says.

Next time you are at Mass, pause and let the music fill your soul and lift your heart.

“It is my hope that parishioners hearing the choir’s music are elevated above the noise and chaos of life, and are raised into the beauty and harmony of life in Christ’s presence,” Ernest says. “I hope that the members of the choir are inspired and strengthened by their ministry of song and that they are blessed by helping others to pray in the most beautiful way.”

If you would like to learn more about the choir, please contact Ernest Neal at eneal@tulsacathedral.com.

(From left) Good Friday cantors Kevin Cobb, Ernest Neal and Kyle Gallia

The Holy Family Cathedral choir