An Inside Look at Our Music Ministry

Advent and Christmas are beautiful times of the liturgical year — the Mass readings help us prepare for the coming of Christ, and the music helps us to reflect on the joy of the upcoming season.

Director of Liturgy and Music Brenda Accurso loves Christmas music, too. She enjoys that during Christmas, most people know the Mass songs enough to sing along, which aids in the celebration of the Liturgy. She is also thankful to be back to singing at Our Lady of Lourdes, after taking a break for so long due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The adult Cecilia’s Choir and children’s choir Lyric went back to singing at Lent this year.

“We’ve seen more people become choir members,” Brenda says. “It’s really nice to be back.”

Brenda asks parishioners to consider if they have musical talents — and if so, to use them to glorify the Lord. She invites anyone who can play an instrument to contact her, as it may make for a beautiful addition to the Mass.

“I love unlocking people’s musical talents,” Brenda says. “If you aren’t sure if you are good enough to join, we can work on breathing and note reading. You can learn a lot about music. We can work together to learn together.”

In addition, Brenda enjoys introducing children to the gift of music. Lyric is open to fourth grade through high school students, whether they are parochial or public students, or homeschooled. The group does a local tour and records a CD each year. As Brenda notes, involvement in the choir can lay a firm foundation for a future in music. Many of the adults in Cecilia’s Choir got their start in liturgical music as kids in the children’s choir.

“Kids don’t often know how to use their voices correctly — this is a great way to get them started,” Brenda says. “When a child is in the youth choir, it blesses their family and everyone in the parish.”

The Liturgy is a central tenet of our faith, and we should all consider ways we can pitch in to make it more beautiful. In turn, participation in the Liturgy can help us learn more about the faith. It’s also a great way to become part of a smaller community at Our Lady of Lourdes and make new friends.

This past November, the adult and children’s choirs performed a community concert — Brenda plans to make this an annual event as a means of evangelization.

Another important element of our liturgical music is the Cantor Ministry. These individuals lead the music at the Masses where the choir isn’t singing. Brenda extends her gratitude to all those who aid in the Mass as a Cantor.

Cecilia’s Choir practices from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Lyric practices from either 2:50 to 3:50 p.m. on Thursdays or 6 to 7 on Tuesdays. Cecilia’s Choir sings at one Mass a weekend. Lyric sings at two Masses per month. If you would like more information, please contact Brenda Accurso at 919-861-4611 or baccurso@ourladyoflourdescc.org.