Music Ministry
Volunteer your musical talents with St. Francis
The St. Francis Music Ministry witnesses to the love of Christ by supporting the prayer and participation of the assembly. Through a variety of vocal and instrumental opportunities, parishioners are invited to share their musical gifts, grow in faith, and help lead our community in worship. Together, our musicians strive to serve with prayerfulness, unity, and excellence.
St. Francis offers vocal and instrumental opportunities for musicians from third grade through adulthood, including choirs, instrumentalists, accompanists, and cantors. For specific questions or help discerning which opportunity may be the best fit, please contact Emily Schmid, Director of Liturgy & Music, at 515-223-4577, ext. 106.
Music Opportunities
Music has a unique way of lifting hearts to God and enriching our celebration of the Mass. Whether you are called to sing as a cantor, accompany on piano, or share your talents as an instrumentalist, your gifts can help lead others in prayer. Serving in music ministry is a meaningful way to deepen your faith while supporting the worship life of our parish. No matter your experience level, there is a place for you in our music ministry. Discover how your talents can help bring the beauty of sacred music to our liturgies.
| Cantor |
| Cantors lead the assembly in sung prayer during Mass and other liturgies. This ministry is open to experienced singers in high school and older; prior choir experience is preferred, and prospective cantors meet individually with the Director of Liturgy & Music to demonstrate their vocal ability and readiness to lead. Those who serve should demonstrate strong vocal ability, confidence singing independently, prayerful leadership, and a willingness to grow through formation and preparation. |
| Accompanists |
| Accompanists support the sung prayer of the assembly by accompanying cantors, choirs, and instrumentalists during Mass and other liturgies. This ministry is open to advanced pianists in high school and older; prospective accompanists meet individually with the Director of Liturgy & Music to demonstrate their musical ability and readiness to accompany. Younger or developing pianists are also invited to meet with the Director of Liturgy & Music to share their skills and discuss opportunities to participate as they grow as accompanists. Those who serve should demonstrate strong piano skills, attentiveness, flexibility, and the ability to follow and support other musicians. |
| Instrumentalists |
| Instrumentalists enhance the sung prayer of the assembly by sharing their gifts on woodwind, brass, string, or percussion instruments during Mass and other liturgies. Prospective instrumentalists meet individually with the Director of Liturgy & Music to demonstrate their current skill level and discuss appropriate opportunities to participate. Those who serve should demonstrate musical proficiency, attentiveness, flexibility, and the ability to play as part of an ensemble. |
| Sound Technicians |
| Sound Technicians support the prayer and participation of the assembly by ensuring that music and spoken words can be heard clearly throughout Mass. Trained volunteers set up sound equipment for musicians and other groups, operate the soundboard during Mass to maintain good sound quality and balance, and tear down equipment afterward. Their attentive, behind-the-scenes service helps create a smooth and prayerful worship experience. |
Youth Choirs
The St. Francis Youth Choirs welcome parishioners in third through twelfth grade. No previous musical experience is required, and young musicians grow in skill, confidence, leadership, community, and understanding of the liturgy while serving the parish. The choirs sing regularly throughout the school year and at special celebrations, including Christmas and Easter Masses. With an open-door participation policy, singers may participate as their schedules allow.
| Children’s Choir |
| The Children’s Choir welcomes all students in grades 3–6, regardless of musical experience or parish affiliation, with no audition required. The choir sings a mixture of music with an emphasis on contemporary selections at one Mass each semester. Members also join Joyful Noise for Christmas and Easter Masses. Four weekly rehearsals are held in the church leading up to each scheduled Mass, and a complete schedule is distributed at the beginning of each semester. New members are welcome to join at any time. |
| Joyful Noise |
| Joyful Noise welcomes all students in grades 7–12, regardless of musical experience or parish affiliation, with no audition required. During the school year, the choir sings a mixture of music—with an emphasis on contemporary selections—at one Mass each month and occasionally at special liturgies. Members also join the Children’s Choir for Christmas and Easter Masses. Rehearsals are typically held Wednesdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the church, with breaks corresponding to school holidays and events. New members are welcome to join at any time. |
Parents are encouraged to sign up for our Youth Choir Flocknote group to receive the latest information, including rehearsal schedules and other important updates. Contact the Parish Office at 515-223-4577 for assistance.
Adult Choirs
St. Francis offers three adult choirs designed to welcome a variety of musical interests and singing abilities. Adults with a love of music are invited to participate in one or more choirs, sharing their gifts at Masses and special liturgies throughout the year. Through their participation, singers develop their musical skills, deepen their understanding of the liturgy, and build community with fellow musicians.
| Women of Praise Choir |
| Women of Praise welcomes adult women of all musical abilities, with no audition or previous choir experience required. The choir sings a mixture of traditional and contemporary music at two Masses each month from September through May and may also participate in special liturgies throughout the year. Rehearsals are held most Monday evenings from 7:00–8:00 pm in the church. |
| Knights of Columbus Choir |
|
The Knights of Columbus Choir welcomes all adult men, regardless of musical experience or membership in the Knights of Columbus, with no audition required. The choir sings a mixture of traditional and contemporary music at one Saturday 4:30 pm. Mass each month throughout the year and may also participate in funerals and special liturgies. Rehearsals are held from 3:30–4:30 pm immediately before the scheduled Mass.
|
| Schola |
|
Schola is open to adults with advanced musical ability who are comfortable reading music and singing independently. Prospective members are asked to meet with the choir director before joining. The choir sings a mixture of traditional and contemporary music at two Masses each month throughout the year and also participates in special liturgies. Rehearsals are held during the hour before each scheduled Mass. Music is provided in advance, and members are expected to prepare their parts at home before rehearsal.
|