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Music ministry is an integral part of worship at Saints JFX. We offer many opportunities for parishioners to enjoy vocal and instrumental music. Please consider raising your voice in praise in one of our many fabulous ensembles!
NOTE: All Music Ministry choirs have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. We will resume the choirs once restrictions have been lifted. For more information or to join one of our choirs, click the button below. Our Music Ministry Choirs
St. Francis Xavier Adult Choir
The St. Francis Xavier Adult Choir is a soprano, alto, tenor, bass mixed ensemble that provides music every Sunday at either the 9:30 am or 11:30 am Mass from Labor Day through Pentecost. The Adult Choir sings a broad range of repertoire including chant, western classical, and contemporary sacred music. While having previous musical training is encouraged, all voice types and abilities are welcome to join. The Adult Choir is under the direction of Jonathan Metzinger. Rehearsal Information Rehearsals are typically held sectionally every Wednesday:
St. Joseph Adult Choir
Our adult choir, under the direction of Al Engram, has developed expertise and a love for the complex rhythms and harmonies that characterize today’s Gospel music genre. Al comes from a musical upbringing: his mother, Ethelynde Armstrong, was the first woman of color to grace the stage at Ravinia. Al grew up at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, recognized by the Illinois State Historical Society as the birthplace of gospel music. He has brought that love of music to our choir and they have enthusiastically embraced both the rich traditional gospel style as well as contemporary Christian music. Al and our SJ music director John Hopkins have been working together for over 30 years. Rehearsal Information Rehearsals are held before the 10:30 am St. Joseph Church Mass. Magdalene Choir
The Magdalene Choir is a women's vocal ensemble that provides music at either the 9:30 am or 11:30 am St. Francis Xavier Sunday Mass. The Magdalene Choir sings a wide array of music with a focus on contemporary Christian choral works. The ability to read music is encouraged. The Magdalene Choir is under the direction of Jonathan Metzinger. Rehearsal Information Rehearsals are held every Sunday, usually a half hour prior to either the 9:30 am or 11:30 am Mass. Schola Cantorum
The Schola Cantorum is an ensemble comprised of highly trained vocalists that specializes in florid chant and Renaissance polyphony, among other challenging repertoire. This ensemble is admitted by audition only and is under the direction of Jonathan Metzinger. Unity Festival Choir
This large ensemble is composed of the unified adult choirs across both campuses at Saints JFX. This choir sings once a month on Sundays at either St. Joseph or St. Francis Xavier. The Unity Festival Choir is the perfect ensemble for those looking to be involved with Music Ministry but who cannot commit to the weekly engagement of the other choirs. This ensemble is open to all regardless of musical ability or experience and is under the joint direction of Jonathan Metzinger, John Hopkins, and Al Engram. The 5 O’clock Ensemble
This spirited ensemble provides music for the Saturday 5:00 pm Vigil Mass at St. Francis Xavier. The multi-instrumental ensemble focuses on folk and contemporary sacred music. The 5 O’clock ensemble is under the direction of Matt O’Connor. The Gym Mass Ensemble
The Gym Mass Ensemble is a dynamic group of vocalists and instrumentalists that provides music for the 10:15 am St. Francis Xavier School Gym Mass. Focusing on contemporary Christian music, this ensemble incorporates guitars, bass, and drums. The Gym Mass Ensemble is under the direction of John Geis. Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists are always welcome to enhance liturgies with their musical gifts. If you have a talent you wish to share, please contact our music directors by clicking the LEARN MORE button at the top of the page. |
