Daniel Kovacic, Minister of Music
Celebrating the Eucharist at Mass is what unites us together as Catholics. Participation in the liturgy helps to make the liturgy more fulfilling. This includes listening to the Sacred Scripture, responding to the prayers of liturgy, and also singing! Sometimes our voices do not correspond to the convictions of our hearts. At other times, we are distracted or preoccupied by the cares of the world. Christ always invites us, however, to enter into song, to rise above our own preoccupations, and to give our entire selves to the celebration of the liturgy. We are blessed at Saint Thomas More Parish to have many opportunities to lead the congregation in song:
Cantor Guild — A group of degreed vocalists or those with sufficient vocal training. Rehearsals are weekly on Thursdays from 9:00PM-9:30PM in the Rooney Room during the academic year. Rehearsals during summer months are scheduled as needed. Auditioned. Ages 13 through adult. Nathan Bellas, director.
Contemporary Ensemble — An ensemble of musicians including keyboard, guitar, and bass as well as vocalists who utilize contemporary Catholic and contemporary Christians music twice a month at the 11:30AM Sunday Mass as well as holidays. Rehearsals are scheduled as needed. Tom Kneier, director.
Family Choir — Family Choir is an ensemble of men, women, and children who lead song at alternating 11:30AM Sunday Liturgies as well as holidays. Family Choir is an opportunity for parents, children, siblings, and friends to sing in one choir regardless of age. Open to all elementary school age to adults. Nathan Bellas, director.
Funeral Choir — An ensemble of men and women who lead both song at Funeral Liturgies as well as provide comfort to those gathered with their presence. There are no regularly scheduled rehearsals. Funerals are typically at 10:00AM. Nathan Bellas, director.
Handbell Choir — An ensemble ringing 4 octaves of handbells for most holidays. Families are welcome! Ages 13 and up. Nathan Bellas, director.
Instrumentalists — Instrumentalists are utilized on Holidays as well as special Masses throughout the year. Instrumentalists are expected to be highly proficient and either degreed, working on a degree, or have sufficient private study in his or her instrument. Nathan Bellas, director.
Praise Band — An ensemble of teen and adult musicians and vocalists who utilize contemporary Catholic, Christian, and Worship songs. Instrumentation includes guitar, keyboard, piano, drums, bass, and various other instrumentalists. A very spirited ensemble! Jim Shea, director.
Traditional Choir — The STM Traditional choir is an ensemble of dedicated and talented men and women who sing traditional through contemporary choral literature at the 9:30AM Sunday Liturgy as well as holidays. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7:00PM – 9:00PM in the Rooney Room. Auditioned. High school age and older. Nathan Bellas, director.
New members of all groups are welcome! To audition for one of the parish ensembles or for the contact information of one of the directors, please contact Daniel Kovacic, Minister of Music at 412-833-0031 ext. 242 or