"Lord, make us instruments of your peace…"
Members of St. Francis of Assisi Music Ministry offer their talents to lead the community in sung praise to God during the holy Mass. Choir members are unique in that once they assemble for liturgy they become one minister, being attentive at once to the director, the music, and the celebration itself. They themselves model for the assembly "full, conscious, and active participation". (CSL #14)
Singers and instrumentalists are encouraged to join us!
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Paula A. Vasey
ORGANIST: Laurel Marazita
The Carl Barckhoff Organ: The Barckhoff is a historic tracking action organ that provides an amazingly ‘live’ sound in our beautifully restored church. Built in the late 1800's by the Carl Barckhoff Organ Company of Pomeroy, Ohio, this beautifully maintained organ has been lifting our congregational voices in song for over 100 years! It was featured at the Organ Historical Society National Convention which took place in Columbus, Ohioin 2022. For details about the Barckhoff,
see the Organ Media Foundation video above.
For specifications about the renovations for the Barckhoff, click HERE.
ENSEMBLES
The SFA Parish Choir: The Parish Choir sings a wide variety of music,
from traditional to contemporary, gospel and jazz.
The choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. and sings at
either the 8:00 or 11:30 a.m. (singers' preference), Mass on most Sundays
from September through Pentecost, and other Masses as required.
Contact Paula Vasey at musicdirector@sfacolumbus.org
if you wish to join us.
Fall 2024 Choir Schedule
Cantors: Cantors facilitate the song of the assembly at Sunday Eucharist, funerals, and weddings, leading the assembly by singing the verses of the Psalm and the Gospel Acclamation and encouraging and supporting the singing of the assembly throughout the Eucharistic celebration. Cantors must have a strong and melodic singing voice, an understanding of liturgy and the confidence to sing in front of the entire congregation. Cantors must be active members of the Parish Choir and will be trained according to Basic Cantor Certificate standards put forth by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). Cantors are encouraged to become NPM members in order to undergo the training process.
Instrumental Ensembles: Parishioners who play strings, woodwinds, brass or percussion are encouraged to contact the Music Director to share their talents with the parish. We would love to have you be a part of our program,
whether you play regularly or just for special events.
SEASONAL ENSEMBLES
Children's Choir: Contact the Music Director for information.
Angelic Choir: Unable to commit to the full year Parish Choir schedule?
Consider joining us for Christmas Vigil and/or the Easter Triduum only.
We would love to have you join us for these special liturgical events.
Contact Paula Vasey at musicdirector@sfacolumbus.org
for more information about joining any of our ensembles.
WEDDINGS
The SFA Music Ministry staff looks forward to sharing in the joy of your Nuptial Mass or Service. Consultation with the Music Director to choose music for your wedding should occur 3 months prior to the wedding.
In order to maintain a continuity of musical and liturgical excellence,
and to reflect the unique nature of our parish,
music for all weddings will be provided by our staff organist and cantor.
Additional instrumentalists may only be hired with the express
pre-approval of the Music Director.
To access a list of appropriate music for weddings
at St. Francis of Assisi, click this link.
FUNERALS
As a community, we share in your sorrow and seek to lift you up in prayer
during this time of grief. We understand that you may be feeling confused, sad, stunned, and overwhelmed by your loss. Although death brings a deep sense of sadness and loss, faith provides strength and reassurance.
As Catholics, we believe that "Life is changed, not ended."
The Catholic funeral liturgy celebrates a particular set of Rites to help us through our initial sorrow, to help us pray together as a community for our loved one, and to express our belief in the Resurrection.
For assistance in planning the readings and music for a
Catholic Mass of Christian Burial, contact the Music Director,
Paula Vasey at musicdirector@sfacolumbus.org.
If you wish to access the reading choices
for a Mass of Christian Burial: click this link.
To access our list of liturgically appropriate music
for the Funeral Mass: click this link.
Pre-planning the readings and music choices for yourself or a loved one's funeral is an option as well.
Contact the Music Director to arrange a consultation.