“And do ye, each and all, form yourselves into a chorus, that being harmonious in concord and taking the keynote of God ye may in unison sing with one voice through Jesus Christ unto the Father, that He may both hear you and acknowledge you by your good deeds to be members of His Son.” --St. Ignatius of Antioch, to the Ephesians, 4 :1

Many people have enjoyed choral Masses and other greatorks of music in concert halls. Saint Margaret of Antioch offers a different experience—classic choral music sung as an integral part of the liturgy, as the composers intended. Their sacred music is offered within its sacred context—the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

At Saint Margaret of Antioch, you can experience choral masterworks from the Church’s vast treasury of sacred music, including those by Willan, Mozart, Schubert, and Bach, and organ music and improvisations. The repertoire complies with the mandates of the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 1963):

• 114. The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. Choirs must be diligently promoted, especially in cathedral churches.

 

• 116. The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services. But other kinds of sacred music, especially polyphony, are by no means excluded from liturgical celebrations, so long as they accord with the spirit of the liturgical action.

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One can hear at the 10:30 am High Masses, Gregorian Chant, the German Cantatas of Bach and Mendelssohn, and choral anthems within the glorious splendor of the beautifully renovated church. The parish choir is under the direction of Mark H. LaRosa, Director of Music and Choirmaster.