Cantors serve at weekend and Holy Day Liturgies, and are responsible for leading the Assembly to “full, conscious, and active” participation in the Liturgy. Auditions are required, and successful candidates will be asked to take the Basic Cantor Certification exam through the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
Name of Ministry: Music Ministry
Name: Breanna Echelmeier
Number of Years as a Parishioner at Saint Joseph: 10
Your Position in this Ministry: Cantor
When the ministry meets: Since the role of the cantor is focused on the individual singing for weekend Mass, there is no set time for meeting. We are able to practice and/or work with Justin whenever it works best in our schedule!
Activities/Service of this ministry: The cantor’s main role is to serve as musical leader of prayer throughout the liturgy, serve as the psalmist, and assist the congregation in their worship experience through song.
Why you are involved in this ministry: My reasons are simple – I love God and I love to sing! I have always loved sacred music since the time I was in elementary school. I began serving as a cantor in my home parish in 2000. When my husband and I joined Saint Joseph Parish ten years ago I really wanted to continue my involvement and grow in my faith through song here in Mechanicsburg.
How has the ministry helped you grow as a disciple of the Lord Jesus?
One of the ways to express Christ’s love for us is through service. Music ministry has helped me grow closer to God by sharing my gift of music with the congregation, but I also know that at the same time I’m serving the Lord by using the gift he gave me. 1 Peter 4:10 teaches us “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” I also love the quote from Saint Augustine which states “To sing is to pray twice.” Every time I sing at Saint Joseph I feel like I am learning and growing in my faith. There are hymns that, admittedly, I wasn’t too fond of in the past, but now I love them because I felt God working through me in song as a way to grow closer to him.
Why do you think others should be involved in this ministry: Music is a fantastic way to grow in your relationship with God all while doing something that you love. We have a great music ministry program here at St. Joseph and you’ll definitely find the support you need as you learn and grow in the position.