"Music is the known in the present life which most strongly suggests ecstasy and infinity..."
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Choral Program
Our parish supports five choirs for children through adults, including our St. Rita Choral Academy. Our music enlivens our liturgies with a rich and varied repertoire in keeping with the directives of the Second Vatican Council (Sacrosanctum Concilium).
Our choirs welcome new members throughout the year. All interested singers and instrumentalists (or their parents) may contact Sarah Joblin, [email protected]
Saint Rita Choir
The Saint Rita Choir has been providing excellent sacred music for over 30 years, and is known as one of the premiere Catholic adult choirs in the country. Members rehearse together weekly and are then assigned to either the 9:00am or the 10:45am Mass. The Saint Rita Choir sings at both the 9:00am and 10:45am Masses. The 9:00 Mass features traditional hymnody and exemplary choral works. The 10:45 choir participates in a fully sung Mass, and presents a tremendous variety of fine choral literature, from timeless Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony to works of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and contemporary masters such as Britten, Howells, Rutter and MacMillan. The full choir also presents concerts, Advent Lessons and Carols, and sings for the major feasts of the Church year. A placement hearing is required for membership. Music reading ability is a plus. A commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals and Masses is required.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:00-9:30pm.
Director: Dr. Alfred Calabrese, [email protected]
Bilingual Choir and Ensemble
This diverse group presents a blend of traditional and contemporary Hispanic and English music for the 12:30 p.m. Bilingual Sunday Mass. They also take part in the major ethnic feasts of the year, including the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays,7:00-9:00pm
Contact: Roy Gonzalez, [email protected]
Coro Bilingüe
Este grupo celebra expresando la alegría de la música tradicional y contemporánea en español e inglés durante la liturgia bilingüe de la Misa de 12:30 p.m. Invitamos a los feligreses a participar y contribuir con sus voces, su música y estilos culturales.
Lux Mundi Ensemble
This group of singers and instrumentalists presents a blend of traditional and contemporary Catholic music, including repertoire from the Taizé tradition. The choir sings for the 5:30pm Sunday Mass. Membership is open to high school students through adult, including instrumentalists such as flute, oboe, trumpet, cello, and guitar. The ensemble sings for the major feasts of the year including Christmas Eve and Easter, and performs at an annual Advent program. Music reading ability is helpful but not required. (9th Grade - Adults)
Rehearsals: Sundays, 3:45-5:15pm
Director: Carmela Couvillon, [email protected]
Cantors provide a service by leading and encouraging the singing of the faithful during the Mass. Cantors must possess an attractive singing voice, excellent diction, and the ability to read music. They must also have a flexible schedule which allows them to be scheduled for Masses on Saturday evenings, early Sunday morning, and for Holy Days of Obligation. All cantors must pass an audition.
Contact: Dr. Alfred Calabrese, [email protected]