Music Ministry

St. Hedwig Music Ministry
562-296-9050

" Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its faith, music is of preeminent importance. As sacred song united to the words it forms an integral part of solemn liturgy. Yet the function of music is ministerial; it must serve and never dominate. Music should assist the assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith." (Music in Catholic Worship, #23)

If you have a love of music, a desire to learn more about liturgical music, and a desire to serve our parish as a minister of music, Music Ministry has a place for you.

Director of Music Ministries

Cheryl A. Lee

Cheryl hails from the Northern Lower Michigan village of Cedar and has lived here in Southern California since 1992. She has been involved in Catholic Church music since 1978. She studied music at Northwestern Michigan College and Central Michigan University with a Choral Major and Voice Minor and has ministered ‘cross country’ since then – Michigan, New Jersey, then on to California. Cheryl is a member of NPM (National Association of Pastoral Musicians) and its DMMD division (Director of Music Ministries). She has ministered here at St. Hedwig since 1992 and feels blessed to minister with this parish and with such a talented Music Ministry Staff. Cheryl lives in Stanton with her husband, Russ, and daughters, Katie and Jessie.

Our Music Ministry

Parish Organist/Accompanist – Maureen Carter

Maureen Carter has served as St. Hedwig Organist/Accompanist since 1997. She grew up in Los Alamitos, while attending St. Hedwig Church. Maureen studied classical piano and violin, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Mount St. Mary’s College and did post-graduate work in classical piano at USC. Maureen works as a professional musician throughout Southern California, including First Keyboard in the Pageant of the Masters Orchestra. She is also a composer and arranger. Maureen loves providing music for worship at St. Hedwig, as well as getting to know the community. Besides this, one of the highlights of her job is seeing her sister, Susanna, after the 12:00 P.M. Mass.

Staff Accompanists

Audra Meyerhofer
Mary Jo Beck
Bob Nafarette

Guitarists

Gerry McCann
Ray Martinez

Cantors

Jennifer McCann
Russell Lee
Jennifer Marvin
Cathy Lewis
Mary Jo Beck
Irma Loera

Our Choirs and Ensembles

Youth Choir

Director: Cheryl Lee

Open to all parish children in Grades 2 through 6, the Youth Choir meets on Mondays, except holidays, from 4:00 – 5:00pm and sings at the 10:30am Sunday Mass one time per month. Choristers learn basic music theory and singing skills and will grasp basic principles of liturgy and ministry. No audition or previous singing experience is necessary.

Rehearsals begin the Monday after Labor Day and continue until June.

Contemporary Ensemble

Director: Bobby Nafarrete

Open to all parishioners from Grade 7 through Adult, this musical ensemble meets on Mondays, except holidays, from 6:00-8:00pm and sings at the 5:30pm Sunday Mass twice a month.

Musicians that form this group are singers, guitarists, bassist, and percussionist. New members always welcome. Ability to harmonize will be helpful for singers and improvising in all styles will be helpful for instrumentalists. Great for all teens, young adults, and those interested in a more contemporary sound in worship.

Adult Choir

Director: Cheryl Lee

The Adult Choir is open to parishioners High School age through Adult. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pmpm in the choir loft and we minister at 8:30am Sunday mornings. This choir sings a varied repertoire from traditional pieces to contemporary songs and ministers for many of the major Feasts and Celebrations, including Christmas Midnight Mass, Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil. This choir also participates in the Diocesan Choral Festival every year. New members always welcome and no audition is required. Must have a willingness to learn, stretch, and grow and work as part of a group in ministry to those who worship here at St. Hedwig.

Chimes Choir

Director: TBD

The Chimes Choir is open to all parishioners from Grade 5 through Adult and meets on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00pm in the choir loft. They ring at the 8:30am Sunday Mass one time per month from October through May and at the Christmas Midnight Mass. No musical experience or knowledge is necessary, but is a plus. Ringers will learn proper ringing technique, basic music theory, and basic liturgical principles. This Choir was recently featured in the DVD produced by our Diocese, ‘The Letter’ inspired by the Bishop’s Pastoral letter “Learning, Loving and Living our Faith.’

School Liturgical Choir

Director: Cheryl Lee

New to Music Ministry in 2006, this choir is open to all St. Hedwig School students in Grades 2 through 8, and meets on Mondays, except holidays, from 2:50-3:30pm in Church. Choristers will prepare and lead sung prayer at Mass and at Prayer Services for the school community during the school year. No audition is required for singers but will be required for instrumentalists. Singers should have some singing ability. Instrumentalists – guitar, flute, violin, clarinet, sax or percussion – should have basic proficiency on their instrument.

Opportunities in Music Ministry

Instrumentalists

Do you play an instrument and want to share your talent with the parish? Instrumentalists can add beauty and solemnity to our liturgies and special events. Contact the Music Ministry office for information and opportunities.

Cantors

The cantor’s ministry is leading the assembly in sacred song and in responsorial singing. The cantor, as a music minister, ‘invites others so that it becomes clear that the most important instrument in the liturgy is the assembly’s voice.’ (Cantors and Song Leaders, #10) If you are an accomplished singer and are interested in learning more about this ministry, contact the Music Ministry office.

Accompanists

The accompanist leads the assembly’s song in union with the cantor or choir. In addition, the accompanist, through music performed on the organ, piano, guitar, or other instrument, can ‘stimulate feelings of joy and contemplation at appropriate times.’ (Music in Catholic Worship, #37) If you are an accomplished organist, pianist, or guitarist and wish to serve the community of St. Hedwig, contact the Music Ministry Office.