Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

One Cathedral Square
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 944 4603

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MUSIC MINISTRY

Nicholas J. Will
Director of Music and Organist
814-944-2044
nwill@dioceseaj.org

ADVENT OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Cathedral Music Ministry will present an evening of Advent and Christmas music on Sunday evening, December 14 at 7:00.  The concert will feature the Cathedral Festival Choir and Youth Choir, under the direction of Nicholas Will, accompanied by orchestra, organ, and piano.  A free-will offering will be gratefully accepted.

There are ample opportunities for Cathedral parishioners, the faithful of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, and citizens of the wider community to take part in the Cathedral Music Ministry.  They include:

Cathedral Choir:  The Cathedral Choir is an adult, mixed choir which normally sings every Sunday (from approximately September until June) at the
10:00 AM Mass, as well as for various Parish and Diocesan liturgies and concerts.  Membership is open to any adult, as well as high school children in grade 9 and above.  The Cathedral Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 in the Choir Room, next to the Crypt.

Youth Choir:  The Cathedral Youth Choir is a group composed of students in grades 3-8.  They normally sing 1-2 Sunday liturgies per month, as well as for concerts.  Membership is open to both public and private school students, as well as home schooled students.  The Youth Choir rehearses on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30-4:30 in the Choir Room. 

Festival Choir:  The Cathedral Festival Choir, with the Cathedral Choir forming its base, sings for special Parish and Diocesan celebrations, such as Ordinations, Christmas, and Easter, as well as for concerts.  Membership in this choir is open to any adult.  Members of other Parish choirs from throughout the Diocese are highly encouraged to take part in this group with its limited time commitment.  Rehearsal times vary with the event schedule of the Cathedral and the Diocese.

Cantor:  Cantors help lead the congregational singing at all liturgies here at the Cathedral.  This vital liturgical ministry is open to any singer with a strong singing voice and the ability to lead people in song.  Cantors rehearse on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:00 in the Choir Room.

Psalmist:  Psalmists declare God's Word while leading the congregation in singing the Reponsorial Psalm at Sunday liturgies.  This role is reserved for fully initiated Catholics (having received the Sacrament of Confirmation) with strong singing voices.  Psalmists rehearse with cantors from 6:30-7:00 in the Choir Room.

Welcome        Parish Staff        Parish History        Tour of the Cathedral        Parish Ministries        Parish Activities       
Photo Album            Traditional Prayers        Weekly Parish Bulletin        Directions to the Cathedral        Links   
Religious Education       Music Ministries