"Being a member of the choir has given me an opportunity to pray, to improve my singing, to retreat into the music away from the day-to-day demands of life, and to be part of a collective effort that is dedicated to producing something of beauty and inspiration."
-Georgine Materniak, soprano

To purchase a CD:
Dorothy Rescher | Email

The St. Bede Choir sings a wide range of inspirational music, from gospel favorites to revered works by classical masters that reflect the key messages found in each week’s readings and Gospel passage.  The choir takes pride in a tradition of choral excellence that helps foster a strong sense of community and fellowship at St. Bede.

Under the direction of parish Musical Director Jennifer Gorske, Carla LaRocca DiDonato and Gerard Rohlf, the choir is regularly accompanied by pipe organ, piano or electric keyboard, along with acoustic guitar and electric bass.  Occasionally, the choir is joined by highly skilled musicians on a variety of instruments; on any given Sunday the congregation may hear the addition of clarinet, flute, French horn, hand drum, oboe, recorder, tambourine, trumpet or viola.

In addition to weekly choir Masses, the choir traditionally presents a delightful Christmas concert prior to the Christmas Eve Mass, and prepares special celebratory music for Easter Sunday.

Choir Mass Schedule

The Choir sings Mass at every 11:00 a.m. Mass except the first Sunday of the Month. On the first Sunday, the Cantor Ensemble sings during the Saturday 4:00 p.m. Mass. That same weekend, the 11:00 a.m. Mass will be the Family Mass. The schedule is subject to change for special occasions and unavoidable conflicts; please check the weekly bulletin for the most current information. A number of choir members serve as cantors for the remaining Saturday evening and Sunday Masses.

Recordings

In recent years the choir has completed two CDs, including a Christmas collection, and plans to record a third CD. The first two CDs remain available for purchase, with all proceeds going to support needs of the parish.

Join us!

The St. Bede Choir has more than 40 members, from high school and college students to senior members of the parish. We warmly welcome new members. Participation is voluntary. The ability to read music is not required; only a short audition.

The choir rehearses in the church every Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. from September through May.  June, July and August are vacation months from rehearsals and choir Mass.

All members of the choir are acting in the name of and representing the church. Therefore, all choir members must participate in the Protecting God’s Children program and obtain the necessary clearances.

I was a lapsed Catholic in my 40’s when my 2 daughters asked me to take them to Mass at Saint Bede’s.  “Grandma takes us every week.”  When I heard Gary and the Choir sing “Day of Joy” I was hooked and, as a musician, I just had to become a part of it.

–Gerald Rohlf