The Saint Leo Church IV Choir sings at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, all special occasions and all Holy Days of Obligation. The choir is on hiatus from the Sunday after Saint Leo IV Day until the Sunday after Labor Day.
The choir sings traditional English Catholic hymns as well as Latin and German language hymns.
The choir also visits various homes on the Sunday nearest the Feast of Saint Nickolas to sing German and English Christmas carols while being accompanied by Saint Nickolas, Santa Claus and Little Black Peter.
A Note from the Director
Dear Parishioners,
Something that has always been an integral part of our Sunday Mass and cultural expression here at St. Leo IV Catholic Church is our Church Choir. Our Church Choir provides music not only to enhance our prayer at Sunday Mass and the major holy days like Christmas and the Paschal Triduum but also provides music for cultural events, such as, St. Nick in December.
As the Director of the Church Choir, I am inviting every parishioner 16 years of age and older to consider joining us in continuing the long history of the choir here at St. Leo IV. While the vocal response of everyone in the church is vital to the rich expression that is the Sacrificial Prayer of the Mass, the sung responses led by the choir fulfills the centuries’ long expression of St. Augustine, “When we sing we pray twice.” The Holy Spirit, speaking to us in Psalm 95, encourages us, “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise.”
God has gifted us all in many ways. All of us give praise to God when we practice those gifts. I am asking everyone who has been gifted with a singing voice to call me and sign up for an audition with Emily Paille, our organist, and me to determine what “voice” you sing, that is, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Bass. Click here to find a schedule of available days and times when we can meet with you. Please, call me at 337-288-2284 to schedule your audition. Please, bring some piece of church music to use for your audition.
Provided you are selected to be part of the Church Choir, it is important that you commit to practice every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and be present to sing at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. In addition to the events mentioned above, our Choir is asked to sing for the annual Confirmation Mass and the three Rogation Days leading up to the Solemnity of the Ascension and for the funerals of beloved parish members. Our first full choir rehearsal is Thursday, August 29, at 6:00 p.m.
Please, prayerfully consider this invitation to sing songs of praise to God.
Best wishes,
Thomas Habetz