God delights in us when we find joy in the gifts he gives. Do you have a gift of singing or playing an instrument? We NEED YOU! Please consider sharing your gift of music by serving in the St. Thomas Music Ministry. You are cordially invited to join us! Contact Lauren Hymel at music@saintthomaslb.org or call the parish office at 228-863-1610.
The music ministry is a loving, friendly group of people of varying musical ability, who love to make music for God and are dedicated to giving the best of themselves. We have an empty chair just waiting to be filled by you!
Joy in making music
Joy in serving God
A great group of friends
Liturgical Choir Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm. Liturgical Choir generally sings at the 9 am Sunday Masses (except the last Sunday of the month) and for special liturgical events and feast days. All are welcome! Families and folks of all ages and all levels of musicianship are welcome to participate. Directed by Lauren Hymel.
St. Thomas Children’s Choir vocal training and rehearsals begin in the fall and will be the first and third Sundays of the month from 6:45-7:45pm (during Lifeteen/Edge). All children 1st-6th grade are welcome to join! Children’s Choir teaches musicianship, faith through music, and is a great way for children to serve, praise God and learn the liturgy. Children will sing at Masses throughout the year and will build friendships, too. Children’s Choir is FREE! For more info, please contact Lauren at music@saintthomaslb.org.
Sings a mix of traditional and contemporary music. Rehearsals are the 3rd Saturdays of the Month from 1-2:30pm in the music rehearsal room. In addition to singing, kids are encouraged to learn an instrument for liturgical worship. The music of the middle school group will be supported by instrumentalists in the music ministry for Masses. Middle schoolers are encouraged to participate in weekend Masses with our mixed-age Liturgical Choir Sunday mornings at 9 am. The group sings on their own every 4 - 6 weeks at Mass.
Is for talented youth in 9th grade and up. Rehearsal are generally Monday evenings at 6:30 but often vary with schedules. Youth instrumentalists and singers also have the opportunity to sing/play throughout the year along with other choirs to gain skill from experienced musicians. The group comes together periodically in their peer group to sing at weekend Mass every 4-6 weeks as well as retreats and special liturgical events, as requested. Directed by Lauren Hymel. Youth Band is encouraged to participate in Seasonal/Special choirs for liturgical/special events.
A small group of singers and musicians which generally leads music at 4 pm Mass the first Saturday of the month and at the 11:30 am Mass the remaining weekends; Ensemble is encouraged to rehearse on Wednesday with the Liturgical Choir, and rehearsals are called for special liturgies. Limited openings; placement Audition required.
A small group of singers and musicians which leads the Sunday 5:30 pm Lifeteen Masses and some feast days. Rehearsals are Sun. 4-5:30 pm. Directed by Tim Raborn. For more information tim@raborn.org. Limited openings; placement Audition required.
Other opportunities to serve:
SEASONAL/SPECIAL CHOIRS FOR LITURGICAL/SPECIAL EVENTS
CANTOR / SONGLEADER MINISTRY
SOUNDBOARD MINISTRY
MUSIC REHEARSAL ROOM/LIBRARY ASSISTANTS
YOUTH MUSIC ASSISTANTS
YOUTH MUSIC
The mission of our children’s music programs are to help children grow closer to God through music, to teach them prayerful service and to develop skill and musicianship with the hope that they will continue their ministry into adulthood. There are choirs for every age in the music ministry.
Children’s Music (1st - 5th grade) Spiritual and liturgical music will be taught during SRE on Sunday mornings. In addition, the children may sing at some community events.
Middle School Choir is for 6-8th graders. Our middle school choir, “Testify,” sings a mix of traditional and contemporary music. Rehearsals are scheduled Saturdays at 1pm in the music rehearsal room. In addition to singing, kids are encouraged to learn an instrument for liturgical worship. At Masses, the music of the middle school group will be supported by other instrumentalists in the music ministry.
Youth Band, for 8th-12th, meets at various times throughout the year and leads music together periodically at the 11:30 am Mass or 5:30 pm Sunday Mass. Currently, youth instrumentalists and singers are singing/playing throughout the year along with other choirs to gain skill from experienced musicians. With high proficiency, the youth band also may have opportunities to lead contemporary worship music at Masses in other parishes, as well as retreats and some diocesan youth events.
Please consider encouraging your child in music ministry. To enroll your child in one of our youth choirs, or if you have questions, please email Lauren Hymel at music@saintthomaslb.org