Mass Schedule:
T-R 5:15, Sa 4:30, Su 8:30 & 10:30
Call us: 507-452-5656
Email us: stmarys@wacs1.org
1303 West Broadway
Winona, MN 55987
Saint Mary's Parish
Music
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About Our Liturgy and Music Director
Gwynne Mishler
email: smliturgy@wacs1.org phone: 507-452-5656, ext. 16
Gwynne Mishler became Director of Liturgy and Music in September 2011. She holds a music degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. She also attended the College of St. Teresa prior to its closing in 1989. She is married to Mike, and they have one daughter, Madelyn.
Young Adult Choir
The Young Adult Choir is for those in 8th grade through 12th. All are welcome to participate and share their gifts, either vocal or instrumental, regardless of their musical “experience.” The choir leads worship approximately once a month, and while balancing the needs of the gathered assembly, the music is chosen specifically with young people in mind.
The choir offers members a great way to meet new people, deepen their faith, experience liturgy differently, and participate in the leadership of our parish!
General Information
The choir practices in the church on Wednesday evenings from 7:30m-8:30m, and the time works with all sorts of schedules. Many of our members are involved in sports, ice skating, band, choir, orchestra, speech activities, scouts, and other activities, and are able to fit choir into their very full schedules.
While the choir’s primary purpose is to help lead our assembly in sung prayer, we also have a bit of fun together. Our rehearsals are full of energy and exuberance, and a fun break from the busy-ness of school and school activities. Additionally, we like to spend some social time together, which includes a monthly cookie night after practice, a service project (singing at St. Anne’s Hospice), bowling, a Christmas Brunch, and this year, a trip to LaCrosse to High Roller.
Meet the Director
The Young Adult Choir was founded by Laurie Ziliak. In the fall of 2012, Gwynne Mishler will take over this vibrant group.
Sharing the Ministry
Liz: My name is Liz and I am a senior at Cotter High School. I have been a member of the Young Adult Choir since the first rehearsal 5 years ago.
Lauren: My name is Lauren. I'm in 8th grade at Cotter Jr. High and have been in the Young Adult Choir for 2 years.
Liz: Young Adult Choir is open to students in 7th through 12th grade. We have rehearsal for one hour on Wednesday nights and sing at Mass approximately once a month. There are also cookie nights once a month that allow us to socialize and have fun. There are several main reason why I joined choir. First, it helps me broaden my musical horizons. I had participated in Christmas Choirs and Easter Choirs, but I was looking for something year round. Second, it is a good way to meet people. after spending Wednesday nights with the same group of people, you start to form bonds and make new friends. Lastly I joined choir becasue it seemed like a fun group to be part of, and it most certainly is.
Lauren: I am very blessed to be involved in the Young Adult Choir. I've gotten to know so many great people through this experience: people that are older than me, even people that go to different schools. I've also gotten to know my choir director, who is not only great with music but an awesome role model. Everyone that knows her knows she has a strong faith and an incredible amount of patience to work with so many teenagers. I've learned so much about myself and my faith being in choir.
Liz: My involvemenet in choir has greatly strengthened my faith. After each and every Mass we sing at, numerous members of the assembly compliment us on how great we are. The constant compliments have allowed me to see how blessed I am to have the God-given talents I have. Choir has also allowed me to find my true self. Through sharing my gifts with confidence, I have discovered that through music I can do anything God puts in front of me.
Lauren: If you can, I think it's a great idea to be involved in choir. Now that you've been to one of our masses, you know how much fun we have and we hope you enjoy singing with us.
Upcoming Schedule
See you next fall!!
Music Ministry
"Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song."
-Psalm 98:5
As a minister of music you help the entire assembly fulfill its role. You lead the singing. You manage the length of the silences. You model participation by your prayer and attention. No matter the circumstances in your life, you express your faith in music. (Guide for Music Ministers, published by LTP)
Training will be provided for some ministries and most ministries require a weekly rehearsal commitment of one hour or more. Most choirs sing or play about two times a month from September-May. Vocal and instrumental ensembles are often seasonal or scheduled as needed, such as the Resurrection Choir.
Our Choirs
Angels Wing It Choir
-Who? Adults and college-age students
-The choir sings at approximately 2 masses per month, usually on Sundays including an occasional Saturday.
-Rehearsals are every other Wednesday from 6:15pm-7:30pm in the St. Francis Room.
Rejoicing Voices
-Who? Students in grades5-8-Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15pm in the St. Francis Room.
-Growing in faith together by leading the sung prayer of the community.
Cherub Choir
Who? Students in grades 2-4- Rehearsals on Thursdays at 345.
Handbell Choir
Who? Come one, come all
Resurrection Choir
-Who? Adults and college-age students
-Supports the sung and spoken prayer at a funeral liturgy. Daytime flexibility is helpful, no weekly rehearsals, rather a brief warm-up is planned prior to each funeral.
Ensemble Choir
-Who? Youth, teens, adults and families
-Voices and instruments come together to lead seasonal music.
-Short-term commitment to rehearsals prior to the celebration.
Cantor and Accompanists Ministry
Who - Youth, teens, adults and college-age students. Cantors lead the sung prayer of the faith community at liturgy. Accompaniests play music on organ or piano to provide music to guide the music during mass. Quarterly gatherings to pray, learn, practice skills, and grow in faith.
Documents for Cantors and Accompanists:
