The great tradition of sacred music in the Catholic Church is one of the richest artistic treasures of human civilization, and the chief purpose of sacred music is to give glory to God in the celebration of the sacred liturgy. At Good Shepherd & Holy Family Parishes we seek follow the instructions of the Second Vatican Council to give pride of place to the rich musical tradition of the Church, including hymns from the English tradition, chants, choral pieces, and contemporary compositions. The majority of our liturgies are accompanied by the pipe organ or digital organ, which also has pride of place in the liturgy.
Sacred music at our parishes is enriched by the service of several choirs and cantors, including a number of adult choirs, a youth choir, a children's choir which sings at various Masses from time to time, and a schola, which secializes in Gregorian chant and polyphony. For special events, a festival choir is usually formed, combining voices and instrumentalists from various other groups.
The great tradition of sacred music should be promoted and is promoted here at Good Shepherd & Holy Family Parishes, and we invite everyone to experience the beauty of holiness in the sacred liturgy, both at Mass every Sunday and in the various special events throughout the year--some of which include Solemn Vespers on major feasts and during certain seasons and Tenebrae during Holy Week.
“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song is united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, #112)
“Therefore sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action, whether it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, #112-C)
Sean McMeeken
Director of Sacred Music
603-752-2880
This schedule is subject to change.
Saturday 4pm Mass, Good Shepherd
Sandy Patrick, Choir Director
Rehearsal: Thursday at 4:00 pm
Saturday 6pm Mass, Holy Family
Sean McMeeken, Choir Director
Rehearsal: Saturday at 5:00 pm
Sunday 8:30am Mass, Good Shepherd
Sean McMeeken, Choir Director
Rehearsal: Thursday at 2:30 pm
Sunday 10:30am Mass, Holy Family
Sean McMeeken, Choir Director
Rehearsal: Thursday at 2:30 pm
Sunday 6pm Mass, Good Shepherd
Sean McMeeken, Choir Director
Rehearsal: Sunday at 5 pm