Click here to read Archbishop Sample's Pastoral Letter on Sacred Music: Sing to the Lord a New Song.

The Qualities of Sacred Music

• Sanctity: there is nothing in the words or lyrics that is contrary to Catholic teachings or beliefs.  Songs and hymns with this quality often have their words rooted in or based on Sacred Scripture, the writings of saints, etc.
• Intrinsic Beauty: the piece of music in some way reflects the beauty of God, and raises the worshipper to another spiritual level.
• Universality: if you separate the words and the tune and listen to each individually, they would still sound appropriate for worship of God.

Our Allen Organ

Our music ministers use their musical talents and gifts to enhance our liturgies and make them more reverent and prayerful. We are always in need of more help and talent. Please prayerfully consider if you would like to be a part of our parish’s sacred music program.  The following are ways through which you can be musically involved in the liturgical life of our parish.

Loft Choir - is comprised of a group of singers, men and women, who help lead and enhance the music at the 11 am Mass on Sunday mornings through 2- or 4-part choral harmony, sing from the choir loft, and are accompanied by the  organ.  

Currently, the loft choir is not singing regularly because of the coronavirus pandemic, but hopefully it will return soon.

Musicians - In addition to the organ, our parish also welcomes the talents of other instrumentalists to enhance the sacred music at Mass. If you play the violin, flute, guitar, or other instrument, then we would love to talk with you and invite you to be a part of our liturgies.

If you have any questions about our parish's music program, please contact James Bartel, Director of Sacred Music, at the Parish Office at (503) 775-6731, Ext. 104, or e-mail him today at jbartel@olspdx.org.