STA Gospel Choir Music
Our music mostly comes out of four hymnals. We use the same Gather and People's Mass books that are used in al
l the masses, but we also use the Lead Me, Guide Me Catholic Hymnal and African American Heritage Hymnal. We also read sheet music and sing custom arrangements of popular gospel songs. Whenever we sing something that isn't in the Gather or People's Mass books, we provide lyrics to the congregation on Worship Aids. Congregational singing is an important tradition at St. Thomas.
Unlike many gospel choirs we have an obligation to work our music seamlessly into a Ca
tholic mass. We take this responisibility very seriously. Over time, there have been concerns about how well Gospel music fits into the Mass. Addressing these concerns and being a living example of the potential of gospel music is a priority of the choir. To that end, we choose our music very carefully, looking at the scripture readings and general theme of the Mass and Liturgical Season.