About This Ministry
Sacred Heart Parish Music Ministry
- The Adult Choir sings on Sundays and at other Liturgies and Paraliturgies from September – June. The Adult Choir welcomes those of high school age and older. During the months of September-June the Adult Choir will rehearse on Sunday mornings from 10:15AM-11:15 AM. The choir ordinarily sings at the 9:00 AM Mass on the first two Sundays of the month and at the 11:30 am Mass on the third and fourth Sundays of the month. Those considering joining are encouraged to come and attend a few rehearsals. If you’re not sure what your voice part is (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass) the music director or our accompanist will be able to help you. The choir sings contemporary and classical repertoire. There is no need for you to be able to read music. New members are always welcome.
- The Intergenerational Handbell Choir is for high school age folks and older. The choir will usually ring at the 4th Sunday of the month at the 11:30 am Mass. Rehearsal will be held on Monday evenings from 8:00-9:00 pm in church.
- Parishioners who are instrumentalists (trumpet, violin, etc.) and who are willing to play occasionally for parish celebrations are invited to contact Dan Mahoney.
If you have any questions about our Music Ministry, please feel free to see or contact Dan Mahoney.
Dan Mahoney
(908) 756-0633 Ext 139
Email: Dan410@aol.com
What’s it like to belong to this choir?
Here is my choir story: Reflecting on the beautiful years I have spent in the Church of the Sacred Heart choir, I cannot imagine my life without it. This choir is my home, filled with the most incredible human beings who have become my family. There is something extremely powerful about the experience of praying together through song, and it is such a great gift that I treasure every single day.
I first joined the choir in 2015, when I was in 8th grade. Pat encouraged me to join after hearing me sing during the open mic at the parish picnic. Little did I know then how life-changing that moment would be. I am forever grateful and have been immensely shaped by this experience.
To those who are thinking about joining, I truly hope you do. I would love for others to experience the love, peace, and joy that I have found and continue to experience through the choir.
– Theresa Lanzetta
Joining the adult choir has enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined. It has deepened my faith, brought wonderful friendships into my life, and given me an even greater appreciation for the beauty and power of music.
Singing in choir has helped me experience my faith in a very personal way. There is something profoundly meaningful about using our voices together to praise God and share the message of our faith. The music allows me to express feelings and emotions that sometimes words alone cannot convey. Preparing and singing sacred music has made me listen more closely to Scripture, reflect more deeply on its meaning, and feel more connected to my faith community.
The friendships I have made through choir have been another wonderful blessing. We share something very special when we sing together. We rehearse, laugh, encourage one another, work through challenges, and celebrate when everything comes together. Over time, those shared experiences have created friendships that extend beyond our rehearsals and performances. I have come to appreciate not only the voices around me, but the people behind those voices.
Choir has also opened my ears to music in a whole new way. I have developed a greater appreciation for harmonies, individual voice parts, dynamics, and the way composers bring words to life through music. I love hearing how the different sections of the choir come together to create something that none of us could create alone. Whether we are singing a simple hymn or a challenging choral work, there is a special joy in being part of that musical experience.
Most of all, choir has taught me that singing is not simply about making music. It is about community, faith, expression, and connection. Being part of an adult choir has enriched my life both spiritually and personally, and I am grateful for every opportunity to lift my voice with others in song.
– Joan Blessing
I have loved singing since I was a little girl. I first sang in a parish choir when my husband was stationed in San Diego with the Navy, then for five years at St. Mary’s in Plainfield, and since 1983 – about 40 years – at Sacred Heart. I also sang in the folk group from the mid-nineties until recently. I sing alto and especially love singing harmony and learning challenging new pieces.
Most of all, choir has enriched my faith and given me lifelong friendships – some from the beginning and some newer – that mean so much to me. If you love to sing and want a deeper connection to the Mas, I encourage you to come join us – you don’t need a perfect voice, just a willing heart.
– Barbara Zirger
Do you love to sing? Does it give you joy each time you do? If so, I have a great idea for you. Why not become a member of the Sacred Heart Adult Choir today, and join your voice with ours so we can make a joyful noise together? Be assured, you will find friendly folks to welcome you if you do decide, and countless opportunities to celebrate and thank the God who gave you the gift of music in the first place. Hope to see you at choir!
– Anna Maria Mirabella