Music at Lourdes

The Sacred Music Ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes is charged with the task of offering music in the liturgy that contributes to "the Glory of God, and the sanctification of the faithful," (Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, Article 112). This is accomplished by seeking to offer the most prayerful rendering of sacred texts, the most empowering leadership to congregational song, and the most inspiring contributions to the prayer and devotion of the assembled faithful.

The Congregation

The human voice is the primary instrument of musical worship in the Catholic Church. The communal singing of hymns, psalms, and sacred texts fosters unity, gives glory to God, and unpacks mysteries of our faith. At Our Lady of Lourdes, we encourage everyone to join in the  singing, and place a great emphasis on congregational song.

The Parish Choir

The Choir sings at the 10:30am Mass on Sundays, as well as Holy Days of Obligation, from fall Ordinary Time through the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm, and at 9:45am on Sundays, in the choir loft. New members are welcomed throughout the year, and encouraged to contact Nicole Millner, Director of Sacred Music and Liturgy.

The Cantors

The Cantors sing at the 4:30 PM Mass on Saturdays and at the 8:30 AM Mass on Sundays, and at the 10:30 Mass on Sundays during the summer months. The role of the cantor is to sing certain parts of the Mass in alternation with the congregation, and to sing the Propers of the Mass, which include the Introit, Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, Offertorium, and Communio. Cantors occasionally offer works from the sacred vocal repertoire.

The Organ at Lourdes:
The Ralph Strangis
Memorial Pipe Organ

click for more information about
 our wonderful instrument!

Saint Cecilia 
2022
N. Markell, iconographer
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Minneapolis, MN
The newest addition to our collection of Sacred Art. Blessed by pastor Fr. D. Griffith on Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022. The icon represents St. Cecilia, patroness of music and musicians and is displayed with the Strangis Memorial Pipe Organ. From our Director of Sacred Liturgy and Music, N. Millner: "St. Cecilia is known as the patron saint of musicians because at her wedding, her heart sang only for God. Due to the significant role of the pipe organ in Christian worship, from the 14th century onward, she is most often depicted at the organ. Thus, it is a wonderful honor that our spectacular organ is blessed with such a beautiful icon of her that will forever invoke her intercession. May the music played by this instrument always be only for the glory of God!"