Schola in Latin means "school," so, a school of singers is a Schola Cantorum (sko'-la kan-to'-room).  This tradition goes all the way back to Pope Saint "Gregory the Great" who desired to have chant sung as perfectly and beautifully, as possible. (If you want to know more about Pope Gregory I, check out the link at the bottom right.)  It was he who is credited with the final version of how sung church music, or Gregorian chant, looks on the page.
(see image at right. Beautiful isn't it?)

 Our reasons for singing in Church are to experience our Catholic tradition more fully, develop our singing ability, express our love for God, and share our treasure with the congregation and community. Have any of you ever said Mass is boring?  Well, if you don't know your "lines" it can be a very nerve-wracking experience!  We, as Catholics, young and old, are called to participate as fully and actively as can be, and the parts we've been given are plentiful!  If Saint Augustine is known for saying, "He who sings, prays twice," then it stands to reason that if we sing all our responses at Church with an open and joyful heart, God will be pleased and we will have had a beautiful experience at Mass.

Reason #1:  Learn the Mass
Choristers will learn first and foremost about the structure of the Mass and their lines within it, leading to full, active, and conscious participation of the liturgy through song.

Reason #2: Faith Formation
Choristers will prepare music for liturgy but will also rehearse virtues of the Christian/Catholic life (justice, peace, devotion, and service) at each and every rehearsal.

Reason #3: Free Music Lessons
Do you pay yearly for private music lessons at 317 Music School, Portland Conservatory, at your home, or elsewhere? Do you belong to a community children's choir where there is a yearly tuition?  Good for you!  These are valuable experiences for sure, so consider the free music education the choristers receive in solfege, music reading, chant, proper diction, vocal technique and theory, right here in your own Parish at virtually no cost!

Reason #4: Foreign Languages
 Latin is the official language of the Church and the choristers will learn how to sing all the basic parts of the Mass (the Ordinary) in both English and Latin.  Technology has made access to other countries and cultures as close as the screen on your device, so the importance of being fluent in other languages has never been more relevant.  In addition to Latin, choristers will sing in a host of other languages - Greek, French, Spanish, even Swahili - truly experiencing the music of the Universal Church!

Reason #5: Major Seasons and Feasts: Advent/Christmas, Lent/Palm Sunday, Eastertide/May Crowning/Pentecost
 The music of Christmas and the many beautiful descants you hear on the radio and TV during that Season is definitely something this year's Choristers will learn.  But in addition, they will learn music specific to Advent, Lent, Palm Sunday, Eastertide, May Crowning, and Pentecost.  The musical landscape of the Church year is vast, varied, and richly spiritual.  Choristers will journey through all these landscapes and grow both musically and spiritually.

Reason #6: Pueri Cantores
 The Parish of the Holy Eucharist Youth Music Ministry joined Pueri Cantores in 2018.  Pueri Cantores is the official international organization of Roman Catholic youth choirs, under the Vatican Dicastry of the Laity, Family, and Life.  I am excited for us to join this amazing musical organization, which is rich with resources and travel opportunities.

 In March, 2024 our Jubilate and Youth Scholas (Grades 4 and up) attended the New England Pueri Cantores Festival at Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. The Festival concluded with Mass at the Cathedral where our Choristers joined other Catholic choirs from all over New England.

Reason #7: Concert Series and Collaborations with other Youth Choirs
Throughout the year the Schola will be invited to participate in various outreach singing opportunities as well as join forces with local church and community children's choirs.  In May/June (exact date TBD) we hope to present an evening of our finest work with all the POTHE choirs as part of our new Parish of the Holy Eucharist Concert Series.

Submit the form above and/or contact me at my office, Jennifer Runge, (207) 847-6884 or [email protected].