Sacred Liturgy & Music

“Christ … always associates the Church with Himself in this great work wherein God is perfectly glorified and men are sanctified. … The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the font from which all her power flows. … From the liturgy, therefore, and especially from the Eucharist, as from a font, grace is poured forth upon us; and the sanctification of men in Christ and the glorification of God, to which all other activities of the Church are directed as toward their end, is achieved in the most efficacious possible way.” 

—Second Vatican Council Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium, 7-8, 10

The celebration of the Mass and the other sacred liturgies is the center of our parish life.  These celebrations are supported by the liturgical ministries and services listed below.

If you are interested in serving on a parish ministry, please first be registered with the parish. If you are registered, it is recommended that you first confirm your family information is up to date. Log into ParishStaq here. Then click the button to fill out the interest form or find it under “Serve” in the forms list in the ParishStaq portal.

For more information, a list and description of our choirs, or to volunteer, please call or email Ben-David Warner, Director of Sacred Liturgy and Music, at 703.527.5500 x140 or bdwarner@stcharleschurch.org

Liturgical Ministries

  • Musicians - Instrumentalists, Choir Members, and Cantors serve Masses weekly. Younger parishioners are invited to join our children's choir which sings at Mass once a month!

  • Lectors - proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture

  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - assist the priest in distributing Holy Communion at weekend Masses. Some also take Holy Communion to the sick and homebound.

  • Altar Servers - youth especially are encouraged to aid the priests during Mass.

  • Ushers - welcome the faithful before weekend Masses, assist visitors, organize gift bearers and collections, and distribute programs for special liturgies

  • Welcome Committee - greet newcomers after Sunday Mass, serve snacks and drinks, share information about the parish, help newcomers register at the parish. Click here to fill out an interest form.

  • Sacristans - Prepare the altar, sanctuary, and church area for the Sacred Liturgy, and put items away after mass. Coordinate with other liturgical volunteers before the liturgy to ensure that all roles are filled.

  • Mid-week sacristy maintenance: Clean and organize the church and sacristy areas during the week, with special attention to the sacred vessels

  • Altar Linens: launder the sacred linens used at Mass

  • Sacred Art & Furnishings - Prune church flowers during the week, sew banners, and care for sacred art. Extra hands are always needed at Christmas and Easter times for more extensive church decorating.

For current volunteers and new volunteers who have completed training, you can log into our scheduling software here to view your current assignments and update your availability to serve. 

Training Workshops for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

For Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, diocesan training workshop are required. Please register for a course by contacting Ben-David Warner at bdwarner@stcharleschurch.org.

Music

St. Cecilia Children’s Chorus (9:00am Mass)
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 5:45pm
A fun and educational group who learn about music and God by praising Him through song! Open to children in Grades 2-6. Older children/youth may serve as choir helpers. No musical experience necessary.

St. Charles Schola (10:30am Mass)
Rehearsals: Sundays, 9:30am
Gregorian chant, polyphony, and harmonized hymnody. Open to adults (18+). Previous musical experience and audition required.

St. Charles Chorus (6:00pm Mass)
Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:30 - 5:45pm
Classical and contemporary music standards of sacred music. Open to adults and middle/high school youth. No musical experience necessary.

Cantors
Cantors use their vocal gifts to lead congregational singing at various Sunday Masses and Holy Day liturgies. Audition required.

Instrumentalists
Organists, pianists, string instrumentalists, and wind instrumentalists are also invited to share their gifts at various Sunday Masses and Holy Day liturgies.