The Gift of Music at our Parish

Music, a gift and a blessing from God, has played a very important role in Catholic Liturgy for the past two thousand years. The bible resounds with praise and thanks to God through music. In the Old Testament, music played a number of different roles, including assisting in the memorization of God's truth and in reminding God's people of their salvation. In the New Testament, God's people gather together to express their praise to him and to build one another up in the faith. A rich variety of music that is in harmony with the ministry of God's word is a significant part of the life of the church and points towards the role of music in our praise of God in heaven.

Here at St. Francis de Sales, we are blessed to have talented musicians who are able to help us raise our hearts and minds to praise God. Come share your talents with us and help us make a joyful noise.

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Choir

The Youth Choir has a long history with the parish. It is full of young people who love singing and have a strong desire to improve their vocal abilities. The choir will take members at about the age of nine (it is important that they are able to read comfortably); teenagers and young adults are also encouraged to join. How to sign up? Members are asked to speak with Mark, Ciara or Adaisha after Saturday evening Mass to inquire about the audition process along with other obligations. Although reading music is not a requirement, it is highly encouraged as many pieces require singing in harmony. The choir does help members to develop sight-reading abilities.

Sunday 8:30 a.m. Choir

This choir is an eclectic, small but mighty group of musicians with a desire to share their gifts with the congregation in celebration of the Mass. We are always open to having new singers with no prior experience needed. If interested, please contact Brendan or Vanessa at stfrancisdesales@archtoronto.org. We practice every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

Sunday 10:15 a.m. Choir

This choir is a gathering of individuals who come together each week to share their love of praising God with music. As an auditioned choir, we review our member's needs regularly. We are currently open to new members, particularly alto, tenor, baritone, and bass singers. While not mandatory, it is helpful if you are able to read music as we try to sing harmonies where possible. If interested, please contact Nadine at 905-683-3217 and leave a message.

Sunday 12:00 p.m. Choir

A group of dynamic individuals whose common goal is to serve and praise God through the gift of music. We always welcome new talents of all types (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass). This is an auditioned choir and it is very helpful if members are able to read music as we try to sing harmonies where possible. A 'fun' group where friendship goes beyond singing in the church as we also celebrate each member's and its families' milestones. The majority of the members have more than 5 years of service to this choir and church. If interested, please contact Cris at 647-994-8133 and leave a message.

Sunday 7:00 p.m. Choir

The Sunday 7pm Choir is focused on enhancing the liturgy and spirituality of the Mass through beautiful, sacred choral music. Singing most songs in 4 part harmony, the choir currently has positions open for all singers with a special place in our hearts for new male voices (tenor, baritone, bass). Interested singers must be able to read music at a novice level and have some choral singing experience. Weekly rehearsals are held on Sundays at 5:45 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m. If interested, please contact Edmar at sunday7choir@gmail.com. We also invite you to visit our YouTube channel at Sunday 7pm Choir and our new website at sunday7pmchoir.com.

St. Francis de Sales Music Ministry Award

The Music Ministry at St. Francis de Sales has established a new award called the "St. Francis de Sales Music Ministry Award". This award is given to a graduating, high school student who is a role model for fellow youth in the parish's music ministry. The award recipient must demonstrate active personal faith through regular church attendance and participation in one or more of St. Francis de Sales' five church choirs. The recipient receives an achievement certificate at their high school graduation ceremony as well as a monetary award.

This year, the St. Francis de Sales Music Ministry Award for 2023 was granted to Joshua D'Mello, a new graduate of Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School. Joshua faithfully serves in both our Saturday 5pm and Sunday 7pm Choirs and actively shares his faith through song and prayer. Congratulations Joshua!

If you know someone in elementary or high school who loves to sing, please let them know about this award and encourage them to actively participate in one of our parish's church choirs!