Worship
Come and experience a sacred space as you draw closer to God.
Worship Ministries
Worship Ministries include the ushers, readers, altar guild, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, crucifers, acolytes, and chimers. These ministries are open to youth and adults. Training is provided by the parish clergy and lay leaders. In preparation for the coming academic year, trainings will be held in late August for all worship ministries. If you would like to serve in worship, please speak to Mother Katrina, Deacon Kay, or John Endress. Those wishing to serve in worship through music, please speak to the Director of Music Ministries, Paul Cienniwa.
Our Musicians
Minister of Youth Music
Jacqueline Maillet comes to Christ Church with 28 years of church music experience as well as 13 years of experience as an elementary and middle school music teacher. She is particularly skilled in selecting repertoire tailored to the abilities, limitations, and strengths of young voices. As an organist, pianist, and choir director, she has served congregations in Southeastern Massachusetts. Jackie is Development Specialist at the Lourdes Hospital Foundation. (BMus: UMass-Dartmouth)
Director of Music Ministries
Paul Cienniwa has nearly 30 years of church music experience. Congregations served include historic churches (Trinity Church, Newport, RI; First Church in Boston) and robust family-centered parishes (St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Cheshire, CT; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Delray Beach, FL). He was Chorus Master of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and held academic positions at a number of universities. Currently, he is Executive Director of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra. (BMus: DePaul University; MM, MMA, DMA: Yale University)
Music at Christ Church
Music at Christ Church
Christ Church’s musical opportunities are integral to our worship as a community of faith. All of our musical opportunities are open to the entire community, regardless of faith tradition. Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church, a long-time member, or just someone who wants a great musical experience, you are welcome!
Choral Program
Christ Church’s Choral Program is open to all members of the community, regardless of faith tradition. From our Chancel Choir to our Choristers, there are singing opportunities for all ages.
The Choral Program is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music. Our youth choral program (Choristers) is intended to be a stepping stone to the Chancel Choir, not only creating a foundation of singing, but also creating a foundation of faith.
Choristers
The Choristers, ages 6 and up, sing during the academic year for the 10am Sunday service (first Sunday of the month, September-June). The choir follows the Royal School of Church Music “Voice for Life” curriculum, a graded program that teaches healthy singing habits, musical skills and understanding, and repertoire, while also teaching ensemble behavior (commitment, punctuality, responsibility) within a context of Christian ministry.
Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15pm and at 9:00am on the first Sunday of the month.
Click here to register your child for the Choristers.
Chancel Choir
Singing weekly at the 10am Sunday liturgy, the Chancel Choir is essential to our worship. From leading hymns and service music to inspiring prayer through choral anthems, this dedicated ensemble proclaims the glory of God through song. Membership is open to the public, regardless of faith, and no audition is required. Music reading skills are helpful, but not mandatory, and can be gained and improved through regular attendance.
Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm and on Sunday mornings at 9:00am.
Click here to register for the Chancel Choir.
Instrumental Opportunities
As with our Choral Program, our Instrumental Program is open to all members of the community, regardless of faith tradition.
Do you or your child play an instrument?
Instrumentalists enhance our worship by playing hymns, playing in ensembles, or presenting solo works, accompanied by piano or organ. If your child is preparing a recital or school performance, a Sunday morning service is an excellent opportunity to try out some repertoire!
Click here to let us know if you’d like to play for a service.
Chiming Guild
Christ Church is proud to have a tower chime of 11 bells. Like a carillon, a chime is played from a console similar to a piano or organ. Chimes have 8 to 22 bells, whereas a carillon is a much larger instrument.
Members of the community are encouraged to join the Chiming Guild. Some of our chimers read music; others play tunes by using a numerical system.
The chime is rung before and after Sunday services and at weddings. The tower bell, which is separate from the chime, is rung at funerals, with the number of tolls representing the age of the deceased.
Click here if you’d like to join the Chiming Guild.
Followers of Jesus Christ are formed today as they always have been: in regular worship, we learn to know God; in persistent prayer, we develop our relationship with God; and through the study of scripture, we come to understand that our story is connected to the greater story of our God--a God who loves relentlessly and lavishly.
Mother Katrina
October 16, 2022