St. Joseph Cappella

St. Joseph Church is known for its musical heritage and has maintained traditional worship throughout its history, using the Latin language alongside vernacular and German in its Masses. The St. Joseph Cappella, an all-volunteer mixed choir (SATB), has served St. Joseph since its founding by Thomas M. Kuras in 1985 and maintains a rich and extensive choral repertoire. From September to early June, the St. Joseph Cappella presents motets from all time periods, and polyphonic and orchestral Masses by composers such as Palestrina, Victoria, Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert, among others. Gregorian Propers are chanted at each Mass by the St. Joseph Chant Schola, currently comprised of men from the St. Joseph Cappella, giving Gregorian chant "pride of place" as decreed by many Popes and Councils throughout the Church's history. In May 2014, the St. Joseph Cappella successfully recorded and released their first CD, entitled Liturgical Year Latin Motets, to continuing local and national critical acclaim. New members are always welcome; if interested in auditioning or for any questions, please contact Michael Semaan, Director of Music, at (248) 250-6005.

Schola Cantorum

Singing for Masses at Sweetest Heart of Mary and English Masses at St. Josaphat is the "Schola Cantorum" choir under the direction of Mr. Ronald Weiler. The Schola Cantorum is an advanced, auditioned choir that sings a wide variety of sacred literature from across the centuries. The group will sing Gregorian Chant, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Palestrina, all the way up to more traditional contemporary settings of sacred texts. Auditions for membership in the Schola Cantorum is open to members of open to all. Singers in the choir are expected to have a basic grasp of music sight reading, fundamental music theory, be able to blend into a group of voices and have some experience part singing. Most of all, however, members of Schola Cantorum have a love for our Lord and our Church, and MOST importantly, want to have FUN making beautiful sacred music! Rehearsals are every other week at 7pm at various as announced by the director. Masses are typically the same week as the rehearsals and will rotate amongst the weekend Masses at Sweetest Heart of Mary and St. Josaphat. Singers must have a valid and active email address to receive communications from the director. If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Ron via email at ronald.weiler@outlook.com.

The St. Josaphat Chant Schola sings every Sunday at the 9:30 AM Latin Extraordinary Form Mass and for other special Masses throughout the Liturgical Year. Composed solely of men, they lead the singing of the Gregorian Chant Propers and assisting the congregation in singing their assigned Parts of the Mass, including the Ordinary, other Chants, and Hymns.

The St. Josaphat Latin Schola sings periodically at the 9:30 AM Latin Extraordinary Form Mass and for other special Masses throughout the Liturgical Year. Composed of men and women, they specialize in singing high quality choral music of various composers from all time periods.

The St. Joseph Men's Schola, an all-volunteer men's choir (TTBB), specializing in the highest quality liturgical music of this genre, has served St. Joseph since its founding by Jack Day, a current member of the St. Joseph Cappella, in 2011. The Men's Schola sings for approximately six Masses annually during the Summer months from June to early September and draws on some of the finest male singers in the Detroit Metropolitan area.

Anyone interested in joining either of these choirs, can contact Michael Semaan, Director of Music, at (248) 250-6005.

St. Joseph Cappella

Liturgical Year Latin Motets

Available for purchase after Sunday Mass at the social hall of St. Joseph Church. Also available by mail order (download PDF) and online at: CD Baby.