“The one who sings prays twice.”
- St Augustine
“One cannot find anything more religious and more joyful in sacred celebrations than a whole congregation expressing its faith and devotion in song.”
- Musicam Sacram, Instruction on Music in the Liturgy, Second Vatican Ecumenical Council 1967
Overview
The music ministry of Pittwater Parish comprises a vibrant team of cantors, choristers and instrumentalists. It is a team who dedicate their time and talents to enrich the liturgical celebrations of our Parish with music to uplift our community and centre us in prayer and worship.
To assist the liturgies of Sacred Heart and Maria Regina churches, our musicians draw from the rich treasure trove of the Church, utilising sacred music ranging from traditional hymns and Latin chants to contemporary Christian compositions. Through the music ministry we aim to encourage the active participation of our parishioners at mass, and to inspire and welcome new members to the Pittwater Parish family.
Our Music Ensembles
Our Sacred Heart, Mona Vale, and Maria Regina, Avalon, churches both feature a Choir at Sunday 9am and 10am Masses. Throughout the year, these separate choirs combine for special celebrations, especially over the Paschal Triduum. The Avalon choir rehearses before Mass on Sundays and the Mona Vale choir rehearses on Monday nights from 7pm.
In Sacred Heart Church on Sunday nights, our Parish youth lead the music at the youth-oriented SOUL Mass. This celebration each week features contemporary Christian music from current catholic songwriters as well as communities such as Hillsong and Elevation Worship.
Saturday Vigil Masses in both churches feature a cantor and accompanist.
We welcome new members to our Parish music team! If you are interested in joining as a cantor, chorister or instrumentalist, please email the Director of Music or speak to one of our friendly musicians after Mass.
Director
Joshua Willard graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz Performance. He has been actively involved in the music ministry of Pittwater Parish since 2007, and became Music Director in 2012.
In addition to his work in this role, Joshua performs as a freelance musician and teaches saxophone, clarinet and piano both privately and in schools across Sydney.
