Pastoral Musicians

"I wept at the beauty of your hymns, and I was powerfully moved at the sweet sound ...Those sounds flowed into my ears, and the truth streamed into my heart."

—St. Augustine, Confessions 9,6

All singers and instrumentalists are welcome to join The Villanova Pastoral Musicians, an ansemble of about 40 undergraduate and graduate students. Inspired by the life of Saint Augustine, the Pastoral Musicians serve an important role in the life of the University community by inspiring congregational song and offering special music at Sunday evening and University-wide masses.

In addition to their primary role of service in the sacred liturgy, the Pastoral Musicians engage the restless search for meaning together as an intentional and inclusive community. Opportunities for cultivating relationships, developing spiritual awareness and honing musical skills allow for a unique and valuable Villanova experience. An annual performance pilgrimage has become a hallmark of the Pastoral Musicians experience, and past sites have included Philadelphia, New York City, Washington, D.C., Vatican City and Italy. Inspired by the social teachings of the Church, the Pastoral Musicians seek to promote sustainability and justice, especially through the careful procurement and presentation of repertoire, and thoughtful programming of works, to engage and expand the canon of sacred music within liturgies and concerts.

Through these efforts, the Pastoral Musicians seek to inspire meditation on the beauty and mystery of God.

A student holding her violin smiles at a fellow musician

+-Vocalists

Singers, novice and advanced, are always welcome to join. The ability to read music is a welcome skill, but not required for membership. In fact, sight reading and other musical skills will likely improve during your time with the ensemble! All members are asked to participate in a listening session with the Director. This is not an audition, but an easy way to determine your voice part and identify your skills and areas for growth.

In addition to the choir, there are other vocal leadership opportunities. Cantors lead congregational song and psalmists proclaim the responsorial psalm during the Liturgy of the Word. Participation in these roles is determined by audition. These roles are not solo opportunities, but occasions for important ministry.

Four sopranos singing against a blue light backdrop in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church

+-Instrumentalists

Students who play an instrument are welcome to join the Pastoral Musicians. Because we are responsible for weekly offerings, foundational music-reading skills will help instrumentalists be most successful. Still, improvisational playing is welcome and can even be developed during your time with the ensemble. Our group currently includes instruments from the string, woodwind, brass and percussion families. We work together as an ensemble to achieve the best sound, whether working with the singers on congregational hymns, major works, or offering instrumental pieces.

Students who have intermediate/advanced piano/keyboard skills are welcome to assist with whole group rehearsals, sectionals, and ensemble leadership at the Sunday evening Masses. If you sight read well, have prior choral/instrumental accompaniment experience, please contact the Director right away.

Students with advanced piano training will be offered the opportunity to accompany Sunday liturgies and concerts.

A student playing french horn watches the conductor (out of frame)

+-Become a Pastoral Musician

Interested in joining the Pastoral Musicians? Contact the ensemble's Director, Sean McElwee; speak with any member of the Pastoral Musicians or join us for a rehearsal.

Rehearsals are held Tuesdays from 5:30–7PM in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church, with occasional rehearsals Thursdays from 5:30-6:30PM. Rehearsals are mandatory, but if you have a conflict (such as a class or another ensemble commitment, please speak with the Director to create a plan for your successful participation. We will work with you! Call times are 30 minutes before mass, or earlier for larger occasions. Members are asked to arrange their schedules to accommodate large liturgies and concerts, which are announced with advanced notice. Annual events include Orientation, Family Weekend Mass, Law School Red Mass, Holiday Concert, Performance Pilgrimage, Nursing Mass and Baccalaureate Mass.

+-Caritas

About the Program

Caritas is a formational program for returning Pastoral Musicians. Caritas seeks to develop the spirit and skills of each Pastoral Musician, prepare repertoire for the school year, build relationships, and prepare and present music for the Orientation Liturgies.

Returning students who have prior choral, band or orchestral experience, as well as any newcomers who want to begin their experience with this training program, are strongly encouraged to register. Students will

participate in skills workshops
receive repertoire training
participate in team-building activities
engage in leader formation
share in spiritual reflection
lead music for various Liturgies
move into their rooms earlier than the rest of the student body

Getting Involved

To register, send an email to sean.mcelwee@villanova.edu. There is no fee, and meals are also provided. Those registering for Caritas are expected to attend all Caritas-related rehearsals and activities. Please plan according.

Fall 2023 Schedule

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 12

Move In: Saturday, August 12 - Monday, August 14

Program Dates: Caritas begins Tuesday, August 15 at 11AM and concludes on the evening of Tuesday, August 22

Sean McElwee
Campus Minister for Liturgical Music
sean.mcelwee@villanova.edu
Corr Hall, 1st Floor
(610) 519–7978

students lighting each other's candles at Mass

Liturgy Questions?

Contact Mathew Verghese.

Augustinian Vocations

Two Augustinian friars chatting and laughing

Are you or is someone you know discerning a call to be a religious priest or brother? Learn more about vocations to the Order of St. Augustine.