Ascension Church
808 S. East Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60304708/848-2703
Music MinistryEach Sunday we gather as a Christian community to celebrate the Eucharist. In the liturgical prayer of the church, common song is a means of establishing a bond among members, of expressing that unity of purpose rooted in the waters of baptism. When Christians sing together, they minister to one another; there is mutual support as each person lends a voice to the song of the community and thereby encourages others to do likewise. Through its sung prayer, the assembly joyfully announces the Good News of Christ. Singing is a sign that something important happens when we come together. Yet common song, if it is to be authentic prayer, must be expressive of people truly engaged in communion with God and others. It must come from persons whose hands faithfully carry out the work of God, for unless the Gospel message is lived outside the liturgy, it cannot be truly celebrated within it. The people who make up our music ministry have as their primary goal, the support and encouragement of the sung prayer of the assembly. The various choirs and ensembles are comprised of individuals committed to this goal. A listing of our choirs and ensembles follow. New members are always welcome. The rehearsal schedules vary to enable more people to be involved in this important ministry of the parish.
Cantor Guild
Cantors assist with the leading of the sung prayer at Mass. Monthly rehearsals are scheduled for vocal training and spiritual formation. Cantors normally audition for this ministry and after a period of formation, begin serving as cantor at several masses each month.
The combined choirs at the Centennial Concert, 2007.Ascension Choir
The Adult Choir both enhances and supports the song of the assembly. Choral repertoire in a variety of styles (from classical to contemporary) is prepared and sung throughout the year. This choir sings at the 11 a.m. Mass on all but the first Sunday of each month. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. The choir is open to all singers, high school age and older. This choir currently has 63 members.Ascension Schola
This choir sings at the 9 a.m. Mass on the second and fourth Sundays of each month (September through May). Rehearsals are held on three Tuesday evenings each month from 7:30-9:00 p.m. This choir was formed for those who like to sing but are unable to commit to a weekly rehearsal or Mass. This choir currently has 46 members.Ascension Choristers
Open to all children of our parish in grades 4-8. The children generally sing on the first Sunday of each month (October-June) at the 11 a.m. Mass. Two rehearsal times are offered: Wednesday afternoons from 11:15-11:50 AM (during school lunch) and 3:45-4:30 PM.Choristers Rehearsal and Mass Schedule Revised 12 08
Cherub Choir
Open to all children of our parish in grades 2 and 3. This choir introduces young children to singing as a group experience. Rehearsals are on Wednesday afternoon from 3:00-3:35 PM. Beginning in October, the Cherub choir sings on the third Sunday of each month at the 9 a.m. Mass.
Cherub Choir Rehearsal and Mass Schedule Revised 12 08
Berghaus Pipe Organ
The three manual, 40-rank organ was installed in the fall of 2004 following several years of fundraising. Several stops from the former 1929 Kilgen organ were used in the new instrument. Ascension parishioners and friends donated over $300,000 with the remaining funds coming from bequests, choral concerts and the proceeds from two choir compact disks, All Glory is Yours and Let us be Merry. Nearly 1,500 of each cd were sold.
Console
Great Division
Swell Division
Choir Recordings
In 2001, Ascension released their first CD, All Glory is Yours. This recording has sold over 1,200 copies. Listen to mp3 samples below.
Roll mouse over image for track listing
On November 17, 2004, Ascension Catholic Church released their second compact disc, Let Us Be Merry. Under the direction of Music Director, David Anderson, the recording includes twenty Advent and Christmas selections from the 16th through 20th century. The CD features the 66-voice Ascension Choir and 33-voice Ascension Schola. Listen to mp3 samples below.
Before The Marvel Of This Night
Roll mouse over image for track listing
In April of 2008, we released a new recording from our Centennial Concert on May 18, 2007. One Hundred Years of Song includes 23 favorite choral pieces of the Ascension Music Ministry. Both adult choirs of the parish are included on this live recording.
For ordering information contact Ascension Church at 708-848-2703 or email ascensionchurch@comcast.net. Mail orders: include $4 shipping and handling for the 1st CD ordered and $1.50 for each additional CD. Each individual CD is being sold for $15. The proceeds from the sale of the CD benefit the Ascension Music Ministry.
Further information concerning the music ministry can be obtained by contacting the Music Ministry Office at (708) 434-1535.
