Music Ministry

“The Liturgy (or the Mass) is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the fount from which all the Church’s power flows. For the aim and object of apostolic works is that all who are made children of God by faith and baptism should come together to praise God in the midst of his Church, to take part in the sacrifice, and to eat the Lord’s Supper,” (#10 Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy) All of us, the baptized is called to full, active and conscious participation in the celebration of the Holy Mass. In the Mass, we celebrate the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection so we will always remember and not forget. We are called to full, active and conscious participation to make the celebration alive and from it feel the real presence of God. As One Body of Christ, we pray together and sing together as we perform our respective ministries.
Here at St. Joachim’s Church, we value the full, conscious and active participation of all our members in the Mass and in all the events and projects that we undertake. Such is the main goal of our Music Ministry: to animate and engage the gathered assembly into the celebrations. To do this, our Music Ministry prints monthly worship aids, rehearses and trains to become true ministers, leading the faithful in sung prayers, hymns and Psalms.
The Music Ministry has a continuing formation program for its members through regular rehearsals, gatherings and with needed resources, even retreats to enhance their musical skills and ensure spiritual growth while serving in the ministry.
If you are interested to know more about the St. Joachim Church Music Program, please contact the Director of Music at (510) 7832766 Ext. 223 or through e-mail: [email protected]

Saint Joachim Music Ministry Joined in the First Choir Festival of the Oakland Diocese

Our very own St. Joachim Choir participated in the First Choir Festival of the Oakland Diocese. The 30 member choir is composed of members from the 9AM Choir, 10:30 Choir and the Spanish Choir. The choir have undergone special training in vocal production, ear training and a capella singing. They sang a traditional hymn in Latin, Canticorum Jubilo (Let Us Sing Aloud) composed by George Frideric Handel and two other hymns. There were 20 Choirs representing their parishes who participated in this Choral Festival.
The Choral Festival is one of the events in the annual Lux Gloriosa Festival: Music, Art and Prayer held in the Cathedral of Christ the Light. Choirs from throughout the Diocese of Oakland gathered at the Cathedral to share the diversity of musical gifts that are abundant in the diocese. The Choral Festival was last Saturday, February 8 at 8PM.
The St. Joachim Music Ministry also participated in the Solemn Vespers held Monday, February 10 at 7PM. Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ will presided at the Vespers (Evening Prayer) and gave a special blessing to all liturgical musicians who minister throughout the Diocese of Oakland. He expressed his gratitude in behalf of the whole diocese to the dedication, commitment and talent of the musicians in serving the church through liturgical music.
For more information about the Music Ministry and how to be part of it, please connect with Ariel Mayormita (Director of Music) at [email protected] or at 510-5504735 / 510-7832766 Ext. 223.
Photos and a video of there performance can be found here.