The music apostolate of the Cathedral of St. Paul seeks to be a model of the ideal embodied in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum concilium) of the Second Vatican Council. Led by the excellent example of our clergy, the devotion of our many musicians, the leadership of the Anna Catharine Grace Memorial Pipe Organ, and the ideal acoustic of the Cathedral, St. Paul’s is a wonderful place for Catholic sacred music. In accord with sacred tradition, we take seriously our responsibility to “celebrate the liturgy in song” (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, #113); “preserve and foster the treasury of sacred music” (cf. #114); “give first place to Gregorian chant” (cf. #116); “hold the pipe organ in high esteem” (cf. #120); and “teach the practice of sacred music” (cf. #115). We also make full use of the contributions of modern forms of authentic sacred music, especially those relevant to a cathedral parish in the South with a diverse membership (cf. #119-120).

Under these general principles, you can find many liturgical expressions at the Cathedral, including a sung Mass with incense, choir, Gregorian chant, choral motets, and occasional polyphonic “ordinaries” (Sunday at 11:00am, Holy Days of Obligation at 6:30pm); Masses led by cantor and organ with frequent assistance from our schola and instrumentalists (Saturday anticipated Mass at 5:00pm; Sunday at 8:30am; Holy Days of Obligation at 12:10pm); said Masses (weekdays at 12:10am); occasional special services (Sung Vespers on Sundays in Advent, Stations of the Cross on the Fridays of Lent, Sung Masses celebrating feast days); daily celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (except Sundays); concerts of sacred music; and even occasional music conferences and other events hosted at the Cathedral. All of these endeavors would be impossible without the generous support of our parishioners and community. Please read more about our music apostolate on the music sub-pages.

For more information, to find where you may fit in music at St. Paul’s, or to make a donation toward the music apostolates at the Cathedral, please contact the Director of Music and Organist, Mr. Bruce Ludwick, Jr., at Ludwick@stpaulsbhm.org or (205) 251-1279 ×107, for more information.