Hymns are praises offered to God with singing; hymns are songs, with God’s praise as their theme … For there to be a hymn, three elements are required: there must be praise, it must be for God, and it must be sung … The singer of praise is not only performing musically but showing love for the one who is sung about. To confess God by praise is a way of preaching him; to pour out passion in song is the way of a lover.

~ St Augustine

Music at St Theresa’s plays a key role in our praise and worship of Almighty God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When we give ourselves in prayer to God, the gift we give is magnified and returned to us many times over. When we sing together, we are in rhythm together, we breathe together and we blend with one another. Our individual voices combine and our sense of community is greatly enhanced.  The hymns and songs that we sing during the liturgy are chosen to emphasise the teachings and concepts of the scriptures proclaimed at the Eucharist. They help us to absorb God’s Word more fully, especially when we recall their message throughout the day and week after Mass. Music stirs our hearts in a way that words alone cannot. We have two choirs at St Theresa’s.

The traditional choir

The traditional choir sings every two weeks — alternately with the folk group (see below). The choir rehearse fortnightly and they sing both Latin and English hymns. The hymns which they sing are the more traditional hymns, normally from the church hymnal, Laudate. Led by Andrea Basile, the choir are a friendly and happy group, who enjoy singing and would warmly welcome new members. If you are interested please see them at the 10.00 Mass on the appropriate Sunday (normally on the first and third Sundays of each month). Alternatively, please email headstonelane@rcdow.org.uk or fill in the Volunteering Form.

The folk group

The folk group generally sings on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. The current group was formed nearly twenty years ago and there were originally six members. Over the years the number has decreased with members leaving the parish, and for the past few years there has been only two members. The folk group aims to unify the hearts and minds of both its members and the congregation and It would be wonderful to increase the numbers. If you enjoy singing or can play a musical instrument, or both, please do consider joining the folk group. If you would like more details, please email David Wheeler at davidwheeler48@gmail.com or Dominic Rodrigues at franzblack@yahoo.com.