St. Finbarr Church

Naples, FL

St. Finbarr Music Ministry 2006-2009


Choir at Easter, 2008Our Choir is made up of an outstanding group of talented and dedicated folks who sing their hearts out for God and the family of St. Finbarr. 

During the winter seasons we had up to 48 voices, 3-4 guitars, a bass guitar, a flute and a keyboard.

In 2009, we were joined by a percussionist adding another layer and dimension to our sound.

In the summer, when a lot of people head north, we were as few as 3 or 4 voices, one guitar and our flute and percussionist, but we continued to sing and praise God every weekend. 

Our Saturday liturgy was accompanied musically by either guitar and cantor or by 2 guitars and a vocal duet.  Sunday 8am ass generally our most 'quiet' musically consisting of a simple guitar and cantor.

  SUGGESTIONS for Memorial Service/Funeral Music - please speak with the Priest or Music Director for selections not found on this list


Music in Worship

THE GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL (GIRM), Third Typical Edition reaffirms the assertion of the Second Vatican Council that singing forms a “necessary or integral part of the liturgy.” The words and actions of the liturgy are joined with music in such a way that the liturgy has a musical character.

According to “Singing Our Worship” by J. Michael McMahon, the liturgy is first of all an action of Christ himself. The Second Vatican Council taught that in the liturgy Christ is present in many ways. In the Eucharistic liturgy He is present not only in the person of the bishop or priest who presides over the celebration and acts in the person of Christ but also and especially under the forms of bread and wine. Christ is present in the actions of the other sacraments as well, for they too, bring about transformation and renewal. Christ himself is speaking when the Scriptures are proclaimed in the assembly of the faithful. Christ “is present, lastly, when the Church prays and sings, for He promised: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Singing is an important action of the liturgy because it is one of the ways in which Christ is present and acting in the midst of the community.

The GIRM regards the primary role of music to be its ritual function, enabling the community to participate in the texts and actions of the rite -- to sing the liturgy.

Because music is not only important but also integral to the celebration of the liturgy, the GIRM directs that singing should be part of every Sunday and holy day Mass. This norm challenges the practice of setting aside a “quiet Mass” without singing. Moreover, the GIRM suggests that singing should normally be included even at weekday Masses, even though not all the parts of the Mass would need to be sung.

In addition to its ritual function, however, music draws the human spirit into expressions of joy, unity, and love. The GIRM quotes the saying of St. Augustine that “singing is for one who loves,” and the well-known proverb that one who sings well prays twice. Along with the beauty of our worship space and of its art, the beauty of music should contribute to the dignity of liturgical action.


Vatican Directive on the Name of God - On August 8, 2008, a change was made concerning the use of the name of God in Sacred Liturgy. Specifically, the word "Yahweh" may no longer be used or pronounced in songs or prayers during liturgical celebrations.

For more information on the directive and to see what else is affected and the new versions of the songs, please refer to the link above.