Five choirs. All ages. One mission — singing the sacred liturgy in the living tradition of the Roman Rite.
The Music Program of St. Joseph Shrine exists to enrich the sacred liturgy through disciplined, reverent, and beautiful choral singing at every level of formation.
Gregorian chant according to the Solesmes Method, Renaissance polyphony, Baroque and Classical Mass settings, and the great hymn tradition of the Roman Rite — sung at Sunday Mass, principal feasts, and the solemn offices of the liturgical year.
From children age 7 to adult professionals — the Music Program serves every stage of a singer's formation. A children's choir, a boys' choir, a chamber choir for young adults, an adult mixed choir, and a dedicated Gregorian chant schola, each with its own season and repertoire.
Musical literacy — sight-reading, solfège, interval recognition, and score reading — is taught within each ensemble as part of regular formation. All singers are assessed annually so the director can support each person's growth effectively.
Each ensemble has its own season, repertoire, and age range — with multiple opportunities for concurrent participation.
Year-round ensemble studying Gregorian chant according to the Solesmes Method. Sings the full breadth of sung and solemn Masses, Vespers, Compline, Tenebræ, and special blessings. Open to laymen, candidates, and visiting ICKSP seminarians.
Learn MoreThe parish adult mixed choir. Fall season: September 9 – January 6 (Epiphany); Spring season: January 26 – May 27 (Corpus Christi). Annual focus on Christmas Midnight Mass, Easter Sunday, and large choral productions. Rehearsals Wednesdays at 7 pm.
Learn MoreA mixed choir for young adults and graduates of the Magnificat Children's Choir and St. Philip Neri Boys' Choir (ages 16–30). Sings select Sundays and high feasts; rehearsal and performance schedules are developed after the roster is assembled. Repertoire includes Palestrina, Victoria, Mozart, Handel, Byrd, Vierne, and Morales.
Learn MoreDirected by Deidre and Maria Collins. Emphasis on choral fundamentals: sight-reading, solfège, pronunciation, phrasing, and four-part harmony. Boys move to the St. Philip Neri Boys' Choir when the voice changes (around age 13). Rehearsals Wednesdays 5–6 pm, concurrent with homeschool co-op calendar. Enrollment in the homeschool co-op is not a prerequisite for entry into this ensemble.
Learn MoreDirected by Harold Rutila. A branch of the Magnificat Children's Choir for boys whose voices have changed (roughly 13–17): vocal pedagogy for young men in their own space, supporting the tenor and bass parts of the Magnificat and featured as their own choir. Designed so boys can serve concurrently as altar servers. Young men aging out are encouraged to continue into the St. Joseph Chamber Choir and Schola. Enrollment in the homeschool co-op is not a prerequisite for entry into this ensemble.
Learn MoreMost choirs rehearse on Wednesday evenings, making it possible for families to attend multiple ensembles in one trip to the Shrine.
Ages ~13–17 · 4:30–6:00 pm
Boys & girls · Ages 7–17 · 4:30–6:00 pm
Ages 16+ · 7:00–8:30 pm
Men ages 16+ · Schedule varies; concurrent enrollment permitted
Mixed voices · Ages 16–30 · Schedule set after the roster is assembled
The music program is one part of a broader family of organizations all oriented toward the mission of St. Joseph Shrine. Each operates independently, but all are united in purpose.
An active community of faithful of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest in the heart of Detroit. The Shrine is the center of parishioners' Catholic liturgical life — daily and Sunday Mass in the traditional Roman Rite, the sacraments, and the offices of the liturgical year.
stjosephshrined.org →Join the Living Legacy
The fund dedicated to restoring St. Joseph Shrine's sacred building for future generations. The current phase — the Beacon of Hope subcampaign — focuses on the historic bell tower restoration.
The Historic Renewal invites parishioners and friends to create a lasting legacy gift through planned giving, ensuring the Shrine endures as a beacon in the heart of Detroit.
historicrenewal.com →Supporting the Shrine's Sacred Music
A forming non-profit dedicated to sustaining the sacred music ministry of St. Joseph Shrine — funding musicians for Sundays, High Feasts, Nuptial Masses, and Requiem Masses. The Foundation also receives a portion of wedding music fees to fund choir loft improvements and special events.
Learn More →For the Integral Formation of Man
A four-acre property directly north of the Shrine, designated for future construction and development in service of human formation according to the principles of St. Francis de Sales and St. John Bosco.
DeSales Park represents the Shrine community's vision for a place of education, culture, and spiritual formation extending beyond the walls of the church itself.
Development in progressThese organizations are independent in their governance and finances, yet unified in their orientation toward the mission of St. Joseph Shrine: the sanctification of souls through the beauty of the Roman liturgical tradition in Detroit.
The St. Joseph Shrine Music Program operates under the authority of the Rector and is funded in part through the Detroit Sacred Music Foundation.
Whether you are an experienced choral singer or a child just beginning — there is a place for you in the music of St. Joseph Shrine.
Begin Your Inquiry
New singers register online and complete a brief, confidential audition — in person or by prerecorded video.
All volunteers must complete Safe Environment (VIRTUS) training per Archdiocese of Detroit requirements.
Plan your wedding music with our online coordination tool. Select from our liturgical packages, choose your music, and generate your Nuptial Music Agreement — all in one place.
A forming non-profit dedicated to sustaining and expanding the sacred music ministry of St. Joseph Shrine through philanthropy, capital projects, and community support.
Occasional updates on concerts, liturgical seasons, and new offerings from the Music Program.
Comments, suggestions, or reflections on the Music Program's liturgical service are always welcome.
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