Singing the sacred chant of the Roman Rite in the living tradition of Solesmes, in service to the full calendar of sung and solemn liturgies at St. Joseph Shrine.
Inquire About Membership →The Gregorian Chant Schola was established as its own ensemble in October 2019 under the direction of Harold Rutila, who has led it continuously since its founding. What began as a small group of committed laymen has grown into the liturgical backbone of the Shrine's sung and solemn calendar.
In the rubrics of the Roman Rite, the role of "choir" at sung and solemn liturgies is a necessary one — not optional, not decorative. The Schola fulfills this obligation at St. Joseph Shrine. Despite being an entirely volunteer organization, the Schola has not missed a single scheduled sung or solemn High Mass since its inception.
Harold Rutila began his connection with St. Joseph Shrine as a substitute organist in April 2018, and has served as the Schola's director, organist, and cantor for Solemn and Sung Vespers on high feasts since October 2019.
The Schola sings Gregorian Chant according to the Solesmes Method, uniting its stylistic formation with that which is taught at the St. Philip Neri Seminary of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest and at ICKSP apostolates worldwide.
This common formation is not merely a matter of style — it is a living continuity with the Church's tradition of chant, carried forward by the monks of Solesmes Abbey and transmitted through the ICKSP's priestly formation.
Membership in the Schola is open to laymen ages 16 or older, seminary candidates in formation at St. Joseph Shrine, and visiting ICKSP seminarians. Prior experience with Gregorian Chant is welcome but not required — the Schola's formation program, grounded in Laus in Ecclesia, is designed to bring any committed singer into the tradition.
Concurrent membership in our polyphonic ensembles is encouraged. Schedules among groups are generally deconflicted from one another.
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