Department of Sacred Music
Mr. Oscar Hernandez, M. Mus.
Director of Sacred Music
oherandez@holycrossnc.com
The Director of Sacred Music serves the parish as the principal musician and animator of sacred music within the Sacred Liturgy. He oversees the planning and coordination of music for all parish liturgies and works with the parish’s organists, cantors, choirs, instrumentalists, and guest musicians to ensure that sacred music worthily serves the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Church's other liturgical celebrations.
Drawing upon the rich musical patrimony of the Church, the Director prepares and directs the parish’s choirs for Sunday Masses, solemnities, and other liturgical celebrations, with particular attention to Gregorian chant, sacred polyphony, hymnody, and the Church’s tradition of organ and choral music. He also coordinates professional musicians and instrumental ensembles for major celebrations and, when needed, arranges and composes music to serve the particular liturgical and pastoral needs of the parish.
Central to the work of the Department of Sacred Music is the formation of its musicians. Through rehearsals, instruction, prayer, and fellowship, the Director seeks to help choristers of all ages understand not only what the Church asks us to sing, but why we sing it. The parish’s musicians are formed to understand their service not as performance, but as an offering to Almighty God and a participation in the Church’s prayer.
The Director also oversees the administration and continued development of the parish’s sacred music program, including scheduling, budgeting, recruitment, and the cultivation of opportunities for greater participation in the musical life of the parish.
Book an appointment with our Director of Sacred Music...here's how he can help:
- Are you a current choir member that needs extra time or practice?
- Are you interested in participating in choir?
- Do you have general questions about Sacred Music?
- Do you need to discuss music for a wedding or funeral?
The Pastoral Music Associate assists the Director of Sacred Music in the musical and liturgical life of the parish. She serves regularly as an organist for parish liturgies and assists with the preparation of music for Sundays, solemnities, and other major celebrations throughout the liturgical year.
Ms. Bohning works especially in the formation of our young musicians through the Parish Youth Choir and serves as rehearsal pianist for the Parish Choir. She also provides organ and ensemble accompaniment for major parish celebrations and sacred music offerings, including solemn liturgies with instrumental ensemble, Lessons and Carols, and the Seven Last Words.
Through her work with choristers, singers, and instrumentalists, she assists in fostering the parish’s tradition of sacred music and in preparing music that serves the Sacred Liturgy with beauty, reverence, and excellence.
Interested in serving in our music ministries?
We want to hear from you!
Whether you want to help in one of our choirs, become a cantor, or serve as a pianist or organist, please schedule a time to speak with our Director of Sacred Music today!
Call Us at 336-515-3379 ext. 105
Visit us in the Brisson House, Bottom Level
