60th Anniversary Choir Information

Background Information

Dear Archdiocesan Music Ministers,

On October 2, 2023, the Guardian Angel Cathedral will celebrate its 60th anniversary. While the parish family itself was started a few years earlier, the building was blessed and dedicated to the Feast of the Guardian Angels on October 2, 1963.

In the sixty years since its dedication as a shrine, Guardian Angel has been elevated to co-cathedral and cathedral. Just recently, it became the Metropolitan Cathedral of our new archdiocese. The Cathedral has been host to dozens of ordinations, witness to thousands of weddings and baptisms, and a place of prayer and mediation for millions.

Because of the Papal Nuncio’s visit to Las Vegas on Monday, October 2 for the investiture Mass of Archbishop Thomas, our anniversary plans have had to pivot.

We are planning a thirty-minute video featuring music and stories about the Guardian Angel Cathedral to commemorate these milestone occasions. We will record three simple but appropriately titled pieces at 8 AM on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Guardian Angel Cathedral.

Fr. Bob Stoeckig, a trained classical musician, will serve as the conductor of the archdiocesan-wide “pick-up” choir.

You and your choir are invited and encouraged to participate in this historic opportunity.

We will have one mandatory “dress” rehearsal at 7 PM on Thursday, August 3, 2023. In addition, there will be practices to learn the music held at 11 AM each Saturday leading up to the recording date.

The three pieces are entitled:

  1. God Has Put the Angels in Charge of You by Steven Janco
  2. In the Sight of the Angels by Rev. Michael Joncas
  3. A House of Prayer by Tony Alonso

We ask that you share this invitation with your choir members. Those interested in participating should complete the Google Form on the Cathedral’s website, www.GACLV.org.

You will find each of these compositions helpful in your parish’s ministry. These pieces can be used for various liturgical occasions rangings from Christmas to funerals to the dedication of church facilities.

Again, we welcome all of your choristers and music ministers to participate in this unique and historic opportunity for our cathedral and archdiocese.

Sincerely,

William Paul Freeman, Ed.S., MBA

Director of Music & Pastoral Associate

Rehearsal Dates at Guardian Angel Cathedral

  • Saturday, July 8, 2023 – 11 AM
  • Saturday, July 15, 2023 – 11 AM
  • Saturday, July 22, 2023 – 11 AM
  • Saturday, July 29, 2023 – 11 AM
  • *Thursday, August 3, 2023 – 7 PM
    • *This is a required dress rehearsal

The recording will be held at 8 AM on Saturday, August 5. It will likely go until about 1:30 PM. Attendance for the full duration would be necessary.

The only required commitments are Thursday, August 3 for dress rehearsal and the recording session on Saturday, August 5.

The Saturday rehearsals will last about one hour. Each of these rehearsals will be fluid based on the need of those present. If it’s necessary to focus on just learning notes, that will be the main focus. If we’re able to look at more in-depth things to help expedite our Thursday, August 3 dress rehearsal, we will.

Rehearsal Dates at St. Anthony of Padua

Need extra practice? Not able to make it Saturday mornings? Don’t like driving to the Strip? St. Anthony of Padua has agreed to be a host site for practices.

  • Wednesday, July 12, 2023 – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday, July 19, 2023 – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday, July 26, 2023 – 6:30 PM

Sign-up Form

Please complete the form below to sign-up. You will be contacted with additional information.