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As a part of our Liturgical Ministry, the Ministry of Music provides music during weekend Masses, holy days, weddings, funerals and Reconciliation services. Cantors, choir, and instrumentalists are all an important and enhancing part of the sacred liturgy. The choir is not just for special occasions. Parishioners are invited to share their musical talents with the rest of the congregation through this ministry.
Rehearsals are typically held Thursdays beginning at 6 p.m. in the church. If you have a love and a talent for music, please consider joining this friendly group by contacting Lydia Kulesza, Music Minister. For an informational flyer, click here.
"Song and music fulfill their function as signs in a manner all the more significant when they are "more closely connected . . . with the liturgical action," according to three principal criteria: beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly at the designated moments, and the solemn character of the celebration. In this way they participate in the purpose of the liturgical words and actions: the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful:
How I wept, deeply moved by your hymns, songs, and the voices that echoed through your Church! What emotion I experienced in them! Those sounds flowed into my ears, distilling the truth in my heart. A feeling of devotion surged within me, and tears streamed down my face -- tears that did me good. (St. Augustine, Convessions 9:6, 14) ---from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 1157
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Mrs. Lydia Kulesza
Music Minister, November 1, 2023 to present
Piano Accompanist, 2008 to present
Lydia has been a member of St. Joseph Parish since 1986. She has served St. Joseph Parish as a Eucharistic Minister, has been a part of Music Ministry and as a Cantor since 1997, and Accompanist since 2008. In 2024, she also became the Music Minister for St. Ambrose Parish in Garrettsville. Lydia has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Kent State University (1984). She attended Kent State University and completed post-graduate work in Special Education (2001-2002) and earned a Master’s degree in Teaching from Marygrove College in 2010. Lydia taught at St. Therese School (Garfield Hts.), Immaculate Conception School (Ravenna), and St. Joseph School (Mantua) before joining the Crestwood Schools in 2000. Lydia currently teaches at Crestwood Intermediate School as a 6th grade Language Arts teacher. She is a Curriculum Liaison for Crestwood Schools. Lydia resides in Shalersville Township and she and her late husband, Greg, have three children, Rachel (Shaun), Philip, Jacob, and two grandchildren.
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membership
Lydia Kulesza (director & pianist)
Charlotte Baumbick
Maria Krause (flute)
Barb Moore
Kathy Paroff
Steve Radcliff (guitar)
Diane Sanderson
Katie Stone
Julie Stone
Michelle Ward-ClaytonAccompanists Emeritus
& Occasional Substitutes:
Paul Davies
Jeff Foulkes
Brad Kukurza
James Tandy
Rev. James-Peter Trares, O.P. -
For a look at the history of
those involved with
St. Joseph's Music Ministry,
please visit http://www.stjosephmantua.com/
parish-staff-history
#musicministry
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Specialty Choirs & Activities
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Bell Choir To Reform
Cancelled - Watch for News in 2025The bell choir of Portage North has been rehearsing this fall. We have members from all four parishes. Much progress has been made in the past two months. Unfortunately, help is needed. We are short a few members. Sixth grade students who can read music through adults are invited to join. Students, if you have a friend that would like to join, think about it. Please contact Tess at 330-281-9227 if you are interested. Thank you!
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Live Nativity Carolers
Interested singers are encouraged to join the caroling during our Live Nativity typically held two evenings during the Advent Season. For more information, please refer to the bulletin or contact Kathy Paroff (616-723-3091).
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