My name is Michael Garnett, and I am excited to be joining the Cathedral staff as your new Director of Sacred Music! This area is not unfamiliar to me, as I grew up only 15 minutes from the Cathedral and received my Music Composition degree from Michigan State. I am a huge football fan (Go Green!), I like traveling to Northern Michigan and to Florida, and I love to spend time with my family and friends.

I’ve had the pleasure of serving at many different parishes throughout the Diocese of Lansing, the Archdiocese of Detroit, and afar in Maryland and in Charlotte, North Carolina. I am also happily married to my wife, Kathryn, and am a proud father to two sons under 3 ½, Peter and Joseph. God has blessed me abundantly, and I am very grateful for all that He’s given me. I am humbled and excited about the opportunity to lead the Cathedral music program, one that has a very rich history and choral tradition.

Our parish is very blessed to have a choir full of dedicated, talented, hard -working individuals who are committed to ensuring that the Cathedral and her liturgies are exposed to only music of the highest quality, in both composition and performance. That same trait is something I strive to achieve for every liturgy, in terms of hymn and organ solo selection and in the execution of said selections. I am driven to help lift the hearts and minds of those in our parish toward reverent, right worship of God through quality sacred music as the Church envisions it. These characteristics are ones I firmly believe are crucial for a liturgy that conveys the elements of beauty, goodness, and truth and helps those in attendance encounter God in a deeply personal way. I am very thankful that Fr. Karl has given me the opportunity to lead the St. Mary Cathedral music program. I look forward to meeting you all!
~Michael Garnett    January 2022

Music is an integral part of liturgical celebrations at St. Mary Cathedral. The music program includes:

The Cathedral Choir, which sings at 11am Sunday Masses during September-June, major Holy Days, and other services, such as Good Friday Tenebrae and Ephiphany Lessons and Carols. Repertoire includes chant, polyphony, and classical sacred works as well as sacred music from the 20th and 21st centuries. The choir is made up of volunteer singers from all walks of life; anyone in high school and above is welcome. Previous choral experience and the ability to read music are helpful but not required. Rehearsals are Thursdays, 7-9pm.

Cantors/Psalmists lead the assembly in song at weekend Masses and other services. Requirements include a pleasant voice and the ability to learn music independently. Training and mentoring are provided.
 
Instrumentalists enhance celebrations throughout the year. Auditions and the ability to learn music independently are required.
 

The Casavant organ (op. 1403), dedicated to former organist David Ferland, was purchased in 1957 and expanded in 1968 when it was moved to the present choir loft. In 1996 its ranks were increased to 50 and a French-style console was installed.
 

To lend your talents or learn more about music ministry at St. Mary Cathedral, please contact 
the Parish Office at 484-5331. 

The photo of Timothy Costigan was Director of Music for several years before his unexpected passing at age 43.