Sacred Music
Holy Cross is blessed with a rich tradition of spirit filled liturgies, architectural beauty, a wonderful pastor and staff, and music.
Music plays a vital role in the Catholic liturgy. It provides sung prayer through hymns, songs, and the prayers of the liturgy.
Many wonderful people in our congregation give their time and talent as choir members, instrumentalist, soloists, and cantors. We truly do have some of the best sounding choirs in the Champaign-Urbana area…and they’re all volunteer. There are no paid singers or professionals in any of our groups.
If you love to sing, we’d love to sing with you! We welcome all levels of skill, from being able to read music to only recognizing little black dots on a page!
Organist/Director of Music
Jonathan Young is our organist and director of music.
At Holy Cross, he’s responsible for the church’s sacred music program, conducts the Parish Choirs, and serves as principal organist for all parish liturgies.
Originally from Moses Lake, WA, Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA, and a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Jonathan was the Alternate Winner of the 2011 Mu Phi Epsilon International Competition, held in conjunction with the fraternity’s triennial convention in Rochester.
In 2003, he was selected as the Westfield Center for Keyboard Studies Concert Scholar, through which he presented recitals at Oberlin Conservatory, Stanford University, and St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle; Jonathan was also the winner of the Christ Church Regional Young Organists’ Competition the same year. During the 2016-2017 academic year, Jonathan was a Visiting Instructor in the Theory Department of the University of Illinois School of Music, and in 2009-2010 a Senior Lecturer and Visiting University Organist at Pacific Lutheran University.
In addition to his work in Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Catholic congregations and parishes, including three years as director of music at Immaculate Conception Church in Mattoon, IL, Jonathan maintains an active interest in organ building and voicing, and has worked for Paul Fritts & Company (Tacoma, WA), Buzard Pipe Organ Builders (Champaign, IL), and Richards, Fowkes & Company (Chattanooga, TN).
Parish Choir
The Parish Choir sings at the 10:00 Mass each Sunday morning and consists of men and women high school age and beyond.
The choir’s role is to lead the congregation and singing the liturgical portions of the Mass. The Parish Choir also grasps the repertoire of anthems and choral music ranging from Baroque, Classic, and modern genres.
Rehearsals are held on Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the church loft, as well as before the 10:00 am Sunday Mass.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Jonathan Young, Organist/Director of Music at: Phone 217-819-0424 or email at jonathanyoung455@gmail.com.
Contemporary Choir
The Contemporary Choir, which sings at the 4:00 Sunday Mass. This choir includes piano and guitar accompaniment and uses mostly Catholic contemporary music.
We welcome anyone in high school or older to join this choir. Rehearsals are on Tuesday night at 7:30pm in the church.
For more information, please contact Jonathan Young, at: 217-217-819-0424 or jonathanyoung455@gmail.com.
Instrumentalists
The use of instruments during any of the weekend Masses is strongly encouraged.
If you have a desire to play an instrument to help lead the Mass or play Preludes or Postludes, please contact Jonathan for an audition.
All ages and levels are welcome.