Liturgy & Music

At the Episcopal Church of St. Mary, liturgy and music are central to our worship and spiritual life. Together, they help us connect with God, celebrate our faith, and build community. Explore the richness of our liturgical traditions and the beauty of our music ministry below.

The Liturgy and the Holy Eucharist

The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion, a global fellowship of churches rooted in the ancient traditions of the “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.” Our worship follows the pattern of the early Church, shaped by Jewish traditions and Anglican customs over centuries.

Thursday Healing Eucharist: Download the PDF program to follow along with our weekly Healing Eucharist in the Chapel.

Music Ministry: Singing Together in Faith

Music is a vital part of worship at St. Mary’s, allowing us to pray, express our love for God, and connect with the divine in unique ways. Singing together is a joyful expression of our faith and a celebration of who God is, what God has done, and what God will do.

Our Musical Tradition

  • We use The Hymnal 1982 as our primary source for hymns and liturgies, along with its supplement Wonder, Love, & Praise (1997) and Lift Every Voice and Sing (1993).

  • Our music is enriched by the acoustics of our Norman-style stone sanctuary, designed to inspire and uplift.

The Choir

The Choir enhances our worship with beautiful music on Sunday mornings and holy days. From September through June, the choir rehearses on Thursday evenings and leads the congregation in hymns, anthems, and service music during the later Sunday service.

A group of children and a few adults gather around an organist playing an organ in a church setting.
Man in a suit and red tie standing among large pipes, in an organ loft.

James Kennerley: Minister of Music

James Kennerley is a multi-faceted artist, conductor, composer, and leadership consultant. As St. Mary’s Minister of Music, he directs the choir, performs on the Casavant tracker organ, and leads Saint Mary Schola, Maine’s premier early music ensemble. With a career spanning prestigious venues worldwide and a passion for innovation, James brings unparalleled artistry and vision to St. Mary’s vibrant music ministry.

Messages from James Kennerley

Featured
Holy Week and Easter: our journey of faith

Explore the profound liturgies and sacred music of Holy Week at St. Mary’s, from Palm Sunday’s triumphant processions to Easter’s joyous resurrection anthems, as we journey through Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.

Lent: a clean heart and a renewed Spirit

Lent is a sacred season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Explore the rich traditions of Lenten liturgy and music, and learn how this season prepares our hearts for the joy of Easter.

The Feast of Candlemas – A Celebration of Light, Faith, and Music

Candlemas invites us to reflect on Christ as the light of the world, bridging the joy of Christmas and the solemnity of Lent.

The Gift of Music: Celebrating Christmas and Epiphany

This season, let the beauty of sacred music fill your heart as we celebrate the birth of Christ and the revelation of His light to the world.

Special Music and Events

Beyond Sunday worship, St. Mary’s offers a variety of musical experiences:

  • Evensongs, Lessons & Carols, and Organ Concerts.

  • Outside Music Groups: Our sanctuary and Parish House are beloved venues for concerts and recitals.

The Organ: A Gift of Music

Our Casavant tracker organ, a gift in 1977, is a centerpiece of our music ministry. Designed in the North German Baroque tradition, it features 20 stops, 26 ranks of pipes, and mechanical action. Located in the gallery at the west end of the sanctuary, it accompanies our worship and enhances our musical offerings.

  • Dedication: The organ was dedicated on April 22, 1979, and continues to inspire worshipers and concertgoers alike.

St. Mary Schola

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St. Mary Schola *

Founded by Bruce Fithian and Fr. James Dalton-Thompson, St. Mary Schola is a professional ensemble specializing in Renaissance and Baroque music. This group brings the beauty of early music to southern Maine and beyond.

Pianos and Venues

St. Mary’s offers exceptional spaces for music and worship:

  • Parish House Auditorium: A beautifully lit room with excellent acoustics, featuring an 1890 Steinway baby grand piano.

  • James Dalton Thompson Chapel: An intimate space with superb acoustics, equipped with a digital organ/piano.

  • Choir Room: A welcoming space for rehearsals, complete with a baby grand piano and storage for handbells.

  • Guiding RAY Room: A space for children’s religious education, featuring a baby grand piano.