The Noise of the Lord: Joy Through Prayer and Song

The Schola, a group composed of BVM Sisters and associates, uses song to lead prayer during liturgical services at the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Members prepare for Mass through rehearsals that include vocal warmups and musical practice to support the community's worship.

While the group previously focused on singing Gregorian chants for Sunday Masses and major feasts to support sisters, novices, and postulants, their repertoire has since expanded. The Schola now performs during Jubilees, special community services, and other liturgical observances.

Dorothy Dodie Dwight, BVM, the recently retired director of the Schola, said the group's traditional role was to sing Latin chant propers to complement the liturgy rather than to perform. The group continues to use music to help the community engage in prayer through song.