MUSIC MINISTRY

The Music Ministry at Church of the Assumption exists to serve the sacred liturgy and to glorify God through sung prayer. Sacred music is not merely an enhancement to worship, but an integral part of the Church’s liturgical life, drawing the faithful more deeply into the mystery of Christ. The Church teaches that “the musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 112). When music is joined to the sacred action of the Mass, it becomes prayer—giving voice to the faith of the assembly and fostering unity among those gathered.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal reminds us that liturgical singing is a privileged expression of active participation: “The Christian faithful… are instructed to sing together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (GIRM, 39). Through this common song, the Church worships as one body, lifting hearts and minds to God.

Those who serve in the Music Ministry—cantors, choir members, instrumentalists, and directors—exercise a true liturgical ministry. The Church emphasizes that choirs are to be diligently fostered, as they support the sung prayer of the assembly and help ensure that the rites are celebrated with dignity and reverence (cf. GIRM, 103).

Guided by the Church’s norms and enriched by her musical heritage—especially Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony—the Assumption's Music Ministry seeks to offer music that is prayerful, reverent, and appropriate to each liturgical season. Through beauty and faithful service to the liturgy, the Music Ministry helps the parish community encounter God more deeply in worship.

ASSUMPTION CHOIR is the principal choir of the Church of the Assumption. Membership is open to all adults, as well as college-age and high school-age singers. They provide choral music for our 10:00 AM Sunday Mass, and for other special Liturgies throughout the Liturgical Year. The Assumption Choir rehearses every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, except during the summer months, when they take time off.

CANTOR MINISTRY is an auditioned liturgical ministry, reserved for those who demonstrate particular gifts in vocal technique and in leading the assembly in sung prayer. Membership in the Assumption Choir is a requirement to be a cantor. 

Please email Dr. Mabalot if you are interested in auditioning for membership in Assumption Choir or in becoming a cantor. 

Music for Weddings and Funerals: Please e-mail Dr. Mabalot for all questions and various needs regarding music for weddings and funerals.

• Please keep in mind that as is the case with all Eucharistic celebrations, music for liturgy must be sacred in nature.
• Because of this, the use of secular music during Mass regardless of the occasion is strictly forbidden by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Dr. Frederick B. Mabalot, Director of Music & Liturgy
E-Mail: drmabalot@assumption.org

Dr. Mabalot holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington School of Music in Seattle. He earned a Master of Music in Composition, with extensive classical voice and conducting studies, from the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen. He also holds a second Bachelor of Music in Composition, with advanced classical voice studies, from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Australia, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, with extensive piano studies, from California State University-Northridge.

Mabalot's academic background includes studies in Philosophy and Psychology, which preceded his formal training in music. In addition to serving as Assumption's Director of Music and Liturgy (2016-present), he is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Bellingham Chamber Chorale and the Chorus Director of the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus. 

His broad academic formation in choral and orchestral conducting, vocal performance, composition, and keyboard studies informs his approach to sacred music, enabling him to serve the liturgy with artistic excellence, theological sensitivity, and fidelity to the Church's musical tradition.