Music in the Church

St Patrick’s Church is a dynamic Roman Catholic parish in Redfield, Bristol. Liturgy is at the centre of every activity in this busy parish community, and the music programme is a vital part of all liturgical activity. Our musicians are committed to achieving the highest possible standards in their contribution to spiritual life of the church community.

Planning music for liturgy takes careful thought and reflection and every mass and service is carefully considered, reflecting on the theme and readings for the day, so that an appropriate music programme is chosen. St Patrick’s Music aims achieve an enhancement of our community’s experience of the liturgy through appropriate music in both traditional and contemporary styles.

All our masses and services involve singing of hymns, psalms and mass settings sung by the congregation. Our organists are central to this music, leading the congregational singing and providing appropriate solo music at other liturgical points. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated organists who are occasionally assisted by visiting players.

The current church was completed in 1995, and St Patrick’s Music Group have been an integral part of the Sunday liturgy since its opening. Directed by Andrew and Lesley Lee, St Patrick’s Music Group has 26 members, who sing and play a variety of instruments, and lead the congregation in singing a wide variety of liturgical musical genres particularly suited to a mixed ensemble. While committed to a core repertoire of established pieces, St Patrick’s Music Group have also pioneered much new liturgical music, particularly in association with the Clifton Diocese and composers such as David Ogden. 

St Patrick’s Choral was established in September 2004 by our organist David Forde and is a mixed adult voice choir, singing traditional and classical liturgical music. With a regular membership of 27 singers,
St Patrick’s Choral first sang for the First Advent Mass in November 2004. Committed to a programme of the highest quality hymn singing, chanted psalms, anthems and mass settings, St Patrick’s Choral continues to grow in experience and strength.

St Patrick’s Music is a Church Music Development Programme, devised by our organist David Forde, to help evolve our existing music programme and to explore new opportunities including specific provision for young people. The Church Music Development Programme is led by a team of 9 representatives from the existing groups, who are working to establish and develop various new initiatives. 

We are delighted to welcome new people to join in our music programme – please contact us if you are interested in joining or supporting us.