Our Worship & Music

Sunday Worship

Our common life is centered in our worship on Sundays. The ECY gathers on at 5 pm at the historic Dwight Memorial Chapel (which is located on Old Campus, off High Street) to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. In this service we read the scriptures, sing hymns, and hear the word of God proclaimed in sermons. The service is conducted according to the Eucharistic Liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer. Our Choir of undergraduates and graduate students leads the Music. Students participate in reading lessons, leading prayers and in sometimes preaching. The service is usually followed by dinner in the lounge adjacent to the Chapel. All are welcome to this time of fellowship.

Music

Music is an important part of our worship. The ECY sponsors a Chapel Choir that is open to anyone interested in singing sacred music. The choir sings anthems, psalms, and other music each week at Sunday services. They also give special choral services, which this past year included choral evensongs and a widely attended service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

The repertoire of this campus singing group spans the entirety of the classical choral tradition, from plainchant through recently composed sacred works, drawing from a variety of choral traditions. Our music this year has included works by composers from Palestrina and Byrd to Britten, Rutter and Lauridsen. Listen to samples of Psalm 23 [AAC] by John Rutter and The Magnificat [AAC] by Thomas Attwood Walmisely

Our growing ensemble numbers about 15, and includes undergraduates as well as graduate student members. Our Music Directors, Zachary Hemenway (Choir Director) and Vaughn Mauren (Organist) lead the choir. If you enjoy singing we encourage you to join. We rehearse for an hour and a half every Sunday and occasionally hold additional rehearsals in preparation for special services.

Weekday Services

Other opportunities for worship are provided on Feast days and other special holy days during the week at the Chapel in 305 Crown Street.

Opportunities for Stewardship

  • Congregational Council - A student group that with the Chaplain plans the ministry of ECY. New members welcome.
  • Sacristans - help set up the altar and Chapel for the service.
  • Server/Acolyte - assist at the altar during service.
  • Readers/Intercessors - read lessons at the service and lead prayers
  • Student preachers - preach at the service.
  • Hospitality coordinators
  • Newsletter - editors and reporters
  • Choir members - Sing at Sunday services and give special concerts. If you enjoy singing we encourage you to join. Please contact Zach.Hemenway@yale.edu or Vaughn.Mauren@yale.edu
  • If you have a special gift, talent or interest that you would like to share with our community, please contact the Chaplain.