Christ Cathedral Appoints Dr. John A. Romeri as First Director of Music Ministries
Internationally respected liturgical music director and organist will lead the burgeoning music ministry.
GARDEN GROVE, CA (Dec. 8, 2015) – After an extensive search, the Most Reverend Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, has selected Dr. John A. Romeri as the first Christ Cathedral Director of Music Ministries. Dr. Romeri, former Director of Liturgical Music for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will begin his work at Christ Cathedral on January 19, 2016.
He will lead the development of the music programs for both the Christ Cathedral Parish and the major diocesan celebrations that will take place in the cathedral after its renovation and dedication.
A Vision for Music at Christ Cathedral
Dr. Romeri’s multi-pronged role is a comprehensive and significant undertaking that will be developed in advance of the cathedral’s official opening. His key responsibilities will include:
- Parish Music Ministry: Overseeing the entire music ministry of the cathedral parish, including all choral language groups, musicians, and sacramental celebrations like weddings and funerals.
- Diocesan Liturgical Music: Leading the music program for major diocesan liturgies, such as ordinations, the Chrism Mass, and the Red Mass.
- Cultural Music Program: Developing and overseeing a non-liturgical program that includes concerts, recitals, and productions showcasing both religious and secular music.
Statements from Diocesan Leadership
Bishop Kevin Vann:
“We are blessed to welcome such an esteemed director to lead the emerging music ministry programs of the Christ Cathedral. I have known John for many years… and I have witnessed his ability to raise the hearts of the faithful to God through excellent musical performance.”
The Very Reverend Christopher Smith, Rector and Episcopal Vicar, Christ Cathedral:
“As both a parish community and cathedral campus that is a very visible center of faith, we are blessed to welcome such an acclaimed and well respected leader to develop our music programs. Following in the tradition of excellent musical performances on the campus… we are inspired by what Romeri will bring to our campus.”
About Dr. John A. Romeri
Dr. John A. Romeri is one of the most respected liturgical musicians in the United States. His extensive career includes serving as Director of Liturgical Music for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (2010-2015) and Director of Music and Organist of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (1992-2010), where he was also the organist for the Saint Louis Symphony for fourteen years.
- Education: He holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College.
- Major Honors and Awards:
- Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Lindenwood University (1998).
- Named “Pastoral Musician of the Year” by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (2003).
- Voted “Outstanding Choir Director” by the Missouri Choral Directors Association (1998-1999).
- Received the Westminster Choir College Alumni Merit Award for “distinguished contributions to the Field of Sacred Music” (2015).
- National Leadership Roles:
- Past Chair of the National Board of Directors for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
- Immediate past Vice-President of the National Board of Directors for Pueri Cantores, the international student choral organization of the Catholic Church.
- Serves on the Liturgy Committee of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
- Past and current Dean of the St. Louis and Philadelphia chapters of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), respectively.