Director of Music and Organist
Linda Cerabona
Dimensiones
For More Information, Contact:
Fr. Francis Bitterman
Vice-rector / Dean of Formation
Phone: 847-970-4951
Email: fbitterman@usml.edu
Full-time Director of Music/ Organist in the Department of Liturgy and Music.
Just as music can enrich our celebration of the Mass, the study of music makes for a well-rounded, pastorally-sensitive parish priest who will care for and love his people.
Producer of two CD’s for Mundelein Seminary: Cantate Domino/ Sing to the Lord (Diaconate Ordination 2009) Venite Adoremus Dominum/ Oh Come Let Us Adore the Lord (Christmas 2010). Co-authored “Praise God with Full Voice; Sacred Music, Mundelein Seminary, and the Global Church”, The Bridge; Winter/ Spring 2011 │ Co-Authored “Remembering Father Richard J. Wojcik”, The Bridge; Spring/ Summer 2013. Researched the history of sacred music at Mundelein Seminary and was a committee member of the Mundelein Sacred Music Exhibit in the McEssy Gallery, The Remember the Singing, 2007. Coordinator of the Acquisition, Installation, Blessing and Dedication of the E.M. Skinner Organ, Opus 621 (1926) for the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, 2012-2014 with Cardinal George, Bishop Barron, and Fr. Tom Franzman. Coordinator of the Cardinal Mundelein Wurlitzer Theatre Organ console restoration and rededication with CATOE and Fr. Tom Franzman, 2011-2014. Founder of the Richard J. Wojcik Lunchtime Concert Series featuring seminarians and faculty. Recipient of the Westerman Foundation Grant to archive and preserve the historic Sacred Music Collection of Mundelein Seminary (2017). Redesigned and relocated the entire current seminary music collection of books, music, and instruments to a permanent space (2021). Organist, pianist, vocal coach, and choir director serving in various parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago (1967-present).
Also served the Diocese of Joliet from 1994-2004.
Memberships: Serves on the board of the American Guild of Organists, North Shore and Chicago Chapter (2020-present). Co-founder of Chicago Theatre Organ Enthusiasts (CATOE) and member (2011-present). Auxiliary member of the Office of Divine Worship, Chicago (2000-present). Member of NPM (1972-present). Founding member and advisor for Joliet Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (2002). Member of the American Guild of Organists Hospitality Committee for National AGO Convention in Chicago.
DePaul University School of Music, 1978; Chicago DePaul University School of New Learning, 1993; Chicago.
Music at Mundelein
At Mundelein Seminary, we value music in liturgy and the arts, and train future priests to chant the ministerial parts of the Mass. Through participation in various choirs, one-on-one vocal training, singing from numerous hymnals, and exposure to an extensive sacred music library, these men build confidence in their ability to lead liturgy.
An appreciation for the global church and its diversity of gifts is engendered when the community celebrates Mass and sings in multiple languages. Choirs sing music stemming from a multitude of ethnic and cultural backgrounds—including Polish, Hispanic, African and Asian— and the entire worship community is encouraged to participate.
By selecting and preparing music for liturgies on campus, seminarians develop the skill of harmonizing the overarching theological principles pertaining to the liturgy with the concrete needs and capabilities of a particular parish community.
In the entirety of the music program—which encompasses both the intellectual dimension of engaging music in a classroom setting, and the pastoral dimension of collaborating with clergy and musicians to prepare a liturgy—our future parish priests develop the virtues required for effective leadership in ministry: prudence, patience, courage, and perseverance.
August 28, 2024: Rite of Candidacy Mass
August 28, 2024: Rite of Candidacy Mass
August 28, 2024: Rite of Candidacy Mass
August 28, 2024: Rite of Candidacy Mass
August 28, 2024: Rite of Candidacy Mass
August 28, 2024: Rite of Candidacy Mass
Just as music can enrich our celebration of the Mass, the study of music makes for a well-rounded, pastorally-sensitive parish priest who will care for and love his people.
– LINDA CERABONA, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC –