THe mission and vision statement of
music ministry
The Music Ministry of St. John Baptist de la Salle Parish is committed to proclaim the Word of God through music and to foster the full and active participation of all members of our parish community in the Eucharist.
We are a group who, by the guidance of Holy Spirit, will lead the community of St. John Baptist de la Salle in music so that they may fully enter into each liturgical celebration.
As Psalm 95 says… “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; cry out to the rock of our salvation.” Let us come before him with song of praise, joyfully sing out our psalms.
We are one family in a vocation that is committed to the following…
• serving the parish community by inspiring full and joyful participation in worship through congregational singing and reflective listening;
• reiterating and reflecting on God's Word in song;
• offering music as prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God;
• moving the parish community closer to God through music, the language of the heart and soul; not for
entertainment, but for creating an environment which draws people into a deeper experience of the Eucharistic mystery we celebrate.
We are a group who, by the guidance of Holy Spirit, will lead the community of St. John Baptist de la Salle in music so that they may fully enter into each liturgical celebration.
As Psalm 95 says… “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; cry out to the rock of our salvation.” Let us come before him with song of praise, joyfully sing out our psalms.
We are one family in a vocation that is committed to the following…
• serving the parish community by inspiring full and joyful participation in worship through congregational singing and reflective listening;
• reiterating and reflecting on God's Word in song;
• offering music as prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God;
• moving the parish community closer to God through music, the language of the heart and soul; not for
entertainment, but for creating an environment which draws people into a deeper experience of the Eucharistic mystery we celebrate.
Meet our director of Music...
Mr. andrew angstadt
Faith has always played a large role in Andrew’s life. Andrew attended grade school at St. Mary of Reading and high school at Reading Central Catholic. He continued his higher education at Alvernia; with a B.A. in Elementary Education, and, through this present day, has served the Church and the community around him through witnessing his faith.
While in elementary school, Andrew began his service of faith at his childhood parish of St. Paul of Reading as an alter server; at times being the only alter server in the parish, hence serving at every Mass. In high school Andrew served his parish community through teaching CCD, Liturgical planning, Liturgical music, and volunteering whenever needed. Andrew owes a lot of his faith education to the late Fr. Andrew Ulincy. Fr. Ulincy took him under his wing and taught him how to plan liturgies, the importance of “witnessing” the faith to others, and provided spiritual guidance.
Near the end of Andrew’s high school career he decided he wanted to pursue education. Within two months of his first year at Alvernia he became heavily involved with Campus Ministry and the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. During his years at Alvernia Andrew served as an organist, cantor, liturgical organizer, volunteer, and worked as a work study student within Campus Ministry. He also served the Bernardine Sisters by helping with funerals, Masses, and enjoyed simply spending time with them. So many of the Bernardine Sisters provided Andrew with continued guidance; similar to the help and assistance of Fr. Ulincy.
Andrew always knew that he was on a path guided by God in every step. Because of his work with Campus Ministry and the Bernardine Sisters, Andrew was then asked to serve the Diocese of Allentown by providing music to many of the different parishes for Masses, Funerals, and Weddings.
As Andrew approached the end of his Alvernia journey, God took control again and guided him where he wanted him. Andrew received two jobs before even receiving his diploma; first the Director of Music and Liturgy for St. Benedict Parish of Mohnton and three months later the 2nd Grade Teacher position for St. Peter School of Reading.
Andrew served St. Peter School for 4 years where he was able to teach 2nd graders their academic subjects, but most importantly the sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion. This is when Andrew realized one of his many true callings- teaching the youth of the Catholic faith their sacraments. While at St. Peters Andrew also provided music by starting a children’s choir. This choir provided music for school liturgies and special occasions.
While teaching and serving the community of St. Peter School Andrew was also serving the community of St. Benedict Parish. The work at St. Benedict Parish was truly a blessing in Andrew’s life. For nearly 17 years Andrew served the parish of St. Benedict through liturgical music by being the organist, the director of adult, children, and bell choirs, and liturgical planner. He provided spiritual guidance through prayer services, retreats, workshops, and simply being there for all the parishioners. Here is where another person came into Andrew’s life to provide guidance; the former pastor, Fr. Philip Rogers.
While serving these two places, God opened the door to another new adventure. Andrew made the decision to leave St. Peter School and move to Holy Guardian Angels Parish and Regional School where he served for 12 years as the Director of Religious Education. While at HGA Andrew also served as Director of Parish Ministries, and Director of Spirituality, Liturgy, Evangelization, and Catechesis. Here, Andrew was able to serve the community in so many different ways. This job gave Andrew the ability to teach the faith, not just to children, but to adults as well. Andrew was entrusted to organize all sacramental education for the children and adults. He provided prayer services for the school children, teaching them the liturgy, the sacraments, and the importance of faith. He was able to lead bible studies to the seniors of the parish. He was also entrusted, by the Diocese, to be a presenter of Protecting God’s Children; a workshop to train adults on the importance of Child Protection. Andrew was able to present this workshop throughout the five counties of the Diocese of Allentown. Additionally, Andrew served on the ACRE board- a professional association for religious educators and administrators- representing Berks County. Andrew also became a member of the Knights of Columbus and achieved the level of 4th Degree. In this position Andrew received four very important people for guidance: the late Msgr. Dennis Hartgen, Fr. Robert Finlan, Bishop John Barres, and Bishop Alfred Schlert.
Today Andrew is still serving the community of Holy Guardian Angels Regional School as the Middle School Religion Teacher, Director of Religious Education for the school, and Music Teacher. .
Outside of the Church Andrew has served his community through Theatrical Arts. Andrew ran a youth theater camp at Albright College through Camp Adventure, served on the Board of Directors for Reading Civic Theatre as Director at Large and as Vice President, and served on the Board of Directors for 1st Street Players in Birdsboro as Director at Large and as Vice President. Andrew was seen on stage in many productions of shows throughout Berks County and directed for Reading Civic Theatre.
Andrew is extremly honored and excited to serve the people of St. John Baptist de La Salle as his new mission and vocation from God. He asks for many prayers and blessings as he follows God's will on this new adventure.
While in elementary school, Andrew began his service of faith at his childhood parish of St. Paul of Reading as an alter server; at times being the only alter server in the parish, hence serving at every Mass. In high school Andrew served his parish community through teaching CCD, Liturgical planning, Liturgical music, and volunteering whenever needed. Andrew owes a lot of his faith education to the late Fr. Andrew Ulincy. Fr. Ulincy took him under his wing and taught him how to plan liturgies, the importance of “witnessing” the faith to others, and provided spiritual guidance.
Near the end of Andrew’s high school career he decided he wanted to pursue education. Within two months of his first year at Alvernia he became heavily involved with Campus Ministry and the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. During his years at Alvernia Andrew served as an organist, cantor, liturgical organizer, volunteer, and worked as a work study student within Campus Ministry. He also served the Bernardine Sisters by helping with funerals, Masses, and enjoyed simply spending time with them. So many of the Bernardine Sisters provided Andrew with continued guidance; similar to the help and assistance of Fr. Ulincy.
Andrew always knew that he was on a path guided by God in every step. Because of his work with Campus Ministry and the Bernardine Sisters, Andrew was then asked to serve the Diocese of Allentown by providing music to many of the different parishes for Masses, Funerals, and Weddings.
As Andrew approached the end of his Alvernia journey, God took control again and guided him where he wanted him. Andrew received two jobs before even receiving his diploma; first the Director of Music and Liturgy for St. Benedict Parish of Mohnton and three months later the 2nd Grade Teacher position for St. Peter School of Reading.
Andrew served St. Peter School for 4 years where he was able to teach 2nd graders their academic subjects, but most importantly the sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion. This is when Andrew realized one of his many true callings- teaching the youth of the Catholic faith their sacraments. While at St. Peters Andrew also provided music by starting a children’s choir. This choir provided music for school liturgies and special occasions.
While teaching and serving the community of St. Peter School Andrew was also serving the community of St. Benedict Parish. The work at St. Benedict Parish was truly a blessing in Andrew’s life. For nearly 17 years Andrew served the parish of St. Benedict through liturgical music by being the organist, the director of adult, children, and bell choirs, and liturgical planner. He provided spiritual guidance through prayer services, retreats, workshops, and simply being there for all the parishioners. Here is where another person came into Andrew’s life to provide guidance; the former pastor, Fr. Philip Rogers.
While serving these two places, God opened the door to another new adventure. Andrew made the decision to leave St. Peter School and move to Holy Guardian Angels Parish and Regional School where he served for 12 years as the Director of Religious Education. While at HGA Andrew also served as Director of Parish Ministries, and Director of Spirituality, Liturgy, Evangelization, and Catechesis. Here, Andrew was able to serve the community in so many different ways. This job gave Andrew the ability to teach the faith, not just to children, but to adults as well. Andrew was entrusted to organize all sacramental education for the children and adults. He provided prayer services for the school children, teaching them the liturgy, the sacraments, and the importance of faith. He was able to lead bible studies to the seniors of the parish. He was also entrusted, by the Diocese, to be a presenter of Protecting God’s Children; a workshop to train adults on the importance of Child Protection. Andrew was able to present this workshop throughout the five counties of the Diocese of Allentown. Additionally, Andrew served on the ACRE board- a professional association for religious educators and administrators- representing Berks County. Andrew also became a member of the Knights of Columbus and achieved the level of 4th Degree. In this position Andrew received four very important people for guidance: the late Msgr. Dennis Hartgen, Fr. Robert Finlan, Bishop John Barres, and Bishop Alfred Schlert.
Today Andrew is still serving the community of Holy Guardian Angels Regional School as the Middle School Religion Teacher, Director of Religious Education for the school, and Music Teacher. .
Outside of the Church Andrew has served his community through Theatrical Arts. Andrew ran a youth theater camp at Albright College through Camp Adventure, served on the Board of Directors for Reading Civic Theatre as Director at Large and as Vice President, and served on the Board of Directors for 1st Street Players in Birdsboro as Director at Large and as Vice President. Andrew was seen on stage in many productions of shows throughout Berks County and directed for Reading Civic Theatre.
Andrew is extremly honored and excited to serve the people of St. John Baptist de La Salle as his new mission and vocation from God. He asks for many prayers and blessings as he follows God's will on this new adventure.