Contact Information:

    For opportunities to spend
         time with us in our monastery,
         please contact:

    Sacred Heart Monastery
         1005 W. 8th
     Yankton, SD 57078
        (605) 668-6000

     monastery@mtmc.edu

Liturgical music has been an uninterrupted tradition in our community since the study of Gregorian Chant was introduced to the sisters by Bishop Marty in 1890.

Several groups constitute our ministers of sung music, each with specific responsibilities: a large number of sisters constitute the schola; a smaller group of sisters are cantors; and, a still smaller group sing descants. Community singing is an integral part of the celebration of Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. To share the beauty of the Gregorian tradition, several sisters sing selections of chant when they join the Mount Marty College chorus for the annual Christmas Vespers public performances in the Bishop Marty Chapel each early December.

Over the years various sources have been used for the music of liturgy, but our community has always been blessed with the talents of many musicians who have provided a large collection of original musical numbers. Heading this group is S. Jane Klimisch, who has numerous compositions of complete Masses, hymns and antiphons to her credit. Her music and compositions have influenced many beyond our community.

In 1967 our Glory book of hymns was printed for the first time; with subsequent updates in 1980 and 1993. Another edition is being planned for the near future. This book includes hymns for liturgy composed by our sisters, Benedictines of other communities,  and from many other sources.

In 1978, our Praise book for chanted prayer was printed. This collection, (along with several additions), of hymns, antiphons and psalms will be incorporated into the four new office books (prayer for morning, noon, evening, and feast days) scheduled for printing by the summer of 2003. Compositions by S. Jane, Ss. Patricia Ann Toscano, Madonna Schmitt, and Bernard Bernard are included in the Glory and Praise books, the new office books, and the Benedictine Book of Songs.

According to the talents of the sisters, various musical instruments are used in our praise of God. Our community has consistently encouraged our members to develop their musical gifts.