"I will sing the Lord's praise, for He has been good to me."   (Psalm 13:6)

Music Ministry at St. John of the Cross


Music is an essential part of the worship life at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church and plays a vital role in the celebration of the Holy Mass. Through sacred music, we seek to glorify God, enrich the liturgy, and inspire the faithful to deeper prayer and participation.

Whether you are an experienced musician or someone who simply enjoys singing and wants to grow your musical gifts, we invite you to become part of our vibrant music ministry. There is a place for everyone who has a willing heart and a desire to serve.


Our Ensembles

Kantorei Choristers                 Wednesdays • 4:45–5:50 PM                  Grades 2–8
St. John's Adult Choir          Thursdays • 6:00–8:00 PM                      Grades 9–Adult
Schola Choir          Thursdays • 6:30–8:00 PM                      Grades 9–Adult
Paradise Master Chorale         Tuesdays • 6:00–8:00 PM      Mid-August through the Fourth of July
St. John's Brass Seasonal rehearsals & performs for major feast days, special liturgies, and on the Paradise Music Concert Series


Kantorei Choristers

The Kantorei Choristers serve as the youth choir for St. John of the Cross, singing regularly for the parish Choral Mass and major feast day liturgies alongside the Adult Choir. Rehearsals are held year-round and provide students with a solid musical foundation through instruction in music reading, healthy vocal technique, sacred repertoire, and the rich musical traditions of the Catholic Church.

Each summer, the Choristers participate in two week-long Choristers Camps, and beginning in Summer 2027, a two-week Theater Camp will also be offered. All camps are free of charge and open to students entering 3rd through 8th grade. Membership in St. John of the Cross is not required to participate in either the Choristers or the summer camps.


St. John's Adult Choir

The St. John's Adult Choir is the principal choral ensemble of the parish and leads the music for the weekly Choral Mass, often joined by the Kantorei Choristers.

The choir's repertoire spans nearly a millennium of sacred music, including:

  • Gregorian Chant
  • Renaissance Polyphony
  • Works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, & Faure
  • Contemporary sacred choral literature appropriate for the Holy Mass

The Adult Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble. While previous choral experience and music-reading skills are beneficial, they are not required for those who are eager to learn and serve.

Each year the choir presents:

  • A major orchestral Mass setting during the spring season.
  • A major Requiem Mass with chamber orchestra for the Traditional Latin All Souls' Day Requiem Mass.


Schola Choir

The Schola Choir serves the parish's Traditional Latin Mass and is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Church's rich treasury of sacred music.

Directed by Jacob Flaherty, Organist & Choirmaster, the Schola is building a repertoire centered on:

  • Gregorian Chant
  • Traditional Latin hymnody
  • Sacred polyphony appropriate for the Missa Cantata (Traditional Latin High Mass)

Singers interested in the Church's ancient musical heritage are especially encouraged to participate.


Paradise Master Chorale

The Paradise Master Chorale is the resident concert choir of the Paradise Music Series at St. John of the Cross. This community ensemble welcomes singers from throughout the Treasure Coast and performs a variety of sacred and patriotic choral literature.

The Chorale participates in:

  • The Annual All Souls' Requiem Mass
  • The Celebrate America Fourth of July Concert
  • Two to three additional concerts throughout the season

Membership is non-auditioned, although previous choral experience and music-reading ability are helpful and preferred.


St. John's Brass

The St. John's Brass is our resident brass ensemble which enhances the parish's worship during major solemnities and feast days throughout the liturgical year. Working alongside the choirs and organ, the brass ensemble brings a festive and majestic sound to celebrations such as Christmas, Easter, Corpus Christi, and other significant liturgies.  The St. John's Brass also is regular performing ensemble on the St. John of the Cross Paradise Music Concert Series. Accomplished instrumentalists with brass and percussion experience are encouraged to inquire about joining the ensemble.


For more information about the Music Program at St. John of the Cross or possibly to become involved contact Ryan A. Kasten, Director of Music

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MEET OUR DIRECTOR OF MUSIC       PRINCIPAL ORGANIST


Ryan A. Kasten, ABD, MM, MM serves as Director of Music and Principal Organist at St. John of the Cross Roman Catholic Church, where he has been a member of the parish staff since September 2016. Originally from Jackson, Missouri, Ryan has devoted his career to the ministry of sacred music, combining a passion for liturgical excellence with a commitment to music education and performance.


Ryan earned a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from Southeast Missouri State University, a Master of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and a Master of Music in Conducting from Florida State University. He is also a doctoral candidate in Organ Performance at Florida State University.


In addition to his work as an organist and conductor, Ryan is a sought-after accompanist and an accomplished baritone soloist. He maintains a private teaching studio, offering instruction in piano, organ, and voice to students of all ages.


Ryan serves as the Artistic Director of the Paradise Master Chorale and the St. John's Brass Ensemble, where he continues to foster musical excellence through performances, educational opportunities, and community outreach.


Outside of his musical ministry, Ryan is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, where he is a Fourth Degree Knight, and he serves on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Indian River County, reflecting his dedication to both his parish and the broader community.