Basilica Community, 

Christopher Stroh, has discerned the call to a new position at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington. Beginning in mid-July, Chris will start his ministry at St. James Cathedral as Assistant Director of Music and Assistant Cathedral Organist.  St. James Cathedral is among the few major Catholic parishes that compare to The Basilica parish’s own diversely rich spiritual, artistic, inclusive, and social outreach. 

Chris has been a true gift to our parish and he will be dearly missed. Yet, this is a great opportunity and we congratulate him on his new position.

Chris has shared deep gratitude for his nearly 15 years of service to The Basilica as organist. The wonderful Basilica parishioners, sincere volunteers, staff colleagues, community partners, and the distinctive “Centennial” organ (Wicks Opus 3047) are among the things Chris mentioned he will miss most from The Basilica. 

During summer we will welcome regular substitute organists at our liturgies as we conduct the search and interview process for candidates to the position. We are pleased by the great interest already received.

We invite you to join us for 9:30am Mass on Sunday, June 27 when we will celebrate Chris’ ministry at The Basilica. The Cathedral Choir will sing this Mass. At the end of Mass we will have a special blessing for Chris. And following Mass we will have an ice-cream social on the plaza in front of The Basilica. 

Chris will still play the 5:00 pm on July 3, 7:30am and 9:30am on July 4, 10:00am on July 5 and the Memorial Mass for Walter’s Father on July 6 at 10:00am.

As we make this transition let us pray for Chris as he assures us that The Basilica will remain in his prayers. Let us also pray for the success of our search for a new Basilica Organist and Liturgical Music Associate.

Johan M. J. van Parys, Ph.D.
Director of Liturgy and the Sacred Arts

Photo provided by: 

Mike Jensen