You are visiting a church which was built during the years 1909 to 1912. It is the third church built on this site since 1887, when Archbishop John Ireland founded the parish for German-speaking immigrants who settled in this part of Saint Paul, chiefly because they found employment in the shops of the newly organized Great Northern Railway.

On entering the church, one's eyes are carried upwards to the dome which rises sixty feet above the floor. The mural portrays Christ crowning the virgin and martyr, Agnes of Rome, as a saint. She is surrounded by the angels and the various saints of Rome, Peter, Cecilia, Lawrence and many others. The dome painting, as well as those of the four evangelists, are the work of Father Richard Fale of Wisconsin.

The marble altar, also erected in 1930, was fabricated in Italy and installed by Drake Marble Co. The mosaic depicts the Crucifixion with the Blessed Virgin and Saint John, and at top is a portrayal of Saint Agnes with her lamb and palm branch. The detail of the inlaid marble and the delicately carved angels with their trumpets at the top and those kneeling in adoration at each side, make the altar a truly significant artistic treasure.

The Second Vatican Council ordered that the treasury of sacred music be preserved and fostered with great care. It also commanded that the Latin language be used in worship and Gregorian Chant be given pride of place in liturgical celebrations.

We are trying to fulfill these directives of the Church's Highest authority by singing polyphonic Masses with orchestra, a capella compositions and the propers of the Mass in Gregorian Chant.

Twin Cities Catholic Chorale
The orchestral literature is sung by the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale.



Chamber Choir & Schola Cantorum
The polyphonic a capella music is sung by the Saint Agnes Chamber Choir, and the Gregorian Chant is sung by the Saint Agnes Schola Cantorum.

The Chamber Choir's repertoire includes more than a dozen Renaissance Masses and scores of polyphonic motets, both of Renaissance and contemporary composers.

High School Concert Chorale
The Concert Chorale is an auditioned mixed choir of high school students. The Chorale rehearses every day throughout the school year and performs three major concerts; A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in December, a Sacred Concert during Lent, and a Spring Concert in May. In addition to preparing these three concert events, the chorale leads the student congregation in worship at mass, alternating the weekly liturgy in English and Latin.

Visit the Music section of our web site to listen to music from our choirs and information on how to purchase one of their many CDs.

Visit ... churchofsaintagnes.org

Church of Saint Agnes
548 Lafond Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103
Phone: 651-293-1710

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