Music at St. Francis

Daniel Kirkland is the Director of Music at St. Francis. While studying music and majoring in piano performance at Emory University, Mr. Kirkland encountered the rich musical heritage of Western culture and the prominent role of the Church in its development, which only strengthened his desire to evangelize through beauty. After serving for nine years as Director of Music and Liturgy at Holy Comforter Parish in Charlottesville, Virginia, he was appointed music director at St. Francis in 2025. For more information about him, see the staff page of this website.

The Choirs

The St. Francis Choir sings at the 8:30 a.m. Mass and on holydays of obligation. Membership is open to men and women of all ages and abilities—we have three generations in our ranks and none of us are professional musicians. We just love glorifying God with beautiful music. Bring the whole family on board and become a part of our family. Please contact Music Director Daniel Kirkland about joining.

Hear the choir sing:

  • There is No Rose, Anon.

    There is no Rose of such virtue, as is the Rose that bare Jesu.

  • Pie Jesu, from Requiem in D minor, G. Fauré

    Pious Lord Jesus, Give them rest. Pious Lord Jesus, Give them everlasting rest.


Youth Choirs: The St. Gregory Boy Choir and St. Cecilia Girl Choir are open to new members aged 7-13. Children will have the opportunity to learn the rudiments of music and to sing once a month at 8:30 Mass. Details are forthcoming. Contact the music director to express your interest. Pictured above: The children’s choir sings at the family Mass on Christmas Eve.

The Organ

During the renovation of the interior of the church, which began in July 2023, Masses took place in Assisi Hall, located adjacent to the church. A parishioner built a “chamber organ” to support the choir and congregation in the liturgy during the period of the renovation. The builder of the instrument has written an article about this organ, with accompanying photos and details of its design; also included is an introduction to how digital organs work, plus examples of them in use. Once the renovation was completed in May 2024, the chamber organ was moved to the church to serve as a replacement for the 1910 Carl Barckoff pipe organ, which was in use until 2023.