St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church

St. Mary of Vernon Music Ministry is a prayer-centered service ministry, dedicated to the Liturgy of the people and our parish. As such, we are focused on welcoming, encouraging the song of the assembly, and supporting each other in our love for the Lord.

Our Director of Music, Mrs. Michele P. Farmer, has been a member of our parish since 1992, when her husband Randy came into the Church through our RCIA program. They have five children and are a very musical family who enjoy sharing this gift with the parish.

Mrs. Farmer is a lifelong member of the Archdiocese of Chicago, having attended St. John Brebeuf Grammar School in Niles and St. Louise de Marillac High School in Northfield. She was a Piano Performance major while studying at Northwestern University. Michele began her career as a church organist in the fourth grade, and has never looked back. She has served as pianist, choir member, cantor, guitarist, violinist, choir director and even tubular and handbell ringer over the ensuing years. Her professional positions have included Director of Music Ministry at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Evanston, D.M.M. at Our Lady of Ransom Parish in Park Ridge, and most recently Choir Director and Organist at Addolorata Villa Catholic Retirement Community in Wheeling.

She is also a familiar presence as organist, pianist, cantor and guest artist at many area churches. Among them are St. Juliana’s in Chicago, St. John Brebeuf in Niles, St. James in Highwood, Community Presbyterian in Mount Prospect and St. John Lutheran in LaGrange.

The joyous song of our entire assembly is the first priority,” says Ms. Farmer. "And we are blessed with many talented singers and musicians to support that song. I hope to welcome even more of our gifted people to join music ministry at St. Mary of Vernon, especially our children and teens.” Please contact Michele Farmer by email or at 847-362-1005 to volunteer, or if you would like more information. Be a part of that heavenly host singing ‘round the table of the Lord.