Jessica Koch
Associate Director of Liturgy and Music
Email Address
jkoch@stapostle.org
Phone Number
630.355.8980, x112
Address
1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563
Helping Every Person Find Their Voice in Worship
Liturgy is at its finest when it is truly communal — when every person in the pews feels invited and empowered to pray through song. As the Associate Director of Liturgy and Music, Jessica works collaboratively across our parish to help foster vibrant, meaningful, and accessible worship for all at St. Thomas the Apostle.
Behind the scenes and in the sanctuary, Jessica helps build up our parish worship life through:
- Choir Co-Direction: Partnering in the leadership of our adult and youth choirs to build community and musical confidence, and directing the Handbell Choir
- Liturgical Leadership: Serving as an organist, pianist, and cantor for Sunday Masses and special celebrations.
- Ministry Support: Assisting with liturgical planning, volunteer scheduling, and contributing to the pastoral staff.
More About Jessica
Jessica brings 25 years of experience in parish leadership, teaching, and writing to St. Thomas. She holds a Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Saint Xavier University, along with specialized studies from the Liturgical Music Institute.
A dedicated advocate for pastoral ministers and church musicians, Jessica is a writer and speaker on liturgical theology and ministry health, served as the founding chapter director for the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), and contributes regularly to national publications and industry projects—including work as an editorial reader for GIA’s Gather, Fourth Edition hymnal and adjudicating for the Associated Catholic Press Excellence in Publishing awards.
Outside of her ministry at church, Jessica is a proud mom of two boys. In her free time, you can often find her walking the grounds at the Morton Arboretum, practicing yoga, or curled up with a good book.
Jessica on St. Thomas
“What I love about St. Thomas is its deep spirit of hospitality and shared ownership. Music ministry isn’t about a single performance or being “perfect”—it’s about creating a safe, encouraging environment where people can pray together. Whether someone is singing in a choir for the first time, ringing a bell, or sitting in the pews on Sunday, I love helping people discover and use the unique gifts God gave them.”
Jessica’s Message to You
“Your voice belongs in our song, and we are so glad you are here with us at St. Thomas.”
