English Choir Honors God and Lifts Our Worship Through Stewardship of Talent

Most of us are likely familiar with the saying — often attributed to St. Augustine — “to sing is to pray twice.” Here at St. Francis Xavier Xavier, English Choir Director Matt Cabeen cites the ancient proverb with the same meaning, as quoted by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal — “Bis orat qui bene cantat.”

We are so blessed to be surrounded by beautiful music in our parish, thanks in part to the English Choir members under Matt’s direction. He is thankful we have so many people willing to give their time and talent to music.

“Jesus calls us to invest all of our talents, whatever they are, and so we have a duty to Him to use whatever talents we have for His glory and service,” Matt says. “Those who can sing should raise their voices! This may be in the choir or just in the pew at Mass, according to a person’s station in life and other responsibilities.”

As Matt notes, even singing along at Mass is a form of stewardship, engaging in prayer through song and giving of your talent. But if you would like to hone your talent and meet new people, consider getting involved with the English Choir! The group practices Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. and has an average of 15 to 20 members. Because our choir loft has room for social distancing, the choir is still practicing and singing at weekend Mass during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I, for one, am very thankful that we have been able to continue our music ministry because of its importance to worship,” Matt says. “It brings joy to our parish at a time that has been difficult for so many.” Matt enjoys being part of and directing the choir. Having served as director for nearly two years, he is so honored to work with choir members who not only have beautiful singing voices but also strong faith lives. He is blessed by their willingness to share their talents in giving praise to God. “We are most fully human and most fully alive when we realize our potential and develop the powers that God has given us,” Matt says.

Then, there’s the community that is fostered through the choir, for which Matt is also thankful. The members are there for one another and pray for one another.

Matt also appreciates the emphasis on beautiful music by Fr. O’Brien and the young people who also add to the music at our parish.

“It’s great having young people involved in this ministry because it means that we have a sustainable and vital program,” Matt says.

Matt is especially grateful for every person, whether in the choir or in a pew, who adds to the music at St. Francis Xavier Xavier. It takes everyone, from the choir members to cantors to all the instrumentalists, to fill our parish with beautiful music.

Matt also wants parishioners to know they can reach out with song ideas and feedback at any time. He also asks parishioners to thank cantors, choir members, and instrumentalists when they have an opportunity.

“I want to invite people to come to sing with us,” Matt says. “We’re a friendly, open group, and there’s no commitment. And, even if you never set foot in the choir loft, sing loudly when you’re at Mass, because singing honors God and, again, is a mode of prayer.”

If you would like more information on getting involved in the choir, please contact Matt Cabeen at matthew.cabeen@ gmail.com or call the parish office at 405-372-6886.

The English Choir sings at the Dedication Mass in early March 2020.