3 minute read
Music Ministry: Sharing the Joy of Our Lord in Song and Praise
There is just something about having music at Mass that is unspeakably powerful. It lifts up our souls, consoles our hearts, and inspires our spirits. Sacred music brings us to love the Lord with all of our being in a way that nothing else can.
Thankfully, our parish Music Ministry recognizes the inherent value of music, as well as what a treasure it is for our parish family.
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“We have had a big response at the Cathedral and there are quite a few groups of people who volunteer to help with the music,” says Assistant Music Director and Parish Organist Gabrielle Manion. “In a way, the faith of the congregation can be in our hands — we can either enhance their worship experience or detract from it. It is an honor and a responsibility to worship the Lord so publicly.”
The Music Ministry encompasses several groups who generously give their time and talent to help parishioners worship Our Lord at every Mass. It includes the Cathedral Choir, which plays for the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass; the Folk Choir, which plays for the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass; the Boys and Girls Choir, which sings about once per month at various Masses; and the Resurrection Choir, which provides music for funerals.
Amazingly, each choir plays an essential role in communicating the message of God’s mercy.
“For example, the members of the Resurrection Choir offer a ministry of presence by volunteering to sing at all of the funerals,” Gabrielle says. “It is a great ministry, which represents the parish community offering their support.”
Cathedral choir members at Mass
Members of the boys and girls choir before Mass
The Resurrection Choir ready to sing for All Souls Day Mass
Ultimately, musicians such as Gabrielle find that by dedicating themselves to the Music Ministry, they are making a return to the God who created them.
“I have always enjoyed music, and it has brought me much joy,” she says. “I began taking piano lessons at a young age and started playing for church in middle school. I now play the organ for the Cathedral Choir and piano for the Folk Choir. It has always been natural for me — a calling on my life and a way for me to share my talents while I worship God.”
A young cantor leading the psalm at Mass
Cathedral choir members singing at Mass
Our parish musicians also understand that they are dedicating themselves to bringing the stewardship vision to life as well.
“I definitely think of it all in terms of stewardship,” Gabrielle says. “I have put a ton of work into developing my talent over the years, and I feel that if I don’t use it, it would be a big waste of what God has given me. It is also a special talent that is needed today — not many people learn to play the piano or organ anymore. Playing music for our church is a great way for me to be a faithful steward of my gift.”
Ultimately, the ministry’s music is a profound prayer that reaches the heavens, blessing all those around.
“Playing music for God is such a beautiful way to give of yourself,” Gabrielle says. “When I am singing with others, I am always struck by the fact that I am sharing the fruits of my experiences and my spiritual life. I mean what I sing, and I believe in it!”
