Music Ministry: Sharing Talents To Bring Our Faith Community Closer To Christ

Not only does our Little Falls Catholic Community share the members of our Music Ministry among Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Mary’s, and Holy Family churches, but the ministry members themselves also share their time, talent, and treasure to help bring us closer to Christ during the Liturgy.

There are small groups, cantors, and occasionally a choir to participate in.

“We hope we can have seasonal choirs starting, now that we can sing together again,” says Judy Smith, who serves as Liturgy Coordinator at St. Mary’s and takes care of scheduling for Our Lady of Lourdes. “A lot of members move back and forth between churches, and share their talent with all three parishes in the tri-parish.”

Any parishioner interested in music is welcome to join the ministry, especially if he or she has musical knowledge or experience.

“We welcome anyone who wants to share his or her talents to give glory to God,” Judy says.

Music Ministry members have found that as they are sharing their talent, they also are growing in their faith as they participate in Mass.

“I think as musicians we’re more engaged in Mass,” Judy says. “The words of most songs are scriptural, and I think even with that, you’re constantly learning. You hear things differently and things click from the readings. Music ties it all together for us, the readings and the music.”

There is no doubt that the Music Ministry members embrace stewardship. They offer us a prime example of stepping forward in support of our church.

(From left) Music Ministry members Darlene Brand, Greg Brand, Don Goligowski, Ron Miller, Deb Collis, Madelyn VanRisseghem, Clair VanRisseghem and (front) Maria Waytashek

Members of our Little Falls Catholic Community Music Ministry are looking forward to gathering in larger numbers. This group includes (from left) Gene Retka, Michael Retka, John Lauer, Alice Middendorf, Monique Sobania and Zachary Sobania.

Members of our Little Falls Catholic Community Music Ministry are looking forward to gathering in larger numbers. This group includes (from left) Gene Retka, Michael Retka, John Lauer, Alice Middendorf, Monique Sobania and Zachary Sobania.

“One person said that it ties in — we are called to share our time, talent, and treasure, and doing it with music is just a natural way to do it,” Judy says. “That’s how we share our faith with others. I work with some amazing people who have taught me how important it is to pray first to know how I can use my Godgiven talent. We pray as a group together to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We pray to give our gifts back, focus on Him and not us. We’re not performing, we’re working to enhance the Liturgy.”

The hope now as the calendar moves closer to Advent and Christmas is that the ministry will be able to come together as a larger choir.

“That’s the hope that we’ll be able to do it,” Judy says. “A lot of people like to sing in the choir, and choirs are beautiful. They make Christmas and Easter even more special.

“People in the Music Ministry love music and want to give back to God, the gifts we’ve been given,” she adds.

(From left) Music Ministry members Trish Tenold, Gail Geyer, Jacki Retka, Karl Smith, Bishop Donald J. Kettler, Becca Czech, Deacon Craig Korver and Judy Smith.

Interested in joining the Music Ministry either as a singer or musician? Please contact Judy Smith at 320-630-5320 and she will pass on the contact information to the appropriate music group leader.