Music Ministry
JOYFULLY LIFTS UP
Erika Peterson
Andrew Goldstein
A Note From Fr. Jim: This article was written in early August. Since then there have been further developments in response to the coronavirus. As you read this in September, know that we have and will continue to follow archdiocesan guidelines concerning communal singing. Keeping everyone safe and healthy is a primary concern for us. Thank you for your continued flexibility.
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n mid-July, Saint Michael Parish began singing again, and no one was happier than Andrew Goldstein, Steward for Music Ministries. It was the first time in 17 months that we were able to take part in congregational singing, ever since COVID-19 silenced us in March 2020. Andrew greatly missed being able to have our music ensembles and our congregation sing together during Mass. “Here at Saint Michael Parish, we highly value singing, and prior to COVID, the first thing that struck me is that everybody sang,” he says. “Four years ago, when I started here, it was incredibly moving to be responsible for guiding the congregation in singing and giving them the tools to participate in worship. The strangest thing was that during COVID, especially now, I felt like something was missing. An important part of how we worship together was not there.” In preparation for that special weekend in July, the ensembles were anticipating a very emotional, joyful,
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and uplifting time. “We were ready to give the people the ‘OK’ to sing together and be in community that way,” Andrew says. It is a rebuilding, of sorts, of the music ministry. One of the ensembles in the middle of a rebuilding phase is our Life Teen Band, led by Erika Peterson. Many members had to step down due to the COVID restrictions, but several new members are joining the group. The ensemble plays contemporary Christian music at the 5 p.m. Sunday Masses, using guitars, drums, and appropriate instruments. Like Andrew, Erika missed being with the band during the COVID closures. It was difficult to celebrate Mass with no one present, and she particularly missed not being able to receive Communion. “And when we did come back, we couldn’t sing for a long time, until a couple of weeks ago,” Erika says. “When I came up to the ambo for the Psalm, I was taken back with how overwhelming it was. When I said, ‘sing with me,’ it was pretty overwhelming and
