Lifting their voices: Class of 1964 establishes the Sister Dominica Choir Fund

By Chris Rini Slyman ’84, Advancement Assistant

From the 1960s to the early 1980s, the college preparatory curriculum at Magnificat included choir as a course requirement. During that time, the choir director was the revered Sister Dominica Murphy, HM. Her love of music and dedication to the education of young women made her a favorite teacher among Magnificat students. She was so beloved that Mary Jo Lyons ’64 wanted to do something to continue Sister’s legacy and strengthen Magnificat’s choir program for the future.

In September 2024, the Sister Dominica Choir Fund was established with an inaugural gift from Mary Jo. She reached out to her classmates and asked them to join her in supporting these efforts to revitalize this important program. With each gift, Mary Jo offered to match up to $2,000 for the duration of one year. To date the Class of 1964 has raised nearly $4,000, and this effort continues to gain momentum.

To make things even more exciting, Sister Dominica has been selected for induction into the Magnificat Fine Arts Hall of Fame. This ceremony will be taking place as part of the Reunion Weekend on Sept. 26, 2025.

While the choir program has continued to evolve over the years, most recently as a co-curricular and revitalized as Music Ministry, the focus remains the same: joining together in song and music to express emotion, create connections, and show devotion. Additionally, 21st century learning practices stress the importance of the arts not only as a creative outlet but also to enhance academic achievement.

Now under the direction of Campus Ministry, there are over 18 students participating in Music Ministry, which includes choir, instrumental accompaniment, and liturgical support for Masses and prayer services.

Aliana Rangaya ’26, one of the Ministry leaders, credits Music Ministry with giving her confidence to let her voice be heard and appreciates the friendships she has made through this ministry.

“I love being part of this program because it provides me with a beautiful, supportive community with opportunities to grow in my faith and express myself through music,” Rangaya said. “I love what St. Augustine says: ‘When you sing, you pray twice,’ and I truly believe that!”