What does your ministry do?
The music ministry facilitates the singing at Mass.

What drew you to this ministry?
From an early age I have had a love for music and for the church.

How long have you been with Saints Peter and Paul?
I started attending Mass at Saints Peter and Paul in December 2009.

What special talents did you have that might enhance your skill in this ministry?
I was a public school music teacher for 33 years and a Roman Catholic parish music director for 35 years.  I am a French hornist with the Bay Brass quintet and a brass and woodwind adjudicator for the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA).

 What do you gain from this ministry?
I once read that the pastoral musician must learn to love the sound of a singing assembly above any other musical sound.  I want to thank the worshipping communities I have been a part of for teaching me that lesson.

What would you say to a parishioner if they wanted to volunteer, that might not consider this ministry except for your recommendation?
Just think of the familiar hymn title, “How Can I Keep From Singing.”

What other ministries have you been involved with and why?
In the 1990’s my wife and I were a team couple for Pre-Cana in other parish to strengthen the commitment to the vocation of marriage.

Why do you volunteer?
Think of the line from Psalm 116: “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?

Other comments that you would like us to know.
Consider the question, “Who is the most important music maker at the Mass you attend?”  The answer is always, “The individual in the assembly.” 

Although it is true that worship is like a theatrical production, Danish theologian Soren Kierkegaard shows us that the roles are turned inside out.  The ministers are only the prompters, the congregation are the actors—and the audience is God.