What Does your ministry do?
The music ministry provides the music for all the weekend masses, for Holy Days and all other times during the church calendar year where music is required by leading, singing, and joining the congregation in celebration.
What drew you to this ministry?
I was a teenager when I first became involved in the Music Ministry at my local parish in 1971. It was called Folk Group at that time. It was a new way of enhancing my participation at mass and expressing myself through music. In addition, it was a wonderful way of socializing with my peers.
How long have you been with Saints Peter and Paul?
I have been a member of the parish family of Saints Peter and Paul since 1989.
What special talents did you have that might enhance your skill in this ministry?
I never considered myself as having any special talents. I have a tremendous love for music, one that goes back to when I was young. I do not play any instruments but God gave me the ability to sing. That was one of his many gifts to me and I enjoy singing his praises each week with that gift.
What do you gain from this ministry?
I have gained the confidence over time to be able to not only lead the congregation in song each week but am now able to reflect on what I am singing and realize that my singing has become another means of prayer. St. Augustine of Hippo is often quoted as saying “He (or she) who sings, prays twice” It is a mis-quote but one that I have come to firmly believe in.
What would you say to a parishioner if they wanted to volunteer, that might not consider this ministry except for your recommendation?
I’m very blessed to have such wonderfully talented and dedicated people who sing with me each week. Many of them have been involved in the Music Ministry at Saints Peter and Paul much longer then I have. So many Graced moments have occurred for all of us through our participation in this ministry as a group, not as individuals. That is what makes it such a very special ministry to serve in. I think if you asked any one of them why they chose to participate in the Music Ministry, they would all be in agreement that their decision came from the heart. So I would suggest quiet reflection and lots of prayer. Let God call you to the ministry he wants you to serve in.
What other ministries have you been involved with and why?
I am a member of the Knights of Columbus council associated with the parish of Saints Peter and Paul. The K of C allows me another avenue in which I can serve and help the parish. I have participated and continue to participate in the RCIA program here at Saints Peter and Paul. RCIA became a way not only to assist those individuals inspiring to become initiated in to our Roman Catholic faith but also provided me with a means of growing in my own faith. I am currently a first year student at the Pastoral Formation Institute
(PFI ). Along with the education PFI provides me, it is a means of discovering more about my relationship with God and with all of Gods people. It is a journey that I have just begun and am not sure where the road can and will lead me. I’m leaving that in Gods capable hands.
Why do you volunteer?
I get great joy and personal fulfillment each week by participating in this ministry. I know of no better way to give back to God the gifts, grace and love he has bestowed on me then to sing his praises and to minister to His people at every opportunity that is presented to me.
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