Connection The
KING’S
Music Ministry: SHARING THE T
Cathedral choir members at Mass
Members of the boys and girls choir before Mass
The Resurrection Choir ready to sing for All Souls Day Mass
4
here is just something about having music at Mass that is unspeakably powerful. It lifts up our souls, consoles our hearts, and inspires our spirits. Sacred music brings us to love the Lord with all of our being in a way that nothing else can. Thankfully, our parish Music Ministry recognizes the inherent value of music, as well as what a treasure it is for our parish family. “We have had a big response at the Cathedral and there are quite a few groups of people who volunteer to help with the music,” says Assistant Music Director and Parish Organist Gabrielle Manion. “In a way, the faith of the congregation can be in our hands — we can either enhance their worship experience or detract from it. It is an honor and a responsibility to worship the Lord so publicly.” The Music Ministry encompasses several groups who generously give their time and talent to help parishioners worship Our Lord at every Mass. It includes the Cathedral Choir, which plays for the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass; the Folk Choir, which plays for the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass; the Boys and Girls Choir, which sings about once per month at various Masses; and the Resurrection Choir, which provides music for funerals. Amazingly, each choir plays an essential role in communicating the message of God’s mercy. “For example, the members of the Resurrection Choir offer a ministry of presence by volunteering to sing at all of the funerals,” Gabrielle says. “It is a great ministry, which represents the parish community offering their support.” Ultimately, musicians such as Gabrielle find that by dedicating themselves to the Music Ministry, they are making a return to the God who created them. “I have always enjoyed music, and it has brought me much joy,” she says. “I began taking piano lessons at a young age and started playing for church in middle school. I now play the organ for the Cathedral Choir and piano for the Folk
