By Beth Lema
To sing is to pray twice, according to St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo. It is said that St. Augustine meant that singing adds to our praise and worship of God by using our voices as gifts, with which we can make song to the Lord. Singing is the prayer that expresses the joy within our hearts and in the happiness we receive from encountering the love of Jesus Christ. It is that love that rests with our Music Ministers, whether they play an instrument, use their gifts to sing, or direct and lead our Music Ministry. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated and talented music ministers here at St. Elizabeth Seton to help bring us into prayer and the encounter with Jesus at our masses.
As each of us sing and respond from the pews, I wondered: When did these music ministers realize they had a voice to use to proclaim God’s word through singing? When and why did they join the choir? What is their favorite part of the liturgical year? And if they had to describe in one word what they enjoy most about singing, what would it be? So, I contacted several members, and these are their responses.
Margaret Biggs said she realized she could sing in seventh grade when a nun approached her to sing in a new children’s choir. Her voice was prominent in her teaching career. Retiring, she moved to Arizona and first became involved at her local parish in the East Valley. Several years ago, Margaret moved to the West Vally where she continued her singing, and two years ago found and joined our parish choir. Margaret not only sings but also lectors. She said she “feels a joyful completeness when singing the music, especially with the different voices surrounding me. It is truly a complete way to pray.” Easter is her favorite liturgical time of the Church Year.
Manny Camilon remembers getting into choir in Catholic school at an early age. His teacher quoted St. Augustine by saying “Singing is praying twice….and some of you boys need it!!!” He continued singing while in college in church and choral groups and now you can find Manny singing with the 9:00 am choir. Manny also cantors on occasion and enjoys singing the traditional hymns.
Nancy Reaven remembers singing as a young girl in her church choir. In High School she joined the concert choir and was selected to join a group called the J.B. Singers. As an adult, she did not sing as much as she did in her younger years, but after being invited by Manny to join the 9:00 am choir, she began singing once again. Nancy stated that she did not realize how much she missed singing and was challenged to learn how to read music once again. She said that she feels enjoyment when she sings and especially enjoys the Cantatas, crying at their endings from pure joy and relief!!!!!
I am sure that all the talented voices that are in our choir would have similar stories. Perhaps you have your own talented voice that you are using from the pew on Sunday as you sing from your heart. Consider if God is calling you to share that talent by joining our choir. It you are moved to join, stop by and see Steve Raml after mass. It can be rewarding and fun and enhance your sense of community, connection, creativity, and most importantly, the sharing of your gift with God’s community.
