MINISTRY CLOSE-UP: CHOIR

purpose: to add support, variety, and beauty to the singing of the assembly in liturgy

commitment: sing on Sunday, rehearsal once a week, Tuesday, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m., in the Dillon Center Conference room.

What your Choir Members say about why they do what they do:

“I first joined a church choir some 35 years ago at the urging of my kids. Choir is all about making a joyful sound for the Lord.  Our choir here at St. Anne's is a warm and welcoming group. … I always go home humming the songs we sang during rehearsal.  Come try us out! “ (Mary Betz)

“I have been a member of the choir for over 10 years now.  I have always loved to sing and although my voice is not what one might call "particularly melodious" I blend well with the other voices.  I have met some very nice people and have made lasting friendships with them.  It is a fun group to practice and sing with and although we work hard we all enjoy the music we make.  I am very glad to be associated with the St. Anne's choir.” (Janet Mendolia)

I've joined the St. Anne choir to participate in a ministry, while having fun at the same time.  For me, ministry needs to 'speak' to my spirit, and in this case, it sings!  I had participated in a variety of choral environments, some very structured, since it was classical music.  What I enjoy about the St. Anne choir is the variety of music genres, and the relaxed atmosphere that is reinforced by Rory's ability to instruct and guide the voices without turning the rehearsals into 'work.'  The group is serious about singing, yet not so serious that anyone is singled out for simply doing their individual best.  We enjoy one another's company, and usually reward ourselves with informal and planned gatherings several times a season. (Joe Gurreri)

I joined the choir at Thanksgiving, 1979, after taking a few guitar lessons from another member. We were known as the "guitar mass" and we played in the old church basement for several years until the Dillon Center was approved for masses. Over the years, we grew in size and even had official music directors who introduced us to a wider range of liturgical music. Music ministry has enriched my spirit in ways I could hardly describe. I really believe that those who sing pray twice! Now, as a veteran member, the joy is even greater. I would encourage any one who has the slightest inclination to become involved in liturgical music-making or singing to not hesitate. Answer the Holy Spirit's call and you will never be sorry that you did. (Diane Jadown)

Music makes or breaks the liturgy for me…it helps me feel connected during mass, and it's what stays with me after the service is over. As a newcomer back in 1994, the choir helped me feel part of the parish family. Though I hadn't sung in a church choir since my teens, and didn't know how to read music, they welcomed me with open arms (" Oh, we've got a live one" were Rory's words when I walked into my first choir practice. Tuesday evening rehearsals have become not only a means to serve and see God's message in beautiful melodies, but a great social outlet:  a time to laugh and let off some steam.   Singing your heart out for an hour and a half can really help relieve the tensions of the day!  My choir buddies span several generations (from teenagers to senior citizens), help me look at life (and religion) from different angles and provide me with constant insights and entertainment!  They, the lyrics of the songs, and Rory's amazing knowledge have taught me so much about the liturgy in the past 8 years:  the holy days of our church year certainly hold more meaning than they did before.  (Patty Griffin)

more information? call Rory Cooney, 847-620-3064, or email rcooney@stannebarrington.org