Singing and Making Melody to the Lord
Once a month, a special ensemble of singers gathers for a weekend Mass to share their gift of music with the community. The following reflections are shared by three parishioners who have actively participated in the group:
I’ve been involved in music for most of my life, though I’ve never really thought of myself as a singer. I began playing piano around age seven and picked up a few other instruments in the years that followed. By high school, I was losing interest in piano, but God had other plans. I was asked to fill in on piano one weekend after the liturgical musician at my parish resigned unexpectedly. That moment ultimately deepened my appreciation for sacred music and led to a career as a liturgical musician that lasted through not just the rest of high school but also college and medical school.
Not long after I started playing piano at church, someone I didn’t know reached out and offered to teach me to play the organ for free. I later learned that this person had been taught under similar circumstances and had sought me out to pay it forward. It was through this stranger's generosity that I learned everything I know about playing the organ. When I served as a music director, I also took up singing, realizing how important it was to this work. I see God’s hand in that, as I had always been too shy to sing, even in a group, before then. Singing did not come naturally for me, and it’s something I’ve been working to improve ever since.
Today, you’ll often see me with my wife and three daughters at the 11:15am Mass on Sundays unless I’m working. Occasionally, I sing with this group, or you might find me at the piano or organ for other Masses when Sebastian is away. Singing with this group over the past year has been a tremendous blessing. The fellowship is wonderful, and I know I’m a better musician because I’ve had the opportunity to work with these talented singers. Sebastian has a gift for finding beautiful music beyond the typical modern American Catholic repertoire and selects arrangements that highlight each vocal part.
Whether with this group or another, there is very likely a place for you in music ministry. I encourage anyone who is considering becoming more involved in liturgical music to reach out and see what journey God has in store for them.
—Brendan Carr, Parishioner
I have been singing in church (and other) choirs since I was in 2nd grade. It has been a great blessing since music has such an impact on my soul. I love praising God through music and God is pleased when we share the talents that He has given us for His glory! When we moved to Rochester a year ago, we weren’t ready to commit to weekly rehearsals and singing at Mass almost weekly since my husband and I both wanted to participate and arranging a babysitter so frequently would be too much.
This ensemble has been perfect for our schedules since we only rehearse once before singing at a Mass and we only sing about once a month. It has been low-key but still challenging since the music selected usually requires rehearsal at home. The group has forced me out of my comfort zone since I’m more accustomed to large chorale groups where I’ve felt more “hidden”, but I’ve loved the opportunity to grow in my vocal confidence. It has taken a lot of trust in God to not let the worldly pressures of vocal performance hinder my ability to serve the church in this way. I’ve had to let go of my pride and focus on musical worship of Him. He is the only audience that matters and sharing our musical abilities is a calling from Him to serve His Church.
Sebastian selects a lot of the music we sing, but he also uses our suggestions as long as they’re appropriate for Mass and our group’s size. We need more (women) singers!! If you (or someone you know) love to praise God through music, have experience in choirs, and are comfortable learning your part on your own prior to rehearsal, please prayerfully consider joining! The group is a lot of fun, and with more singers, we can expand our music selection.
—Rachel Weigel, Parishioner
Music has always been a big part of my life, but I primarily began my involvement in liturgical music through the youth choir at Holy Spirit Catholic Church led by Cathy Nelson. Cathy has a talent for working with young singers and did an amazing job at getting kids excited to participate in mass. I also sang in liturgical choir at Lourdes High School and continued singing with church choirs through college, graduate school, and into my working life. I also was fortunate to sing in the Iowa State Singers vocal ensemble from 2012 to 2016 and performed around the country in places like Salt Lake City and New York City.
When my family and I moved back to Rochester in 2023, I wanted to start an ensemble that could perform advanced works from the treasure trove of liturgical music of the Catholic Church. I knew immediately that Sebastian would be the director to ask about this as he shares the same passion for that music. I have been amazed at some of the pieces that he finds for us to sing; some were written hundreds or even almost a thousand years ago by ancient Catholic musicians. We started out as just a quartet of singers but now we have grown into an ensemble that regularly has 8-10 singers. I hope to see the group continue to grow into a larger choir and that the music we sing can help the congregation lift their hearts to God. If you have any interest in joining our group and have experience singing in liturgical choirs or performance choirs, reach out to one of our members or to Sebastian.—Sam Weigel, Parishioner