The one who sings well prays twice – St. Augustine

Dear Friends,
Today’s gospel tells us the familiar story of Jesus curing ten lepers he encounters on a journey. Only one of the ten even realizes he’s been healed and returns, glorifying God, to thank Jesus. Ironically, this one was a Samaritan, clearly one of the outcasts of Jesus’ time.

The idea that one could not even realize a blessing intrigues me as I read this story and it prompts me to think about the blessings in my life for which I am grateful. One of those I’d like to write about today is the music ministry I’m privileged to lead here at Padre Serra.

I am thankful to God for calling me to minister in this parish where important ingredients for a successful music ministry are present in abundance. For example, there is a wealth of talent in this community in children, youth and adults. Just as importantly, those who share their talent are willing to do so in a consistent and accountable way. Another great blessing I find here is a real dedication to the ministry of music, and the conspicuous absence of pride, ego, and a performance- for-my-own-glory mentality. Our singers and instrumentalists bring their gifts humbly to the service of the community, conscious of the Source of those gifts. Our gracious God makes the whole greater than the sum of the parts ... and we have fun!

A vibrant music ministry like ours brings challenges with it as well as fun. The growth of our choirs, for example, has been steady over the years . The administrative requirements of that expansion, like ensuring that all participants have the right music in their hands at the right time, can be daunting. But we have choir members who not only sing, but also give of their time to organize all the music and keep the library in order. Trying to create a budget for music purchasing for a group that keeps expanding is another challenging aspect to the blessing of growth. 

When I face a room full of music ministers, eager to rehearse and prepare
music for the glory of God, I feel a tremendous responsibility to use that time well, so I spend significant time in planning and preparation. As I do that, I am conscious of the support of this community. Often people speak to me between masses or at other parish events and tell me how our music ministry has blessed them and comforted them. I carry this with me and I share it with my fellow music ministers, as we joyfully go about this work that God has called us to do, “giving thanks to God always, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.”

Siempre Adelante,

Dominic MacAller

Worship Minister
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Currently, the 9 AM (aka Adult) Choir has 67 members, the 11 AM
(aka Youth/Young Adult) Choir has 22 and the Children’s / Middle School Choir has 32. Our Instrumental Music Ministry (aka the Upland Road Band or URB) has 15 participants.
Colossians 3:16 (paraphrase)

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