The Recovering Choir Director

An article by Mary Gorry about the St. Agnes Cathedral music ministry in Rockville Centre, N.Y. As the online article omits the final paragraphs of the printed one, they are included below.

“My favorite music at Mass is contemporary or gospel music,” said Mr. Kelly. “I think it changes the pace of the Mass, makes it more fun.”

“I love to sing all of it,” added Ms. Sullivan, “but I enjoy traditional music the best because it brings back memories of singing with my parents and grandparents. It is something I will always share with them.”

Mrs. Helfenstein prefers traditional music at Mass, but when she is not singing, she loves “to hear the boys!”

For all the members of the St. Agnes music program, however, music is an essential part of Mass. “It lets you feel the words, not just hear them,” noted Ms. Sullivan. “Music gives people at Mass another way of being spiritual that is different and more exciting than spoken prayer,” said Mr. Kelly. “Music is so important to prayer,” Ms. Helfenstein agreed. “I was taught that singing is next to godliness.”

“St. Agnes Parish, like the world, is a diverse place,” noted Mr. Bower. “With 14,000 people coming to Church, you have many walks of life. I want to minister to as many people as possible. With different choirs and different styles of music, hopefully we can touch as many people as possible.”