“Singing is a language that leads to the communion of hearts.” — Pope Francis

Saint Benedict Parish continues to be blessed with a vibrant music ministry that uses three different musical styles at our weekend Masses. From the very beginning, the parish has enjoyed the gifts of many who fulfill the beautiful description offered by Pope Francis.

I had a chance recently to talk with Music Coordinator Phil Marmen about the evolution and growth of the ministry. I learned that at present there are 20-25 individuals involved in choirs and the worship band, with a dozen or more on hiatus due to COVID. It takes a significant commitment of time to achieve just the right sound, create just the right ambiance, and lift us up in worship.

Individual musicians practice on their own and then gather for a rehearsal each week, depending on the group. On the day of Mass, they arrive 30-90 minutes before Mass to tune up, check the equipment,
and do a sound check with our audio technicians. During Mass, they sing parts of the mass, as well as a gathering song, an offertory song, a song for communion, and a closing song.

Songs are carefully chosen to raise the congregation in praise and worship. The vocal range called for in each song must accommodate congregational singing. Phil, his wife Sarah, Matt Vaughan, and Paul Lang find new songs for the band that are a good fit for their voices and instruments, as well as engaging for the congregation. From time to time, parishioners with musical gifts come forward with an interest in joining a choir or the band, which is always welcome.

COVID required our music ministry to adapt and make changes. You might remember a period when the church was closed and the livestream Mass featured pre-recorded black and white videos of the band’s songs. Since reopening, the band and choirs lead music live, but with reduced numbers at the Masses.

Phil is excited about opportunities to expand and refine the music ministry. On the technical side, the band is beginning to integrate in-ear monitors. Band members are able to hear what they need to hear while allowing the sound in the church to be well balanced, thanks to individual ear pieces.

They are open and excited to try new things. You may recall how Phil surprised us with his beautiful cello playing at our recent Lenten Mission. You may have noticed the music ministry has a growing selection of recordings available on the parish YouTube channel, YouTube.com/SaintBP. They will continue to add individual songs to the channel, as well as streaming special events like Praise and Worship Nights.

The next big development is more exciting than any technology. It is the hiring of a full-time Music Coordinator. This role expands greatly on the current coordinator role that Phil is stepping down from, and it will provide additional support for ministry leaders as well as give some breathing room for added creativity and growth.

We can look forward to becoming an even stronger “community of hearts” with the help of our talented, dedicated musicians.