Music Ministry is an important group that is often unrecognized for its efforts. They encourage the community to use their voices to lift each other in praise during school Masses, building a stronger, more unified family sharing a love for God.
Tim Johnson, the moderator of this group and teacher in the Fine Arts Department, selects music that will support the theme of the Mass and resonate with the student body. The group spends time learning the music Johnson arranges and rehearses several times leading up to Mass.
Although the preparation is extensive, it is important for students to see their peers in leadership roles, as this fosters a sense of belonging.
For Johnson, seeing students foster their musical talents for a higher purpose is particularly rewarding because of his own experiences playing music professionally in church. “My favorite memories are seeing students use their talents for God,” Johnson said.
Similarly, singer Flannery Hipp shares how singing brings the community together. “My favorite thing about singing at school Masses is that I’m able to see all of the students, faculty, and staff coming together to celebrate Mass, and I get to do my part by lifting us up in song,” Hipp stated.
This belief in the power of music aligns with the purpose of Music Ministry: to help our school express their faith through song.
According to St. Augustine, “He who sings, prays twice.” Additionally, Scripture includes many instances of people praising God. Paul in Ephesians 5:19 declares that we should speak amongst one another “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord.”
Music Ministry not only enriches school Masses with beautiful songs but it also nurtures a sense of unity and faith, reminding the community that, through music, they can praise the Lord.
