In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus makes it clear that children are important — “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).
Parish liturgical musician Cody Lucinda Biggs believes that children have a place in the Mass and that their beautiful singing voices should be heard. She wants to build a choir of children ages 3 to 10 to sing before and possibly during weekend Masses. Cody would like to have the choir start with singing on the third Sunday of the month.
“Choir participation molds their development as future members and leaders within the Catholic Church,” she says.
When Cody started working as a cantor at the parish, she had considered starting a choir. There had previously been an active choir, but its efforts were halted in the wake of the pandemic.
“I just want there to be opportunities for our youngest parishioners,” Cody says. “This could allow them to hear God’s voice.”
Music has been a part of Cody’s life for as long as she can remember. She’d love to use her talents to help little ones share their talents.
“Just like grownups, these little ones want to serve Jesus and want to be part of something,” Cody says. “They have such beautiful little hearts, and I want to help them shine with their love for Jesus.”
Cody hopes to grow the choir to sing weekly at Mass. She’d also love to teach the children some traditional Latin chants.
“I can just see that these kids would blossom in faith along with their parents,” Cody says.
Having a large and vibrant choir is Cody’s dream. She knows that involvement from a young age can set the children up to be lifelong ministry members.
“For the child, it builds confidence,” Cody says. “It will grow their love for music within the liturgy. When they start young, it can really grow.
“It would be so beautiful to hear our youngest parishioners sing at Mass,” she adds. “They are so innocent and pure — it doesn’t get any more holy. They are the future. There will maybe even be a future priest that finds their calling through this choir.”
Cody has a priest friend from Nigeria who told her something that has always stuck with her.
“He says in Nigeria, the adults want the children to pray because their prayers ‘pierce the heavens,’” she says.
And when it comes to choir practices, Cody hopes to make those fun, too, and would like to have some coloring and snacks as part of practice.
To learn more about the Little Angels Choir, contact Cody Lucinda Biggs at littleflowersacademy@aol.com.