Music is an incredibly powerful kind of prayer, showing God’s love for us and our love for Him. In Sing to the Lord a New Song: Music in Divine Worship, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops put forth what music should be like during the Mass: “God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song. God dwells within each human person, in the place where music takes its source. Indeed, God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises”.
Or, as St. Augustine once said, “Singing is for the one who loves.”
Both writings are perfect for those men who sing in the Our Lady of Hope Men’s Choir. Tim Cox directs this choir, which has been in existence on and off since the 1970s. The current group has been together since 2021.
The Men’s Choir sings at Mass on the second Saturday of the month and practices together an hour before Mass.
If you are a man with musical talents, Tim would love for you to step up and use them. It’s unique to have an all-male ensemble, so this is a fantastic opportunity to share your talents for the glory of God. Holy Week is Tim’s favorite time of year for singing at Mass. He especially enjoys the music on Good Friday.
“Singing is not only a great communal experience, with lots of physical and spiritual benefits, but it also helps to enrich the worship of the Church and provide a spirit of reflective prayer,” Tim says.
Sam Mattingly has been a member of the choir for about two years and has always enjoyed singing. After encouragement from some of the choir members, he finally joined. It’s been a great way for him to share his musical talents with other men and the parish. Sam is also glad he joined because he has developed solid friendships with other members.
“It is so important for Catholic men to have that fellowship and support,” Sam says. “Fraternity is a vital part of building a strong faith community, and these are men I know I can rely on when I am struggling with my faith.”
Having other men who share the same faith is so important. Sam says the Men’s Choir is a way to develop those strong relationships.
Even if you don’t have a strong singing voice, consider joining the choir. Sam and Tim both agree that you won’t regret it!
To get involved in the Men’s Choir, contact Tim Cox at 765-490-9147 or tfox@evdio.org.