For St. Mary’s parishioner Rosa Ramirez, singing in the choir during Hispanic Masses feels almost like praying twice.
“I feel like God can hear my prayers when I am singing,” Rosa says. “I connect to God through singing to Him with all my heart.”
Rosa sings in a choir led by Antolin Garcia — one of two choirs that rotate every other week to lead the Mass attendees in sung worship during our Spanish-language Masses.
Our Hispanic choirs also sing during special liturgical celebrations throughout the year, such as funerals, Christmas Masses, and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Antolin’s choir gathers to rehearse the music for our liturgies every Monday and Wednesday, and for Rosa, the practices feel more like family gatherings than rehearsals.
“We’re like a family — everybody helps each other,” Rosa says. “Sometimes we gather together, have dinner, and just have fun. And we have a group chat where we can message each other, and if anyone has any problems, we can message each other, talk, and pray to the Lord. It’s beautiful.”
Anyone is welcome to participate in our parish choirs, whether you are an experienced singer or someone who just enjoys proclaiming the psalms in song. Our Music Ministry also offers opportunities for cantors to lead the assembly in song, third- through sixth-graders to participate in our Children’s Choir and instrumentalists who would like to share their talents alone or with any of the above groups.
For Rosa, participating in the Music Ministry represents an act of stewardship — it’s a chance for her to engage in something she really enjoys while simultaneously growing closer to Christ through her singing.
“When I started going to church again, I wanted to do something to serve God and to give thanks for what He has done for me,” she says. “I like being there and singing for Him — it’s wonderful.”
For more information, contact Jane Salzl at 320-256-3087 or fredsfarm@meltel.net; Antolin Garcia at 320-336-8090; or Anastasio Robledo at 320-557-5062.