Why I'm a Music Minister at St. Ignatius Parish

When I moved to San Francisco in 2018, the stars aligned just so that I landed a block away from a church quite similar to the one I had grown up in. I was recruited for the choir within my first weeks in town and that small, tight-knit community supported me with familiarity and comfort. But, a pandemic and a move across the city left me searching for a new church to call my home. 

It was just about then that my dear friend Sofia said something to the extent of “You must come to St. Ignatius with me, it is truly special.” And at this point, I may be biased, but who couldn’t agree with that statement? Each homily beautifully proclaimed, the sweet hospitality offered each week, a gorgeous physical space, affable parishioners; but my favorite part of all - the music; and the amiable musicians whom I am so grateful to sing with each week. 

Singing in the choir at St. Ignatius feeds me in a way that is different from any other church choir I’ve been a part of. The warmth of the community feels familiar; all are welcome and encouraged and uplifted, whether this is your first time singing in a choir or the umteenth time. What stands out is the wide, varied, and carefully selected repertoire, the elegant instrumentation, and high level of musicianship to which our beloved conductor, Maggie, holds us accountable to. Music here at St. Ignatius is such a beautiful, intentional, and integral part of worship; it feels really meaningful to be a part of.

In life, it seems as though there are always barriers to making a commitment and trying the new thing. We are tired, we are busy, we are so, very busy. But I’m here to tell you that this ministry is a flexible one. So if you’ve been noticing even a whisper of curiosity about getting involved as a music minister at St. Ignatius, I urge you, please come check it out! Talk to Maggie, come to the open house, join us for a rehearsal, you won’t regret it, and we will be so happy to have you.

Andrea Donahoe, Music Minister at St. Ignatius Parish

Sign up today!

On September 21 & 22, learn more and sign up after all the Masses. We are looking for Lectors, Eucharist Ministers, Altar Servers, Greeters and Ushers, and Music Ministers to serve with our Liturgies. We are all called to by Jesus Christ to serve and this is a way for you to answer that call.