Why I am a Music Minister #3

I was attracted by the beauty of St Ignatius choir's singing at the Requiem mass last year, and my sister also sang there, so I asked to join. As I live far from church, I hoped to commit only a week at a time. At the first choir rehearsal, I was impressed by how wonderful people sang and eventually more by their friendship and kindness. People were happy to see each other and there were sincere concerns or admiration, a little smile, small gesture, or simple question that usually brought stories to share. I sing Alto, and lots of times I need to lean on the Alto Leader or a stronger member and everybody is so willing to help. They would let me stand by the Leader or sing louder so I could follow. Although I've sung before, I'm actually learning how to sing again after joining the choir. I am currently taking voice lessons and a music theory class offered by the choir. I really appreciate the teaching and I am learning.

There is a genuine desire from the music director and associates to share their great musical talents to help people understand songs' logistics, sing better and be happy about it. I love the chosen songs' melody, harmony, relevance to the Masses, and the singing challenge. I've always found in songs words or phrases that touched my heart and brought me closer to God. Singing in the choir is healing to me personally because there is so much joy and consolation felt that my issues become very small. Most meaningfully, the choir is actually a community of faith, love and action to me, where we praise God, proclaim His Good News, share our love, and hopefully by touching someone's heart with our songs, gently invite them to love and action too. 

An Hong, music minister at St. Ignatius Parish

Come Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 6:30 pm to the Music  Ministers' Open House at St. Ignatius Church. Learn more about becoming a Liturgical Minister through music.