Why I am a Music Minister #4

ART. SPIRIT. COMMUNITY.

Greetings! I’m Mary Jo “MJ” McConnell, celebrating my one year anniversary as a choir member. 

My “art” as an actor/singer had been paused during the pandemic and big move from NYC to San Francisco…I found it here.

My spirit was depleted by my career pause during the pandemic and transition…I found it here.

My community was 3,000 miles away, but I found one here.

As if that wasn’t enough, my dormant singing voice has been reinvigorated and my sight reading skills amplified.  Full disclosure: I am a professional actor/singer, mostly in the realm of National Tours of Broadway musicals, but I am still in touch with my high school choir teacher and the former director of the NYU Choral Arts Society, because they were foundational to my love of music. Maggie and Ray will guide you, no matter your background, because they are committed to this artistic expression. Sometimes the music is challenging and requires practice at home to master. Sometimes when my alarm rings at 6:30 AM on Sunday morning, I want to pull up the covers and snooze, but I always feel better after singing at the 10am mass with friends. 

I am so grateful to this congregation for your support and encouragement when I step forward to cantor—it is a blessing to be of service. 

I hope you are reading this testimonial because you were moved to sing during mass. Our purpose is to inspire you to deepen your spiritual experience through song.  Perhaps you don’t feel that your voice is “good enough” or you don’t know how to read music or somewhere along the line you were shamed into silencing your creativity.  What are you searching for?  Join us and make a joyful noise.

Mary Jo “MJ” McConnell,
 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.