A Catholic Priest Urges Choir Members To Lead Congregation with Reverence and Skill

A Catholic priest, Father Francis Damaseke, has urged choir members to always remember their crucial role in leading the congregation to actively participate during the Eucharist celebrations.

In a day-long retreat organized by St Patrick’s Parish (area 18) Choir Council, Fr. Damaseke highlighted the power of music in worship and the responsibility which choir members bear in bringing divinity to the people.

During his presentation, Fr. Damaseke emphasized that singing, when performed with respect and skill, can elevate the spiritual experience of the congregation, at the same time warning that poorly sung hymns can have the opposite effect such as dehumanizing the congregation.

He further encouraged choir members to incorporate local tunes into their performance while maintaining the church’s Gregorian chanting tradition.

He among others reminded them of their role as agents of love, to always work as a team while ensuring proper coordination between the choirs and the parish priest.

Acknowledging the challenges that choir members face in their calling, Fr. Damaseke emphasized the need for perseverance and reflection on their spiritual lives.

He called on them to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth and deeper faith.

Speaking after the retreat, Chrissy Makhambera, Chairperson of the Parish Choir Council, shared that the event was one of several initiatives planned this year to foster spiritual growth and unity among choir members as they prepare for the upcoming Lenten season.

The retreat, which was followed by a self-reflection Mass, united all six choirs of St. Patrick’s Parish, offering choir members a chance to renew their spiritual journey and deepen their dedication to their calling through choral music.