Singing with the St. Ignatius Choir

Read this article by Kate Eschelbach, parishioner, music minister — and be inspired to learn more and become a music minister! Visit stignatiussf.org/liturgical-ministry and come to the Music Ministers’ Open House, Wednesday , August 26, 6:30-9 pm in the Sanctuary! 

Singing with the St. Ignatius choir isn’t something I do just because I love to sing. And I do love to sing! One reason I joined initially is so that my children avoid my attempts to sing the super high, soaring soprano descants next to them in the pews, on our living room couch during a livestream Mass, or even in the Communion line behind them — while they (unsuccessfully) fight the urge to physically back away, shake their heads and roll their eyes like they want to completely disown me. (Which they are justified in doing, because if you’ve ever heard them sing, you know that their voices are so much better than mine!) This happened a lot before joining. It was important that I found a proper outlet. Now it only happens — sometimes! But, it is definitely better than when I was doing that alone in the pews! (You’re welcome, regulars in the St. Joseph section!) If you, too, are feeling a bit like an over enthusiastic pew diva, you might want to think about joining! 

I also keep coming to sing with this choir because of two other powerful things. The first is the people in this choir. I am deeply humbled and moved by their talent and expertise. But, even though they are awe inspiring and serious musicians, I also feel fully at home with this group. They are some of the most loving, caring, funny, professional and passionate people you’ll ever meet. I’m so very grateful that they welcomed me with open arms in their friendship, and mentor me constantly with not only voice lessons but also realistic, grounded encouragement. They continue to be accepting of my highly untrained, but heart felt attempts at making “a joyful noise”. Thank you, my dear choir mates. If you, too, would like to get to know this incredible group of people — you might want to think about joining! 

The second and most powerful thing that keeps me coming back for more is how singing these songs, with this choir, helps me to pray and experience the Mass on a different level. Being surrounded and embraced by a gorgeous four-part harmony and instrumentation takes the words on the page from contemplative to transcendent. St. Augustine said that singing involves both praise and deep love, which is where we get the saying, “he who sings well prays twice”. And for me, it makes these prayers hit home with at least twice the punch. Even when I’m showing up at Mass relating more to “Our Lady of Hot Messes” vs. “Our Lady of Victory”, oftentimes the words to a song will lift me up, help me to hear God’s word more clearly, or hit me smack over the head with a need to remember that God is love — and that today, God is in charge, not me. By singing my heart out to God, and for God, I feel closer to Him in a such a unique way that gives me nothing less than a happy heart in return. Every time. So, if you, too, would like to know what the music can do to help your prayer and more — you might want to think about joining! 

I think that the songs themselves say it the best. So, here are a few of my favorites to end with that help explain it better, maybe, than anything else I can possibly say: 

Here I am, Lord. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. / We are many parts, we are all one body, and the gifts we have, we are given to share. /  All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voices, let us sing. / Sing a new song unto the Lord, let your song be sung from mountains high. / Sing to the mountains, sing to the sea, raise your voices, lift your hearts. / Come dance in the forest come play in the field and sing, sing to the glory of the Lord. / Because there’s a wideness in God’s mercy. / Only in God is my soul at rest. / I trust in God, as I pour out my heart, all is well, all is well with my soul. / So, how can I keep from singing?

Kate Eschelbach, parishioner, music minister