In about a month, we are going to have something that we have not had since I arrived here at Resurrection Parish – a Ministries Fair. I have written to the heads of the various ministries and clubs in the parish and invited them to participate by having informational material on what they do and sign-up sheets for new members. We have many wonderful groups in the parish, but some of them “fly under the radar,” doing their ministry with little fanfare. So this will be an opportunity to learn what they do and recruit new members. Since we have two locations, the Ministries Fair will be over two weekends: after the 5 PM Mass on September 14, and after the 10 AM Mass on September 15 at Holy Name Church, and after the 8 AM and Noon Masses on September 22 at St. Casimir Church.

In order to promote the Fair, I have invited a few people to give a witness about the ministry that they are involved in, why they do it and how it has brought them closer to Christ. Even though I don’t sing well, and can’t play an instrument, one of the things I like best is music, and we have a terrific music ministry here at Resurrection Parish. Of course we know about our Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, and Folk Group, but sometimes I think we overlook our wonderful cantors. So I invited Rachel Waldman, who cantors frequently at the 8 AM Mass at St. Casimir. She grew up in St. Casimir’s parish, married her husband Joe there, and then had their son, Joey baptized there. So here is Rachel:

My name is Rachel Waldman. I graduated from St. Casimir’s School in 1998. It was that year I began singing at the church. I was not always a constant in the music ministry. Going through high school, college and grad school I was back and forth with my involvement. But over the last almost 10 years I have been consistently plugged in.

Singing for Resurrection Parish has been a wonderful experience and allowed a beautiful opportunity for my spiritual growth. I have always loved to sing (but am a little self conscious). At mass, I can sing and feel safe, never judged. Because here, it is not not about me or my voice... it’s about the Word of God. For me, it is an honor to spread The Good News through the gift of song. Music speaks to the soul and sometimes can touch a person in a way spoken words cannot. It is truly a blessing to be a part of the communication between the Lord and the People. Thank you all for joining me in song.