The title of this 1869 hymn by Robert Lowry perfectly describes how we can respond to God in song during the liturgy. At St. Charles, opportunities abound to express that enthusiasm. Hand bell choir, for youth and adults, meets Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m. You do not have to read music to participate. Choir practice is also Wednesday, from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Hispanic Choir and ensemble meets Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Margaret Hochla, Director of St. Charles’ Sacred Music and Liturgy, says auditions are not necessary for the choirs. Come talk with her and try singing a few Sundays to see how you like it. More voices are always needed in all choirs.

Cantors and Psalmists practice Wednesdays from 8:00-8:30 p.m. They are the folks who proclaim the Gospel Acclamation and Psalms. These volunteers possess leadership skills and have spiritual authority as disciples or seekers. Secondarily, they should have an accomplished voice.
Professional or nearly so instrumentalists who wish to donate time and talent are also welcome. If you can’t sing, ring a bell, or play an instrument, but would like to support music in the church, monetary donations allow hiring professional musicians for special liturgies at Christmas and Easter.
Lest the rest of us think we are not noticed, Margaret reminds us that the congregation’s singing is also of crucial importance. She says, “We have sung prayer and God is praised. That includes everyone, and that dialog is profound.” An old proverb says, “Singing is praying twice.”
She also suggests that “everything old was once new.” Give new music a listen and a chance. “Amazing Grace” may have sounded strange to those who first heard it in 1831.

Music is one part of a larger program that encompasses many aspects of our spiritual lives. The Worship and Spiritual Life Committee, under Margaret’s direction, is responsible for planning and maintaining environment and art in the liturgy and the Parish. A recent project is the Memorial Garden, near the Kastner Conference Room on the southeast end of the Parish Office building. The large wooden cross was made by Vince Brady, Director of Religious Education. Buried beneath the cross and the garden are names of our deceased loved ones, which we submitted during the month of November, the month of All Souls. The garden was blessed and the names buried on November 13, 2009.

The committee also organizes events and provides prayer guides for the liturgical seasons. Examples of this are the St. Joseph’s Day Dinner (March 19th) and the prayer booklets for Advent and Lent that are available on the table near the organ and piano. The committee currently has 6 members and welcomes new volunteers.

Margaret has been Director of our Parish’s Sacred Music and Liturgy Ministry for about a year. Prior to being with us, she provided music and choir direction for St. John Nepomuk in Yukon, St. Francis Xavier in Enid and St. Andrews in Moore. She has been playing organ and piano in churches since she was in high school.