By Christina Leslie | Staff Writer
Hula hoops, whipped cream, eggs and a magnetic board might sound like a recipe for disaster, but the St. Mark Parish music ministry combined these disparate ingredients together to create a harmonious blend of fun and faith.
At their picnic last month, the Sea Girt parish’s two youthful choirs combined for exercises with more than a dose of whimsy, explained Dawne Mechlinski, St. Mark Parish director of music ministry. The 15-member St. Cecilia Children’s Choir, for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, and the 40-member Breath of Life youth ensemble, which invites students from grade six up to college, forged stronger bonds as they celebrated the end of the choir year.
“We do fun, team building games,” Mechlinski said, “such as wheelbarrow pie face, which demonstrates trust in fellow teammates; hula hoop circle, to encourage them all to work together in harmony; name that tune, which creates opportunity for faith sharing; egg toss to build trust); and pin the note on the staff to teach musical theory.”
Both choirs sing during the parish’s 10 a.m. Mass: the Breath of Life sings each week, while their younger counterparts sing twice a month during the children’s liturgy. When they are present, St. Mark pastor Msgr. Sean P. Flynn adjusts his homily to appeal to these youngest parishioners.
Mechlinski noted, “Monsignor comes right over to them and sits on the floor to deliver his sermon. He has a hand-held mic and asks them questions. You never know what they will come out with.”
Even the youngest present are swept up in the music and want to join in, Mechlinski said. “The best part is,” she continued, “We have little preschoolers come up at the end of every 10 a.m. Mass to get a shaker egg or other percussive instrument to play the closing hymn with us! They are so cute.”
Members of both choirs rejoice they are able to worship together with each other and the rest of the parish family.
Choir member Jillian Ludwig, a fifth grader, noted, “I joined the children’s choir about three years ago and loved it ever since. … We grow as singers every day… We learn about the Bible, too, in a fun way.”
“Not only are we ministers to the congregation, music is a form of prayer to God,” said Giuliana Stillo, 20, who has been a memeber the last five years. To worship and pray, while providing prayer and solace for others is truly a spectacular experience.”
Fifteen-year-old Mia Higgins has learned more than music during her tenure with the St. Mark’s choirs. She said, “Individually, we have different talents, but together, we make a beautiful choir. …I try to be a helpful mentor to the younger members. The choir has helped me realize how important the Church is in my life and I know it will stay with me forever.”