By Dorothy K. LaMantia | Correspondent

For many along the East Coast, Long Beach Island is the traditional destination for summer vacations and family reunions.   Every June, July and August, the island’s population swells with families who have returned for years, if not generations, claiming it as their summer home.  Catholic families who are part of this seasonal homecoming cherish St. Francis of Assisi Church, Brant Beach, as their summer parish –and the feelings are mutual.

 For many years, the family of liturgical musician and composer, Thomas Kendzia, has been among those who celebrate the season at LBI.  Kendzia, whose music is published by Oregon Catholic Press, is a much sought-after performer and presenter at national and diocesan catechetical programs. On July 21 he presented a concert to benefit the music ministry for his summer parish as he has for the past 12 years.

Michele Beck, coordinator of the parish music ministry, welcomed the audience and introduced Kendzia – as “a member of our Church family.”

From his seat at the piano, Kendzia announced, “This is not a concert, it is a sing-along,” and the 150 people in the pews did not disappoint. Opening the hymnals on cue, their voices resounded and filled the sanctuary with the melodies Kendzia selected from his diverse repertoire.

“I love chant, spirituals, classical, jazz,” he explained. “I write in different styles so you’re not singing the same thing for an hour.”   He led the Gospel-style “Wade in the Water,” with the comment, “It is fitting to sing this on LBI.  I live near the ocean as you do, and water is essential to our experience of faith.” The audience stood, embellishing his piano with spirit, swaying, and hand-clapping.

Members of the parish music ministry accompanied Kendzia: Ray Bohn on upright bass and trumpet, Paul Pestritto on organ and keyboard, Davie Weiner on flute, and Lorraine Fielding on organ. Michele Beck and two youth cantors, Robert Connelly and Francesca Brown, provided vocal back-up and performed solos.

The voices in the pews did not waver throughout the hour-long concert, a sign of their love of Kendzia’s gifts and presence and also source of pride and amusement for parishioners and parish staff members. “We are a singing church, a singing people,” said Franciscan Sister Pat McNiff.

“Tom is a performer, but it’s hard for him to get a solo in, because the congregation can’t stop singing,” Theresa Cassata said with a chuckle.

  “The sound of the people singing speaks to my heart,” said Tom Copera, who lingered at the sale display of Kendzia’s music collections. “I attended a workshop Tom gave here, and I had to be here for this, I just bought a CD of his and I look forward to playing it.  It was important for me to be here to hear him.” 

“I loved his concert,” said Mary Budesa, who attended in spite of a recent illness. “A lot of our choir music was composed by him.  His songs are so spiritual, and they make me feel so good.  His music is on in my house as I dust and vacuum.  His words are close to my heart.  It was important for me to be here tonight.”

For 30 years Kendzia has been director of music in Christ the King Parish, Kingston, R.I. In 2011 he dedicated his song “The Hands of God” to Michele Beck and the music ministry of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.