MUSIC MINISTRY ALIVE!

DAVID HAAS is the founder and executive director of MMA, and presently serves on the campus ministry team at Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, and is the director of the CDH Liturgical Choir.  Highly regarded as one of the pre-eminent composers of liturgical music in the English-speaking world, he has over 45 original published and recorded collections of liturgical music.  David continues to remain active as a composer, cantor, workshop leader, recording artist and concert performer, and has authored over 25 books in the area of liturgy, music ministry, youth ministry, religious education and spirituality.  An international advocate for the cause of music and youth, his music has been sung and prayed throughout the world and appears in hymnals of many Christian denominations and in many languages. David says that MMA is the best thing he has done with his life, and we all quite agree!

LORI TRUE is formerly from New York and New Hampshire, and has served as the Associate Director of MMA since its inception.  Lori is presently Campus Minister and Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.  She is well known as a master cantor, liturgical music composer, workshop leader, author, concert performer, and recording artist.  Lori has made significant contributions as a composer in linking together the important threads of worship and symbol with the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching in her three popular collections of liturgical music with GIA: “A Place at the Table,” “There Is Room for Us All,” and “Let This Be the Time.”  A mother of two daughters, she works very hard for MMA, not only during the week itself, but also in the preparations both creatively and administratively. Lori leads the Liturgy team that shapes the common prayer for all MMA participants during the week, and also leads the Liturgical Leadership Track.  MMA could not happen without Lori’s hard work and passion!

FR. RAY EAST serves as the Pastor for the week of MMA.  It is difficult to describe Fr. Ray, but all would agree that he is a joyful part of the heart and soul of MMA, and his passion for faith and young people is infectious!  He is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington DC, and has been involved in music his entire life, as well as being active as a community organizer, activist, and a leader in evangelization and social justice ministries.  He is a former winner of the National Pax Christi Award, and formerly served as the Director of the Office for Black Catholics for the Archdiocese.  Presently he is Pastor of St. Therese of Avila Parish in Anacostia, and is very active as a speaker, preacher, and workshop leader.  MMA would not be MMA without Fr. Ray!

TIMOTHY WESTERHAUS was a youth participant during the first three years of MMA.  Presently a Doctor of Music candidate in Choral Conducting at Boston University, is also the Director of Choral Activities at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.  Tim formerly served as the chairperson for the Standing Committee for Youth for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and for past several years, has served as the musical director for MMA, coordinating the music for the many liturgical celebrations during the week, and for the final MMA Festival “Sing.”  Tim really knows how to pull good music out of young people, and we know that this summer will be no exception. 

MATT REICHERT is an MMA alum, who teaches History, Theology and Economics at St. John’s Preparatory School as well as St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota.  This past year, Matt served as Acting Principal, and now, he and his wife Theresa, are the proud parents of a little baby girl.  For many years, Matt was on the staff of the St. John’ Boy Choir, and has sung in many ensembles and directed many musical theatre productions as well.  Matt serves as one of the mangers during the week of MMA, as well as being a part of the Liturgy Team; and has sung on the recordings of David Haas and Lori True.  Matt is a quiet, but most integral member of the MMA leadership, and we are blest by his dedication to the cause.

JESSICA GARCEAU comes to us from Foley, Minnesota, and is an alumna of St. Catherine University, the annual home of MMA.  Active in parish and campus ministry her entire life, Jes was a former youth participant at MMA, and is currently a Business Analyst at the Target Corporation in Minneapolis.  She has a deep love of liturgy and music, being a former member of the campus ministry team at St. Kate’s, and as a choir singer for many of the recordings of David Haas and others.  A most generous and hard working servant, Jes serves on the leadership team as one of the managers during the week, making sure that MMA goes smoothly.  She is a most valued member of the leadership of MMA.  God has truly blest MMA with Jes’ passion and commitment. 

KATE CUDDY serves as one of the vocal track leaders during MMA and has been an important part of this program since its inception.  Originally from Iowa, Kate has served as local and national advocate of young people through her work with the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry.  A former high school music for many years, Kate is presently Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Naperville, Illinois. A published liturgical composer herself, she has sung and played on the recordings of David Haas, Marty Haugen, Michael Joncas, John Foley, Fran O’Brien, Lori True, Stephen Petrunak, Paul Tate, Ricky Manalo, Tony Alonso, and far too many more to mention.  We are so glad to have Kate back to MMA this year!

BISHOP REMI DEROO is our very special guest this year, as we celebrate the beginning of the 50^th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council.  Born in Manitoba, Canada, Bishop Remi was ordained Bishop of Victoria, British Columbia in 1962, and immediately headed to Rome where he participated in all four sessions as one of the Council Fathers at Vatican II.  Retired since 1999, he has dedicated the years since as a active lecturer as one of the few surviving Council Fathers.  His tireless energy and passion for the pastoral spirit of Vatican II is an amazing gift to the Church, and it is an amazing blessing for us as he will be a living embodiment of our theme for this year, “Breathe Your Spirit Into Us.”  With great joy we welcome Bishop Remi to MMA 2012!

DAVID DREHER brings many years of vocal performance and teaching experience to MMA, and has done so for many years. Formerly David was a professional opera singer who specialized in tenor character roles in many opera companies in the Pennsylvania area and beyond.  David is truly a wonderful “character” who shares these gifts lavishly with the MMA community as one of the vocal track leaders.  He also formerly served as Cantor-in-Residence at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, and presently directs a very diverse and lively music program at St. Kilan Parish in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

BOBBY FISHER has been a part of the background of many liturgical composers and artists over the years, having played on the recordings of Joe Wise, Carey Landry, Ed Gutfruend, Jack Miffleton, The St. Louis Jesuits, Marty Haugen, David Haas, Michael Joncas, Lori True, Ricky Manalo, Bob Hurd, Ian Callanan, Rob Glover, Tony Alonso, to name only a few.  One of the leaders of the MMA guitar track, Bobby has several published instrumental, liturgical and children’s music collections, and is the Director of the Guitar School for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Bobby’s artistry, humor, and deep faith has been a part of MMA since the beginning, and we are so blest to have him back again in 2012.

TJ SEDOR-FRANZAK is a wonderful young man from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, where he is an active parishoner at St. Germaine Parish.  A three year MMA alum, TJ has a wonderful spirit, and we are excited that for MMA 2012, he will part of our equipment and logistics team.  Always positive and conscientious, we are so excited that TJ is on the team this summer.  Welcome back to MMA TJ, we are so glad you are with us, and part of the team!

CHRISSY FRITZEN is from the twin city area, and this is her second year as a member of the MMA team, after attending for several years as and adult participant.  Chrissy has been active for many years in her parish as a music minister, liturgy and environment committee member and leader, lector, eucharistic minister – the whole lot!  Chrissy is a joyful woman of faith who shares her gifts generously, and we are so glad she is with us in 2012 again as one of our fearless dorm counselors!

BECKY GAUNT is a Florida native who now lives in Minnesota (as a result of her long lasting relationship with MMA as both a participant and as a team member).  Becky has been a parish musician since she was a little girl, and received her degree in Music at Florida State University.  She is now working on her master’s degree in Violin and Vocal Performance at the McNally-Smith School of Music in St. Paul.  During the week of MMA Becky has many responsibilities as a member of the Liturgy Team, as a staff accompanist, and in assisting with the string players during the week.  Becky is a sweet presence on the team, and we are so happy she is with us.

DAN GERSHGOL is a native Minnesotan, and an MMA alum.  A very talented drummer, percussionist and guitarist, Dan will be assisting with the Percussion Track, and will serve as drummer/percussionist for many of the MMA liturgical celebrations during the week.  Dan presently lives in Duluth, and stays active in music in both parishes and in other settings.  So glad Dan is back!

MARY HUNT is a member of the St. Catherine University faith community at Our Lady of Victory Chapel, and is new to MMA this year, serving as one of our staff accompanists.  She is a freelance piano soloist and collaborative pianist specializing in both vocal and instrumental chamber music and accompanying.  She has been active as a private piano teacher, teaching at Luther College, and at St. Joseph School of Music in St. Paul.  A consociate candidate with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, May holds graduate degrees from Boston University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  We are so very happy that Mary will be a part of the MMA family this summer!

PAUL KEEFE is Director of Instrumental Music at Benilde-St. Margaret’s Church in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and is an associate music minister at Holy Name Parish in Medina, Minnesota.  Paul wears many hats during MMA – leading the brass track, and as the director of sound for the many liturgical celebrations and events that take place during the week.  Paul is a humble servant who gives generously and works hard to help MMA go smoothly, and has been a part of this cause since its very early years.  MMA is truly the beneficiary of this blessed man.

FR. ALAPAKI KIM is a priest of the Diocese of Honolulu, serving as pastor of St. Rita’s Parish in Nanakuli, on the island of Oahu.  Native born and of Hawaiian descent, Fr. Alapaki has dedicated much of his life and priestly ministry in building up the Hawaiian people, and working in advocacy for Hawaiian concerns both in civil and Church matters.  Fr. Alapaki’s wonderful smile and love of young people shines through the week, as he serves as a dorm counselor and as a member of the Peer Ministry Leadership team.  Fr. Alapaki truly lives in the spirit of God, and that comes through in everything he does during the week of MMA.

JOEL LOECKEN is a native of Minnesota, and has been involved with young people for many years as a parish youth minister, and more recently, as a high school theology teacher.  He presently is on the theology faculty at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in St. Louis Park, and is also active as a football and baseball coach.  Having a particular interest in Catholic Social Teaching, he has done much to promote this link with all areas of Catholic life, especially with young people.  During the week of MMA, Joel serves as a dorm counselor and as a member of the Peer Ministry Leadership team.  A true mentor and man of faith, we are glad he is back with us again in 2012.

DOMINIC MACALLER hails from California, where he is presently Director of Music at Padre Serra Parish in Camarillo.  Dominic has many roles during the week of MMA – vocal track leader, and also as one of the piano and composition teachers.  A published composer himself, Dominic has been an active member of “Anawim,” a highly regarded liturgical music ensemble that has been part of the liturgical music ministry of Bob Hurd for many years.  An experienced conductor, teacher, singer, instrumentalist, composer, and arranger, Dominic shares all of these gifts with the MMA students. 

MATT MAUS is an MMA alum, and is presently Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Joseph’s Parish in Waconia, Minnesota.  Matt serves as our equipment manager during the week of MMA, and also helps out with various other tasks throughout the week – and he does so with joy!  Matt is a wonderful witness of generosity and together with his team, MMA moves throughout the week like a well-oiled machine!

ROBIN MEDRUD is a highly regarded voice teacher and parish music director, having served many parishes in the twin city area throughout the years.  She is presently Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in St. Paul Park, Minnesota, and her wonderful singing voice has been heard on many of the recordings of Michael Joncas, David Haas, Marty Haugen, Rob Glover, and many more.  Robin possesses a unique talent for teaching combined with a real love and care for her students, and MMA is truly blest that she shares these gifts with the vocal track students who work with her.

PAUL, WANDA, AKALA & KINOHI NEVES are from Hilo, Hawaii and both individually and as a family, serve the cause of Hawaiian culture and concerns both on the Islands and beyond.  Paul has been an international crusader for Hawaiian sovereignty at the Hague in Switzerland and at the Vatican in Rome; and is a “Kumu Hula” (recognized teacher of Hula) of many students in Hawaii and in various parts of the mainland United States, Wanda is a gifted hula dancer, and their children Akala and Kinohi have continued this most important legacy. Akala has recently graduated from the University of Portland, and also a “Kumu Hula.” Kinohi is presently a student at the University of Hawaii in Political Science and Hawaiian Studies.  Both are alums of MMA, and the entire Neves family bless the spirit of MMA in a most sacred way.  We are honored that they are part of the MMA family.

FR. FRAN O’BRIEN is brand new to MMA this year, serving as the leader of the composer track and as part of the adult track team.  Fr. Fran is a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, and has several original liturgical music collections and recordings with GIA Publications.  Some of his pieces, such as “Shepherd of My Heart,” “When We Eat This Bread,” “You Are All We Have” “Maranatha Come,” “Nativity Carol,” “Sing Alleluia,” and “Wood of the Cradle” have become staples in the liturgical repertoire.  His gentle spirit and love of the liturgy will be welcome gifts to our community this year. We welcome Fr. Fran to MMA!

PATRICE PAKIZ has been involved in liturgical music for many years, and presently is Director of Music at St. Thomas Becket Church in Eagan, Minnesota.  During MMA Patrice serves as a pianist, as well as being our oboe teacher.  She has played with numerous orchestras, ensembles, and Irish music groups, and has also been a part of the liturgical recordings of Michael Joncas, Marty Haugen, David Haas, and many others.  A dedicated musician and minister, we are delighted to have her as part of MMA each year. 

BOBBY PORTER comes from Park Ridge, Illinois, and this is his first year as a team member for MMA.  A former MMA youth participant, Bobby is a talented pianist, clarinetist, cantor, and composer, and presently studying at Northwestern University, where is is majoring in the Integrated Science Program and Molecular Biology, while at the same time minoring in Spanish.  He is very involved in liturgical music music as the music director for the 9:00 p.m. Mass at the Sheil Catholic Center on campus. Bobby is also part of the Christ the Teacher Institute, a Catholic scholars program integrating scholarship, leadership, faith and service.  This summer Bobby will be helping us out as one of our staff accompanists, and will be a part of the Liturgy team.  We are excited to have Bobby on the team for MMA 2012!

ROB STRUSINSKI is from the twin cities in Minnesota, and has been an important part of MMA over the ears.  He is recently retired after serving many years as Director of Chapel Music at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, as well as being the director of its Liturgical Choir.  Sought after as a choral director and clinician, Rob has also been very involved in musical theatre over the years, serving as music director for numerous productions at the University of St. Thomas, St. Catherine University and many other professional and semi-professional companies throughout Minnesota.  Rob was the director of the National Choral Director's Institute for  many years with the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and this year Rob will be back leading one of the vocal tracks and teaching voice. Welcome back, Rob!

JIM WALDO has been involved in music his entire life, as a string bass player, singer, composer and in recent years, as a parish director of music.  Having degrees in instrumental performance and composition, Jim can be heard singing in the choir for many liturgical recordings over the years by David Haas, Marty Haugen, Lori True, Michael Joncas, Fran O’Brien, Ricky Manalo, Ian Callanan and many more.  During the week of MMA he serves as one of our staff accompanists, and as our bassist during the week.  Welcome back, Jim!

MARY KAY WERNER is married and the mother of three children; her oldest, Jackie, is a MMA alum.  Mary Kay has served in education for many years with young people, primarily as a guidance and crisis counselor.  During the week, Mary Kay serves as one of our dorm counselors, and helps out in many other ways during MMA.  It is great to have her back again this year.