Music, community, and fun: how a children’s choir connects kids to faith

Every Thursday evening from September to May, a dedicated team of volunteers gathers to
provide a one-of-a-kind ministry at St. John the Evangelist in Hamilton.

Chairs are set up; posters of music and prayers are hung on the walls; and stickers and a special
snack are arranged for the children to take home. Soon, the children arrive, ranging in age from
four to 12, each one wearing the red T-shirt featuring the slogan “My Soul Sings” that acts as
the choir’s uniform. For the next 45 minutes, the children sing, laugh, learn, play, and grow – all
at no cost to them.

The St. John’s Children’s choir is truly a community-based choir. It offers free choral training to
everyone in our community, using music to teach children about faith. Currently, the choir
draws children from three different faith traditions, as well as families without church
connections. Anyone, regardless of musical education or faith background, is welcome.
The choir is directed by Susan McKay, a lifelong parishioner at St. John’s and a retired
elementary school music teacher. Under Susan’s direction, the children sing a variety of styles
of music, as well as receiving training in theory, ear training, solfege, and performance skills.
Several times a year, the children are invited to share their music at the Sunday service, and the
children also perform in “mini concerts” held throughout the year offered during the regular
Thursday rehearsal time – ensuring that time and travel commitments are kept to a minimum
for busy families.

The impact of this ministry is profound. Recently, a seven-year old chorister named Andy
created a poster to help publicize the choir that captures how much the children value their
choir experience. The poster shared various aspects of the choir routine: The Chorister’s
Prayer, the Evening Collect, the choir performing, and the choir selling cookies and lemonade at
our annual fundraiser. Andy, who took on this project completely on his own initiative, proudly
shared that his poster took three hours to make. His pride in his work, both at choir and in his
art project, is a testament to the deep connection that both the children and volunteers have to
this ministry.

As to the listeners, not only are their hearts touched by the children singing, but the choir see
the impact of their music through the smiles and – yes, sometimes – tears of their audience.
The St. John’s Children’s Choir is happy to accept new members each January and September –
no audition necessary. If you have any questions, please direct them to Susan McKay
at smckay0424@cogeco.ca. Additional information is available on our website
at rockonlocke.ca under Worship.

Emma Reilly McKay