by Mary Jo “MJ” McConnell, music minister at St. Ignatius Parish
Greetings! I’m Mary Jo “MJ” McConnell, celebrating my one year anniversary as a choir member. My “art” as an actor/singer had been paused during the pandemic and big move from NYC to San Francisco…I found it here.
I was attracted by the beauty of St Ignatius choir's singing at the Requiem mass last year, and my sister also sang there, so I asked to join. As I live far from church, I hoped to commit only a week at a time. At the first choir rehearsal, I was impressed by how wonderful people sang and eventually more by their friendship and kindness.
by Stephen St Marie, music minister at St. Ignatius Parish
If you ask Barbara, she will tell you why I joined the choir. She will say I was having a hard time sitting still in the pew with my wriggly fidgety children who were driving me crazy with all their wriggling and fidgeting during mass. She will tell you she pleasantly suggested I join the choir.
by Maura Lafferty, music minister at St. Ignatius Parish
Maura Lafferty, music minister at St. Ignatius Parish, has "had the occasion to know musicians associated with major symphonies and professional choral societies on the West Coast, as well as former directors of the music program at St. Ignatius." Why is she a music minister? She quotes a Jesuit who served with St. Ignatius for a few years: “Maggie Warner is a treasure.” Read her piece and bring your talent to church!