By Sam M. Lucero
Catholic Herald

Hansen sisters lead Amery parish in song

AMERY -- Although only in high school, Gabrielle and Cassandra Hansen are already leaders in their parish. On weekends they lead the congregation at St. Joseph Parish in song. Gabrielle, 17, is a cantor and Cassandra, 14, is organist.

Having been involved in music ministry for several years, the girls, daughters of Terry and Jennifer Hansen, see their involvement as a way to serve the church.

"It's kind of a cool feeling, like when you're not able to donate (money) to the church, but you're still able to give to church," said Cassandra, who also plays guitar and flute. "This gives us a chance to be part of the Mass and do something we love to do anyway."

In addition to singing at their church, the sisters have been members of the Diocesan Chorale, a choir that sings at important diocesan events such as the Chrism Mass.

The concept of stewardship even extends beyond music ministry at church. Last month, Gabrielle sang at the grand opening of Grandma Bonnie's Coffee House in Amery. She decided to pledge all her tips to the parish's church building fund.

When her pastor, Fr. John Drummy, learned of Gabrielle's generous offer, he announced the pledge at Mass and encouraged people to attend her performance. Several people, including their parents and fellow choir members, pledged to match the amount.

Gabrielle's efforts raised $520 for the building fund.

"They've done a wonderful job for our church community," boasts Drummy. "They've been marvelous. I always encourage our youth to participate, and this gives (the sisters) confidence and public presence."

Drummy said he likes music during his liturgies, "even if I have to sing a cappella." Having the Hansen sisters show up for Mass prepared to lead the music when no one is scheduled "takes a lot of stress off. ... I know they can do it."

The sisters are one of four groups to lead their parish in song. Arlene Dado, organist, and her husband Gary, cantor, are one team, and Cindy Morton plays guitar and sings. In addition, the parish choir sings at special occasions such as the recent ordination of Deacon Larry Bauer.

Gabrielle, known to parishioners as Gabby, began singing in the church choir when she was in junior high. "They needed more help with music and one of my friends asked me if I wanted to sing on Sunday," she said.

Cassandra, who is known as Cassie, said she first played the flute at church nearly three years ago. "It got hard for the congregation to follow the melody," she said. "It didn't give it a full sound ... so then I started playing the organ" two years ago.

Having played the piano since about second grade, Cassie quickly learned to play the organ. "I taught myself how to play the organ just because there was a lot more opportunity to pick up an organ piece (at church) than a piano piece."

Both girls study music at Amery High School and at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts in Amery, which is owned and operated by LaMoine MacLaughlin, former choir director at St. Joseph Parish and former director of the Diocesan Chorale.

The sisters have found that performing liturgical music at church has really opened their eyes to a better understanding of the liturgy -- and the connection between the music and the day's Scripture readings.

"It makes the Mass more interesting when you're participating in it," said Cassie. "You can see, ÔThis is where the song fits in here.' It kind of clicks."

Gabbie said music ministry has given her more appreciation for the Mass. "You realize the significance of things and the different parts of the Mass. I didn't realize when I first started that there's so much coordination that has to be done with the songs and the readings. When you're sitting in the pews you think, ÔOh, they just picked out some nice songs.'"

A resource guide "Today's Liturgy," (Oregon Catholic Press), which gives dates and a list of songs, helps the sisters choose appropriate songs. "We go through and read the meaning of (Scriptural passages). We pick out songs that match with it. Now everything does tie together," said Cassie.

The sisters are no longer nervous to play and sing before a church full of people. Nor do they panic when they have to fill in at the last minute.

"I was nervous when I first started," said Gabby. "I never sang before that many people before. Now I can get up five minutes before Mass and pick out songs."

"I've made some pretty big mistakes," said Cassie. "We just kind of laugh about it now. It's no big deal. In church it's not like you're playing a recital. You're there and they appreciate you being there. It's not like the end of the world."

Parishioners seem to appreciate the sisters' efforts, said Gabbie. "They enjoy having people there to help lead. They say that it's nice to see younger people involved."

The two girls are now in high demand for other church related functions such as weddings and funerals.

Last year the sisters recruited other parish youth to sing in a youth choir. They contacted people they knew who sang in the high school choir, as well as other parishioners. A handful of young adults responded. The group sang about three times in the spring and might return this fall.

Both girls will continue their music studies at school this year. Cassie performs in the concert and jazz bands and sings in the concert and jazz choirs with her sister. She also takes piano and guitar lessons at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts, and Gabby takes piano and voice lessons.

After graduation next spring Gabby intends to study music performance at college. "I hope to go into opera performance for a career," she said.

Although unsure where she will attend college, she is certain she will pick up where she left off at St. Joseph Parish -- performing liturgical music.

< Local Archives

© Superior Catholic Herald, 2001