I have been at Saint Richard’s Church since 1989, when I first joined music ministry. I was hired as a part-time employee to work with the Children’s Choir starting in 1999. Working with the children of the parish for special Masses, such as Christmas Eve, has been a great joy. I began directing the hand bell choir several years ago and currently work with eleven ringers, known fondly as the “holy ding-a-lings.” I have the privilege of working with our Music Director, Betsy Sullivan, who outlines the music that I prepare with the ringers and the children. My responsibilities include:
 
· Teaching the children to sing for Jesus as they try to listen to their neighbor to blend. I also try to answer questions they have about liturgy, God, and Jesus.
 
· Teaching the children some moves during the music because it can be hard to sit still for too long and it makes it easier for us to focus during the non-singing parts.
 
· Directing hand bell rehearsals each week, working toward a monthly melding with the vocal choirs for Mass.
 
· Recruiting new members. We could currently use an on-call ringer to fill in for our vacationing retirees!
 
· Helping people engage in the liturgy experience by joining together our love of God in music.
 
I have another job in an adult day program at a social service agency in Northeast Minneapolis, so I do not keep office hours here at the church, but I can be reached via email.
 
A little about my background: I have a degree in music therapy and music education.  Helping people engage in the music experience plays into my spirituality. Joining together our love of God in the music, playing, and singing for our Creator is the "high" I  feel as a musician and pray it enhances everyone's worship experience. I have one grown daughter who is also a hand bell ringer. My siblings live across the country so I have great adventures on road trips from Philadelphia to Colorado!