Musicians bring joy to liturgy

When it comes to music at weekend liturgies, Joe and Barbara Kraus of Gilboa should know how to keep a congregation's attention: They have been music ministers for more than 25 years, 20 in the Archdiocese of New York and the remainder at Sacred Heart parish in Stamford and its mission, St. Philip Neri in Grand Gorge.

Peg Vamosy, who has been a liturgical musician for most of her adult life, said, "I grew up singing in the choir. I've always wanted to play Church music. I learned how to read music before I could even read words."

The team of musicians provides accompaniment at all weekend Masses, plus special services like Easter, Christmas, funerals and weddings.

Creative side

Mr. Kraus usually plays an electric keyboard, while his wife serves as cantor, leading the congregation and choir in song.

He prefers the keyboard over the organ because it allows more creativity with contemporary music. But he turns to the organ for "more traditional music."

At St. Philip Neri Church, Ms. Vamosy and another musician, Marlena Nickerson, offer guitar music. "The guitar really is suited for the more contemporary songs, and that's what we usually sing at Grand Gorge," she said.

Ms. Vamosy played guitar at liturgies in Ecuador while a member of the Peace Corps. She continued to do so as a lay missionary in Central America for several years.

Getting together

The music team plays together only on special occasions, such as Christmas and Easter, because they are busy providing music for Masses at the two churches.

Because they think music is such an important part of the liturgy, they make sure that none is celebrated without musical accompaniment.

"We believe that our music inspires people," Mr. Kraus said. "We hope it makes a difference. Some of the older folks in our parish are more comfortable with the more traditional music. Some of our younger parishioners really like the newer music. We try to provide a mix so everyone enjoys the experience."

Added his wife: "Our style might be called ecumenically eclectic."

("I appreciate them all very much," Rev. Joseph Arockiasamy, pastor, said of the music team. "Music is the lifeblood of the liturgy; there really is no life in the Mass without it. Our musicians provide a wonderful service to all our people.")

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