THERE’S much more than singing and worship of God going on when members of the Cathedral of St Stephen Choir are together.
The choir is made up of five sets of brothers and four fathers and their sons.
Adding to the dynamics, family origins of choir members extend to Burundi, England, France, India, Ireland, Lebanon, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Scotland and Vietnam.
Members are gaining valuable insights into multiculturalism.
“The notion of multiculturalism is a rather emotive one these days,” one of the dads, David O’Connell, said.
“… As in many parts of the world, including within some communities, there is conflict between peoples of different cultures and faiths.
“One place in Brisbane where people of different cultural backgrounds work happily together is the cathedral choir … where its members are united by their Catholic faith and love of music.”
The choir sings for the 10am Solemn Mass in St Stephen’s Cath-edral each Sunday.
David said family members were “further involved in the liturgical life of the cathedral” as Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, saying they are “one, big, happy family”.
The choir has concerts and occasionally tours, with “fun excursions” organised for the younger members and “dinners or bowling evenings” for the men.
“Regular sausage sizzles give the full choir family a chance to socialise,” David said, “(And) boys and men receive a good musical education and a small honorarium.”
He invites other men and boys to join them.
More information can be obtained by phoning the St Stephen’s Cathedral music director Ralph Morton on (07) 3336 9104 or emailing mortonr@bne.catholic.net.au
