Songs of praise

Singing and faith are two of Claire Ginley’s passions. Through her involvement in campus music ministry, the senior music therapy major unites the two to lead UD’s congregations in worship.

Ginley began singing in sixth grade at her local Mass in Cleveland and continued to do so through high school. In spring of her freshman year at UD, she took up the calling once more,  volunteering to sing with music ministry during Sunday Mass in the chapel.

Doing so has played a pivotal role in Ginley’s faith, she said. As a kid, she found it challenging to connect with church. 

“It felt like a chore,” she said. 

But once she got involved in music ministry, that all changed. Learning and repeating the words and meanings of different hymns and songs helped her grasp their significance and she started to see Mass in a different light.

“It gave me purpose, drive and appreciation of the services,” she said, “It’s a very prayerful practice, and I feel blessed to be able to do it.”

Last fall, Ginley took her involvement with UD’s music ministry a step further. She completed a mini course to learn more about liturgy and its history and took on the role of an undergraduate music minister. She plans, organizes and executes the 8:30 p.m.  Sunday Mass, leads weekly liturgy and serves in large campus Masses like Welcome Weekend and Family Weekend, among others.

One of Ginley’s favorite parts of music ministry is the diverse range of talented musicians and artistic styles it’s connected her to, she said. Whether it’s getting to work with nontraditional ensembles — the 8:30 p.m. Mass, for example, includes jazz musicians — or involvement with different choirs, like Ebony Heritage Singers, a gospel choir directed by Rev. Dr. Dona Cox that combines sacred Catholic music and contemporary gospel styles, it’s the diversity of music she has come to appreciate.

As a music therapy major, Ginley regularly plays and produces music— an opportunity to gain hands-on experience specific to her education and future career.

But Ginley said she would recommend music ministry to all students, regardless of major. 

“If you have a gift and want to use it, do it,” she said.

“There's plenty of jobs or ways to volunteer, and plenty of flexibility to figure out what fits how you worship … anyone can benefit.”

Ginley called the experience a true joy so far. “It’s been such a blessing to collaborate and use our gifts to worship. We’re meant to be together and to worship together.” 

Through music ministry, Ginley has played a key role in helping UD’s campus do just that.