Possible way to get more choir members?
  • Hilary CesareHilary Cesare
    Posts: 75
    Suggestion: Schedule schola/choir practice after 8pm to make it accessible to young parents.

    I am a young mother of two. Most young parents (esp mothers) cannot attend practices that happen between 5-8 or so because of little ones' bedtimes. I am thrilled that schola practice here is from 8-9:30. I can get the little ones in bed and drive off to sing chant and polyphony! It's really quite refreshing. I realize a later practice may not always be ideal for everyone, but it has been invaluable to me.

    Just thought I'd suggest it! And thanks, Arlene. : )
    Thanked by 1canadash
  • canadashcanadash
    Posts: 1,501
    Do you sit with your little ones at Mass, or does your husband take care of them? How do you feel about sitting away from your family if that is the case and how does he feel about taking care of the little ones if he must do so?
  • Hilary CesareHilary Cesare
    Posts: 75
    The schola sings at the 7:45am Mass. So I slip out before they wake up and am back by the time they are fed and dressed (by my husband). We can then either go to Mass as a family at the later morning Mass (with regrettable music), or sometimes my husband goes to the 8pm alone.

    A couple of times he has taken them to the Mass while I sing, but it's quite an effort to get everyone woken up and ready that early. My husband seems happy to take care of them for an hour a week,

    Perhaps if parents at your parish don't have the option to go to another Mass as a family they might be willing to sing every other week or once a month or something?
  • Carl DCarl D
    Posts: 992
    Wonderful idea, Hilary.

    My wife sang in the choir for many years, and I was responsible for corralling our two kids and teaching them the right behavior in church. It worked out great, and also modeled how important it is to be involved. As the kids got older I was able to volunteer for more things myself.

    It was important for the two of us to talk a lot about how to raise children and share the decision-making.
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