I recently was baptized, received my first Communion and was confirmed into the Catholic Church. The majority of my friends were not sitting in the pews; instead they were singing from the choir loft. The music they provided was beautiful, emotion-evoking and enchanting. Throughout high school, we sang a mix of religious and secular music, but I always felt that the religious pieces were more empowering and provided more satisfaction. Religious music played a great deal in my decision to pursue and understand a faith, my faith.
As a freshman seeking extracurricular activities, I knew a choir was something I definitely had to be a part of, and the Liturgical Choir was a perfect match for me. Days after trying out, I received an email informing me that I had been accepted and that rehearsal was later that week; it was an awesome feeling. The friends I made in the choir were very friendly and very enthusiastic about the work they did each week. Every minute spent with the Liturgical Choir was a minute I spent closer to understanding my faith.
When I had decided that Catholicism was the faith that I had been searching for, I wasted no time and was ready to commit myself. When I found out the Rite For Christian Initiation for Adults class conflicts every Sunday with the 10 a.m. Mass that the Liturgical Choir sings at, I was torn; do I pursue the music I love or the faith I love? Thankfully, I did not have to choose one over the other; through the collaboration of Dr. Andrew McShane, my choir director, and the Dillons, who ran the RCIA and Confirmation classes, I was thrown into a hectic schedule where I would attend rehearsals, extra classes and extra Masses each week. I was willing to do whatever was necessary. Through this hectic schedule I was able to meet my current godfather, Scott Boyle, who was the greatest teacher, supporter and friend I could have ever met. He patiently answered every question I had concerning Catholicism and was with me every step of the way.
This passing Easter Break was the most important weekend in all of my life. It was a period of spiritual and moral transformation. I needed Catholicism because it gave me something to believe in and hope for. It completed me.
Thanks to the University of Notre Dame Liturgical Choir for being such a great family. Thanks to Dr. Andrew McShane and Mary Catherine Levri for being the greatest directors. Thanks to John and Silvia Dillon for running such great programs. Thanks to Scott Boyle for being the best godfather anyone can ask for. Saint Ambrose, pray for me.
Contact Wei Lin at
wlin4@nd.edu
The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
