The St. Patrick Adult Choir has been a family on a long journey, starting in the 1950s with only seven members.  The journey still continues today with a family of 55 members (42 women and 13 men) headed by choir directors Denise Podlewski and Andrea Modugno, who also serves as organist.  Denise and Andrea have been with the choir for more than 17 years." The choir is comprised of people from all walks of life and al ages, ranging from 15 to 80 years young. It includes teachers, registered nurses, private investigators, dentists, office assistants, event coordinators, dieticians, bankers, and salespeople - all with one common bond - a desire to praise and serve the Lord with gladness through song.  The Adult Choir is truly a family in more than one sense of the word.  It includes two groups of mother/daughters, two groups of mother/sons, two groups of husband/wives, and the sister duo of Andrea and Denise.  Members have been with the choir for as long as 38 years and as little as a few months.

The Adult Choir's journey has taken members down the road to numerous membership drives, countless hours of practice in perfecting music and much time and effort spent working on the sound equipment to enhance their sound for the glory of God and the devoted parishioners of St. Patrick.

The choir meets every Thursday evening at 8:00 PM to practice for Sunday's Mass and go over music for upcoming events such as Holy Days, the parish picnic, special functins, etc. - though it is not only work.  Thursday nights include a coffee break during which membes mingle with other members of their choir family - exchanging stories, laughing, and enjoying home made tasty treats.  Choir members believe in working hard together as a team, but there is always a laugh to be had, no matter what.  It is an enjoyable evening for everyone.

The choir's journey has taken members to events such as the tree lighting at the EAB Plaza; a trip to sing at a Mass televised by Channel 9; joining in the intercongregational choir that sings at different places of worship in our community on the eves of Thanksgiving; the parish picnic where the three music ministies (adult choir, folk group, and children's choir) came together for a concert; an annual visit to Sunrise Assisted Living in Smithtown to put smiles on the faces of our elderly brothers and sisters by bringing them Christmas cheer and singing Christmas carols; Sports Plus for Christmas participation; Steuben Day at St. Patrick cathedral in New York City; and at the wakes of family members of the choir to bring them comfort.  And last but not least, the Adult Choir, under the direction of Denise Podlewski, Andrea Modugno, and Doug Carabe, recorded a cassette called "Sweet Sounds of Heaven" and its famous Christmas CD called "We Sing Noel." This was an amazing experience for the choir and there is more to come.

The music that is sung by the choir ranges from classical selections to the top 40 Christian music with a contemporary upbeat flair.  A bell choir was established two years ago to add to the choir's sound during the Christmas and Easter Holy Days.  Backup instruments include a guitar, flute, a digital electric piano, and the organ.

The members of the Adult Choir welcome everyone with open arms who would be interested in joining their wonderful family.  There is always room for more.  Every person adds a certain something to the choir family.  Think about it ... Wouldn't you lie to sing with the choir or join the bell choir?  Reading music is not a prerequisite, only a desire to serve the Lord through song with enthusiasm and dedication.

Here are a few comments by our choir members that might help you make that decision:

"Joining the choir helped strengthen my faith during a very low period of my life."

"Working with Andrea and Denise made me realize what an integral part of the choir they are.  They share with everyone their faith, which is very much alive as witnessed by their talents and their excitement when teaching choir music.  Because of them, when I sing now, every word has such wonderful meaning.  I sing all week long in praise of our Lord.  And it's catching.  I find my family also singing all week long. "

"I have loved every minute of being a member of this choir.  The fellowship and closeness of this group is worth more to me than I couldever imagine.  I consider it to be a great honor to be a part of the St. Patrick Choir."

"Singing in the choir is one of the best and most fulfilling things I've done in my life.  I enjoy every minute and love the people."

"Being part of this fabulous choir and singing for the parishioners on Sunday is truly the highlight of my week.  I look at it as being a perfect way to end the week, or a perfect way to start the week."

"There is nothing more that gives me a feeling of closeness with God and to be able to connect with the priest, the parishioners and the mass than singing with the choir.  I thank the Holy Spirit for guiding me in the right direction"

Let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit and perhaps you too will journey with the St. Patrick Adult Choir.  It is said that "those who sing, pray twice,  so let your praise to God have twice the impact.  Come and sing and join our choir family.  We wuld loe to you

EVERYONE!

Continued on next page...