FOOTPRINTS OF THE GOSPEL CHOIR
On several occasions during the 1990-92 timeframe, the African American Catholic Concerns Ministry invited African and African American priests and gospel choirs from area churches to St. Thomas to worship. The group's goal was to share a style of worship through song, praise and prayer that is unique to the African American culture and the universality of the Catholic faith.
During one such visit, the vision for St. Thomas to form its own gospel choir was born. The African American Catholic Concerns Ministry sought input from fellow parishioners and Father Pat Holyrod before pursuing the vision. Following prayer and input from several sources, a gospel choir was founded.
On February 20, 1993 , the St. Thomas a' Becket Gospel Choir provided music for our worship service for the first time. There were nine members and for several years, led the singing on the second Saturday of each month at the 5 p.m. Vigil.
The present choir director is Rhonda Glaude' and the accompanist is Larry Driver. There are twenty members and the choir leads the singing on the second and third Saturday of each month at the 5 p.m. Vigil.
CHARITY
Love of Neighbor
But above all these things have charity,
which is the bond of perfection.
Col. chapter 3; ver. 14
The St. Thomas a' Becket Gospel Choir is ever prayerful, organized and connected. Praising God in song is only part of our ministry—We Love and care for our Neighbor.
For the past seventeen years, we have . . .
* Participated in worship services at St. Thomas a' Becket
* Participated in programs at area churches
*Over a 7-year period, sponsored the Support Our Seminarians (SOS) Campaign
through which the choir and parishioners supported two seminarians in Nigeria ,
Africa and purchased vessels and vestments when they were ordained priests in
2006. Both priest presently serve in Africa .
* In 2007, sponsored two ladies through the Christian Foundation for Children and
Aging (CFCA).
* In 2008, collective donation made to INOVA Health System Foundation's Life with
Cancer Center in memory of deceased choir members.
We are proud of our parish and it's achievements, but remain very aware that we cannot do anything without God's grace and your prayers. Please remember to keep our ministry in your prayers.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Marylah Martin, Coordinator
St. Thomas a' Becket a' Catholic Church Gospel Choir
For additional information about the Gospel Choir, please contact the choir's coordinator,
Marylah Martin at 703 759-3870.
RHONDA GLAUDE',
DIRECTOR
Ms. Rhonda Glaude' has served as the director of the St. Thomas a' Becket Gospel Choir since 2001. A Howard University graduate, Ms. Glaude' was a member of Howard's Gospel Choir where she was introduced to the origins of gospel music with such artists as –Leon Roberts and Richard Smallwood. Ms. Glaude' has performed with some of the most famous gospel artists of our time, the Hawkins Family, James Cleveland, Myrna Summers and Shirley Caesar. She is a speech language pathologist in the Prince George's County Public School System in Maryland and directs two gospel choirs—19 th Street Baptist Church in Washington, DC and our own gospel choir here at St. Thomas a' Becket Catholic Church in Reston, Virginia. For several years, she has performed at the Kennedy Center production of, “The Women in Gospel” and “The Men & Women in Gospel” sponsored by the Washington Performing Arts Society. We thank Rhonda for sharing the gift of her music and spirit with us.
LARRY DRIVER,
ACCOMPANIST
Mr. Larry Driver has faithfully served our parish community of St. Thomas a' Becket as director and/or accompanist of the Gospel Choir since 1998. He began directing and accompanying various choirs since he was fourteen years of age and has served in music ministry at the Sharp Street United Methodist Church in Sandy Spring, Maryland, Asbury United Methodist Church in Frederick, Maryland, and is one of the worship leaders at his home church—Church of the Apostles, Episcopal, in Fairfax, Virginia . Mr. Driver holds a degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington , DC , where he studied psychology and vocal performance.
“Lead Me, Guide Me” isn't merely the name of a hymnal or gospel hymn, it is the true inspiration of this very energetic choir. Ms. Glaude' energizes the congregation with her vocal talents, singing style and a sheer joy-filled spirit which is contagious. Ask anyone who's celebrated Mass with the Gospel Choir and they will tell you that their foot began to tap…they clapped their hands, and sang out with a joyful voice unto the Lord! (Even if they'd never done so before). Join Us!
Though the music presented by the Gospel Choir is distinctly “Gospel, “ it is well balanced with regard to American Catholic tradition.
