Associates Susan Bourgeois and Mary Finks have partnered together in music ministry for more than 20 years at St. Patrick Church in Kankakee and at every Viatorian assembly since 2004. Susan plays piano or keyboard while Mary leads the congregation in singing. Both are passionate about bringing music into worship. They recently reflected on their roles as Viatorian associates and as music ministers in this latest podcast episode of Viatorian Voices: Conversations Along the Way.
“Music is another spiritual way of being present,” says Susan, who with her late husband, Michael, farmed 1,000 acres in Kankakee County. “I’m a firm believer that it enhances worship.”
Mary, a hospice nurse, agrees that music adds to the whole experience of worship, but she adds,” It should never be the show. It’s prayer, it’s always the prayer. As my former high school choral director said, ‘Music is praying twice.'”
Listen how they reflect deeper on their roles as associates and how the Viatorian charism continues to drive them.