By Evelyn Jock
The Choir Ministry of St. Mary’s Cathedral, under the guidance of Mr. Christopher Aban, successfully organised the Parish Choir Formation and Ministry Seminar 2026 from 8 to 10 May 2026, with the blessing and support of Parish Priest Rev. Fr. David A. Garaman.
The three-day seminar gathered approximately 60 choir members from the ministries of St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Church, and St. Mark’s Church. The seminar was facilitated by Benedict Lo Jin Chi, a liturgical musician, choral conductor, and youth music educator from St. Joseph’s Cathedral Parish in the Archdiocese of Kuching, Sarawak. Passionate about using music to deepen faith and inspire young people, Benedict continues to enrich communities through liturgical ministry, choral formation, and music education, fostering encounters with faith, culture, and beauty through song.
Throughout the seminar, Benedict emphasised that music is not merely an addition to the liturgy, but an essential part of it. He reminded participants that a choir exists to serve the liturgy and that sacred music is integral to worship. He explained that the choir’s main role begins with understanding the structure of the Mass, namely the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rites. Without a proper understanding of the Mass, he noted, choir members would not fully understand how to sing appropriately within the liturgy. He also described choir ministry as a beautiful calling that unites people from different walks of life in harmony, service, and faith.
“A true choir is where we decrease so that someone else may increase,” he shared, highlighting the importance of humility and selfless service in ministry. He further stressed that choir ministry is not about personal recognition or performance, but about serving God wholeheartedly through music. Participants were encouraged to avoid pride, cliques, and negativity, while cultivating mutual respect, unity, and attentive listening within the choir community.
Benedict also reflected that singing is prayer and a precious gift from God. Through the power of music, he explained, the Church becomes one. He reminded participants that singing without the heart becomes empty, even if it sounds technically perfect. Choir members were encouraged to understand the meaning of the words they sing, because without understanding, music cannot truly become prayer.
He further reminded participants that musicians are called not to overpower the choir, but to accompany and support it, because the human voice carries the message of prayer. The choir itself should sound as one voice, rather than many individuals trying to stand out. In addition to spiritual reflections, the seminar also provided practical guidance on vocal techniques, choral discipline, harmony, and liturgical music ministry. Through the sessions, practices, and fellowship, participants experienced a renewed appreciation for their role in serving the Church community through sacred music.
The seminar concluded with a round table question-and-answer session, where participants had the opportunity to share their experiences, raise questions, and engage in meaningful discussions on the challenges and responsibilities of choir ministry. The session fostered openness, learning, and greater unity among the choir members, inspiring them to continue serving with faith, humility, love, and dedication.
Benedict encouraged choir leaders to lead by example and continuously grow through learning and formation. He reminded participants that choir members must remain committed to growing spiritually and musically in order to serve God better. “When people see change in us, they will follow,” he shared.
He also encouraged choirs to guide congregations in learning new hymns by teaching the chorus and helping the faithful participate actively in singing. Choirs, he stressed, are called to lead the people in worship — not to dominate or overpower them. “If the congregation stops singing because of us, then we are not doing our job properly,” he said.
The organising committee expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Benedict Lo Jin Chi for his inspiring teachings, practical guidance, and dedication throughout the seminar. His passion for sacred music and ministry greatly enriched and encouraged all who attended. The Parish Choir Formation and Ministry Seminar 2026 concluded on a joyful and uplifting note, strengthening the bond among choir members and renewing their commitment to serve God and His people through sacred music.