Proclaiming the Joy of the Gospel Through Song
The Cathedral is alive with the sound of children, thanks to the continuance of an incredible initiative, the Cathedral Choir Academy (CCA) of Detroit. Now in its fourth year of residence at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, this comprehensive after-school choral music program serves both urban and suburban youth of all faiths, grades 3-12.
The CCA was one of the 34 ministries selected to receive an award from the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s annual competitive community grants process last December and has been an annual Catholic Foundation Grant recipient since 2019.
With the help of Fr. J.J. Mech and Susan Lindquist, the Academy opened its doors in September 2018. Committed to artistry in performance, the program offers three levels of instruction, a Descant Choir, the Cathedral Children’s Choir, and the High School Schola Cantorum. Under the direction of Susan Lindquist, the Cathedral Choir Academy of Detroit embraces the mission of the New Evangelization and is committed to providing an experience in which our youth encounter Christ through sacred music, grow in faith and musical excellence, and witness to the Word Incarnate.
In addition to the program in Detroit, CCA director Susan Lindquist partners with three suburban children’s choirs to support and enhance their programming. She emphasizes that the Academy is not intended to take the place of local parish children’s choirs but to foster their development and provide experiences beyond the parish level.
Reflecting on the impact of the program, Lindquist quoted Cheryl Lavendar saying, “The fact that children can make beautiful music is less significant than the fact that music can make beautiful children.” Years of experience have reinforced Lindquist’s belief in the inherent power of music to transform minds and hearts. Furthermore, referring to the children as “a little band of missionary disciples,” she sees the choir as an authentic and powerful witness to God.
CCA choristers sing monthly at the cathedral, often performing masterworks with the Cathedral Chorale, and have performed at the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, the Henry Ford, Comerica Park, Little Caesar’s Arena, the and Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Singing for the honor and glory of God, the CCA choirs are truly unleashing the Gospel in southeastern Michigan.
The Catholic Foundation is honored to build and grow to grant funds to support such dynamic ministries in the community. “We are so grateful to the Catholic Foundation for its granting and all it does to promote sacred music and evangelize our youth. The Catholic Foundation of Michigan is indeed a gift to the community,” shared Susan.
Students can develop their vocal potential and join the 2022-2023 Choir season today by calling (313) 865-6300. Rehearsals take place at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward Ave, Detroit, on Tuesdays, from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
We hope to continue to empower impactful youth programs that boldly and creatively proclaim the joy of the Gospel- through song. With your help, we can grant more to the community this December!