Page 18 - Faith Connections Issue 2 (4)

ISSUE 2 JULY 2021

C H O I R I N O U R C H U R C H !

A n I n t e r v i e w w i t h J o l l y T h a d i k a r a n a n d M e r i n K a l a p u r a c k a l :
The children’s choir is a beloved part of our church and has brought joy to our church on the Sundays that they sing! Many children
are a part of this ministry and it truly has a positive impact on our church. Even during the pandemic, many of the children came and
sang together (spread out of course) for the Lord! Let's hear from Jolly Thadikaran and Merin Kalapurackal how the Children’s choir
first began and how it has held a great importance in our church.

Terissa: Hi Jolly Aunty! My first question for you is when was the children’s choir first started?
Jolly Aunty: It was started from the beginning of the church in East Millstone. We did have plays and singing in the
Milltown church, but they only started singing at Mass after coming to East Millstone.

Terissa: Oh, I see! Also, how would you say that the choir has had a positive impact on the children and CCD
students in our church?
Jolly Aunty: I think it played quite a role and was an attraction for the kids to come and participate. Especially when the

kids had talents for music, their parents would encourage them to offer their talents for God. This gave the kids a deep
gratification. As time went on, many children got attracted to this ministry. We also had kids who could play instruments
and they found the same satisfaction the singers found. The kids made friends with each other and sang enthusiastically
for the Lord together!

=
Terissa: Wow, I totally agree with that! That should be it for the questions

section. Is there anything you would like to say on behalf of the choir?
Jolly Aunty: No, that should be it! Singing for the Lord is twice the prayer!

After interviewing Jolly Thadikaran, we have learned a lot about the origins of our Children’s choir. We also recognized the integral
role that it plays in our parish community. It has helped many children express their God given talents such as singing or playing
instruments! Someone who has been deeply involved and impacted by the Children’s choir is Merin. Let’s see what she has to say
on her journey as a choir member to Co-leader!

Merin Kalapurackal: Starting in elementary school with Children’s choir led by Jolly aunty (in the basement of
the East Millstone church) to becoming Youth Choir leader in high school, being in choir has always been a vital

part of my life. So after graduating from college, when Jolly Aunty asked me to help her lead the Children’s choir,
I was excited to be a part of the choir community once again. Even through the crazy aspects of the past year, we
did our best adhering to the guidelines with a small select group and waiting until we could all gather together

again. Along with Jolly aunty, I hope to make the kids more confident in their ability to lead the mass through
song and prayer and to also refine their musical skills.
A big thanks to Jolly Thadikaran and Merin Kalapurackal for doing this piece for the Newsletter!

PAGE 18 FAITH IN OUR COUNTRY EDITION | ISSUE 2