Looking out at the groundbreaking of the school’s new Marian Grotto from the risers, junior Sophia Nguyen holds up her musical binder and prepares to sing “Ave Maria” to start the event in prayer. 

“It was such a new experience for the school, and the fact that I got to be a part of basically making history was a super exciting experience,” Nguyen said. 

According to senior Cate Coble, singing at the opening of the grotto made it feel more ceremonial and added a special aspect to it. 

“I know it was really special to some teachers who enjoyed the song, and it felt good to be able to speak to them in that way,” Coble said. 

Outside of the groundbreaking, the Cantare Deum choir also sings at masses around the Kansas City metropolitan area, something senior Garrett Fleenor appreciates being a part of. 

“I enjoy getting to sing with people throughout the community that all belong to different parishes,” Fleenor said. “I love being involved with them in the sacrament of the mass.” 

Fleenor says that waking up early for masses in the morning can be challenging, but seeing the parishioners enjoy the music is worth it. 

“I think that music is a great amplifier when it comes to faith,” Nguyen said. “It is so beautiful to express your faith in this way because it is different from other forms of praise.” 

Choir teacher Amy Hetherington works with the choir by accompanying them on the piano at performances and at masses.

“Faith and music are intertwined. To me, you can’t separate the two of them,” Hetherington said. “Faith is a deep thing, and music helps articulate that.” 

According to Hetherington, it was important for the choir to be at the groundbreaking, and she was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the occasion. 

“It sets the mood for what’s to come: that it’s a prayerful place, and it’s a place of faith for the community to rally around,” Hetherington said.