Music Ministry Alive! - The Team 2009

David is the founder and executive director of MMA, and presently is the Director of The Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer and Ministry as well as Campus Minister-Artist in Residence at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.  A well known liturgical composer, cantor, workshop and retreat leader, author, recording artist and concert performer, David is a former parish liturgy and music director, his music has been sung and prayed throughout the world and appear in hymnals of many Christian denominations and in many languages.

 Formerly from New York and New Hampshire, Lori is the Director of Liturgy and Music for Campus Ministry at St. Catherine University of St. Paul.  She has been a vital part of the MMA leadership since its inception, and Lori is also well known as a master cantor, liturgical music composer, workshop leader, concert performer and recording artist.  Lori leads the Liturgy team that shapes the prayer of the MMA week - which is the heart center of our week together. MMA is blest to have such a loving servant.

It is difficult to describe Fr. Ray!  Fr. Ray is part of the heart and soul of MMA, and his joy and passion for faith and young people is infectious!  He is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington DC, and has been involved in music is entire life, as well as community organizing, evangelization, and social justice ministries, being a former winner of the Pax Christi Award.  Fr. Ray is pastor of ST. Therese of Avila parish in Anacostia, and is active as a speaker, preacher and workshop leader. 

JOE CAMACHO – Liturgical Dance Coordinator,
Liturgy Team, Workshop Leader  Joe Camacho is a native Hawaiian, who presently serves as Artist-in-Residence at Hale Lokahi in Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, and is also the Director of the Big Island Liturgy and Arts Conference held on the Islands each year.  A master hula teacher, storyteller, singer, and musician, Joe has travelled throughout the world sharing his gifts, and is also a published composer, workshop leader, and recording artist.

LISA CRESSY – Dorm Counselor

Lisa is on the Music Ministry staff at St. Ambrose of Woodbury, Minnesota, and is active as singer for many liturgical recordings for GIA Publications.  A cantor and parish music minister, Lisa is a fun-loving presence and is an energetic witness in her love of liturgical music.  All who come to love and appreciate the joy that she brings to all that she does.  It is great to have her back at MMA.

FR. GEORGE DECOSTA – Adult Track Team

Fr. George brings to MMA a lifetime of wisdom and experience as a pastor, a former diocesan director of religious education, and a promoter and visionary for the renewal of the liturgy since the Second Vatican Council.  He is presently retired, but serves as the primary animator and presider for the Hale Lokahi Faith Community in Volcano, Hawaii.  He also serves as the leader of the annual Big Island Liturgy and Arts Conference. 

JEANNE DOLD – Staff Accompanist

Jeanne is a graduate of what is now St. Catherine University, and is presently Director of Music at the Church of St. Cecilia in St. Paul, Minnesota. A graduate in the area of piano performance, she will be serving as one of our staff accompanists during the week.  We welcome Jeanne back to MMA!

DAVID DREHER – Voice Teacher, Workshop Leader

David is Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Kilian Church in Mars, Pennsylvania.  David for many years was a professional opera singer who sang in professional productions throughout the country and beyond.  Formerly, he was Cantor-in-Residence at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, and for several years, was a Respiratory Therapist. A father of three boys and a Star Trek groupie, he brings a joy and celebrative set of gifts to MMA. 

FR. RAY EAST – MMA Pastor

It is difficult to describe Fr. Ray!  Fr. Ray is part of the heart and soul of MMA, and his joy and passion for faith and young people is infectious!  He is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington DC, and has been involved in music his entire life, as well as community organizing, evangelization, and social justice ministries, being a former winner of the Pax Christi Award.  Fr. Ray is pastor of ST. Therese of Avila parish in Anacostia, and is active as a speaker, preacher and workshop leader. 

BONNIE FABER – Voice Teacher, Adult Track Instructor

Bonnie is from Minneapolis, and well known as an awesome voice teacher.  She has served as a music and liturgy director at many parishes over the years, and is presently Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Matthew’s Church in West St. Paul.  Adult track participants will get to know Bonnie well, and will enjoy her skills and her humor.  A master teacher, Bonnie has also sung on many liturgical recordings over the years, and is now a Grandmother! 

BOBBY FISHER – Guitar Instructor, Workshop Leader

Bobby comes from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is Director of Music at St. Agnes Church in Covington, Kentucky.  He is acclaimed as the pre-eminent liturgical guitarist in the country, and has performed and played on the liturgical music recordings of more liturgical artists than we can mention.  Also a composer, he has also played on the recordings of many popular artists, and his actively sought out as a teacher for workshops and programs throughout the United States and beyond.  Bobby is an awesome musician, and you will all find that out soon enough!

TOM FRANZAK – Keyboard Instructor, Workshop Leader

Tom is from the Pittsburgh area, a father of three, and has been a liturgical musician and musical artist for many years.  Tom has released several recordings of his own compositions, and is presently Director of Youth Ministry at St. Catherine of Sweden Church in Wildwood, Pennsylvania.  Tom has been a sought after speaker and performer and many conferences and parish events across the country, and we are very happy that he is back with us this summer.

JESSICA GARCEAU – Liturgy Team

Jess comes from Foley, Minnesota, and is presently a student at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.  In addition to her studies and love of liturgy and music, Jess is a member of the campus ministry liturgy team at St. Kate’s, and is also very involved as a leader and facilitator for youth retreats throughout Minnesota.  Also a former youth participant at MMA, we are so glad that Jess so generously shares her gifts and hard work for our week together.

BECKY GAUNT – Liturgy Team, Staff Accompanist

Becky is from Florida, and is a student at Florida State University and Director of Music at the University parish there. A former MMA participant, Becky is a talented violinist, pianist, singer, and composer, and wears many hats during the week of MMA.  Most of all, Becky brings a wonderful spirit of faith and joy to all that she does.  We are blest to have her with us.

DAN GERSHGOL – Percussion Track Assistant, Liturgy Team

Dan presently lives in the twin city area, and is a very gifted musician; a percussionist, drummer and guitarist.  He has been pastoral musician at Pax Christi Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota for the past few years.  Dan is also an alum of MMA, and was the recipient of one of the first MMA scholarships a few years back.  Dan will be assisting with the many liturgical celebrations during the week as well.

LYNNE’ GRAY – Voice Instructor, Workshop Leader, Music Reading Class

Lynne’ comes from the greater Washington DC area, and is a powerful and passionate spirit.  She is Director of Music at St. Anthony Church in Bowie, Maryland, and also teaches voice, piano, choir, and music theory at regional Arts High School.  Lynne was one of the choral directors for the recent Papal Mass in Washington DC for Benedict XVI, and is also a composer and innovative teacher.  Welcome back to MMA, Lynne!

MIKE GRIFFIN – Liturgy Team, Dorm Counselor

Mike has been involved with MMA for many years, and is presently the Director of Faith Formation for the Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.  Mike has advanced degrees in theology, and has been quite involved in social justice issues for many years, formerly working for Catholic Charities.  Mike brings a unique witness to MMA, and we are so glad that he is part of our team.

LISA HABECK – Voice Instructor

Lisa lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has been a professional singer and teacher for many years.  She presently serves as cantor for Assumption Church in St. Paul, and has sung for many musical events throughout the twin city area and beyond.  Lisa has also sung on many liturgical recordings for various composers and publishers, and a most valued part of MMA. 

  DAVE HANZEL – Percussion Teacher

Dave is known for his versatility and is one of the most sought after drummers in the Twin Cities. He has been a drummer for club dates and corporate shows, and has backed such national artists as Celine’ Dion, Michael Bolton, Huey Lewis, and Chuck Mangione.  Dave is also an experienced studio musicians, and performed on many jingles and album projects, as well as a drum builder and repair expert.  We are so glad he is back with us at MMA this year.

ALISSA HETZNER – Instrumental Coordinator, Dorm Counselor, Staff Accompanist

Hailing from Michigan, Alissa is Director of Music at Blessed Trinity Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and is active as a cantor and pianist for many liturgical celebrations throughout the Diocese of Saginaw.  In addition, Alissa also works for the music department at Oakland University, serving as a pianist, accompanist, and assistant music director for their musical theatre productions. 

MARY HOWARTH – Staff Accompanist

Mary Howarth has been active as a musician in the twin city area for many years, serving many parish communities, musical organizations, educational programs and other artistic events.  An accomplished arranger, Mary is now the principal pianist and organist for the worshipping community at St. Catherine University, and a most treasured part of the MMA community.

FR. MICHAEL JONCAS – Adult Track Instructor, Workshop Leader

Fr. Michael is well known internationally for his tremendous contributions to not only liturgical music, but to liturgical scholarship as well.  He is presently Professor of Catholic Studies and Theology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, and literally travels throughout the world speaking and teaching at various universities and institutes, some which include the Angelicum in Rome, St. John’s University in Collegeville, and the University of Notre Dame. 

KEVIN KEITH – Liturgy Team, Staff Accompanist

Kevin just graduated from high school this year, and in addition to attending MMA as a youth participant for three years, he will be attending Central Michigan University to study percussion and piano.  A very talented young man, Kevin plays drums, piano, guitar, and sings as well.  This is his first year on the team, and his talents will most assuredly be celebrated this summer.