Voices of Mercy
The Voices of Mercy were born on May 17, 1997. The story of the group is another great example of how "God's ways are not our ways" and how "God works all things for good to those who love and serve Him."
It was the early years of St. Luke's. There were many bills and not enough money (some things never change). A fund raiser had been scheduled that would feature the wonderful and talented Irish Catholic singer Dana, who has become such a dear friend to the mission. A few days before the concert, Dana comes down with an upper respiratory infection and can not sing. She calls Amy on Friday, May 16 to let her know she will not be able to perform for the concert. The concert is scheduled for Sunday, May 18 and many tickets have already been sold. Now what?!
Some of the people that God had brought to the Mission, either to help St. Luke's or to come and be helped, were very talented musicians and singers. They had begun to sing together very informally, mainly during times of Eucharistic Adoration at the Mission. They would occasionally provide music for a Mass that was celebrated at St. Luke's, but most of their singing was just impromptu praise and worship.
Amy called a meeting at Norm's house for Saturday and picked a list of the songs that the "informal" group had begun to sing. She handed out songs to each member of the group and they practiced each song once. And that night, Saturday, May 17, 1997, the day before their first formal ministry, the Voices of Mercy were born. They were joined by a few people who had begun volunteering at St. Luke's who were talented music ministers in their own right. And this group, through the power of the Holy Spirit, put on a 3-hour concert that led to three standing ovations and touched the hearts of all those who attended. And the Voices of Mercy have been touching hearts ever since. Not because they are the best or the most talented musicians, but because God, in His compassion, chooses to use them to spread the message of His great love and Divine Mercy for all people. And for that, we are truly grateful.
Over the years, there have been many changes to the Voices of Mercy. Founding members Wendy Marks, Norm Paolini, and Eddy Simon have gone on to join the heavenly choir.
While the Voices of Mercy have been blessed with many talented members, our current group consists of:
We are also pleased to have members who join us as their time permits:
It was the early years of St. Luke's. There were many bills and not enough money (some things never change). A fund raiser had been scheduled that would feature the wonderful and talented Irish Catholic singer Dana, who has become such a dear friend to the mission. A few days before the concert, Dana comes down with an upper respiratory infection and can not sing. She calls Amy on Friday, May 16 to let her know she will not be able to perform for the concert. The concert is scheduled for Sunday, May 18 and many tickets have already been sold. Now what?!
Some of the people that God had brought to the Mission, either to help St. Luke's or to come and be helped, were very talented musicians and singers. They had begun to sing together very informally, mainly during times of Eucharistic Adoration at the Mission. They would occasionally provide music for a Mass that was celebrated at St. Luke's, but most of their singing was just impromptu praise and worship.
Amy called a meeting at Norm's house for Saturday and picked a list of the songs that the "informal" group had begun to sing. She handed out songs to each member of the group and they practiced each song once. And that night, Saturday, May 17, 1997, the day before their first formal ministry, the Voices of Mercy were born. They were joined by a few people who had begun volunteering at St. Luke's who were talented music ministers in their own right. And this group, through the power of the Holy Spirit, put on a 3-hour concert that led to three standing ovations and touched the hearts of all those who attended. And the Voices of Mercy have been touching hearts ever since. Not because they are the best or the most talented musicians, but because God, in His compassion, chooses to use them to spread the message of His great love and Divine Mercy for all people. And for that, we are truly grateful.
Over the years, there have been many changes to the Voices of Mercy. Founding members Wendy Marks, Norm Paolini, and Eddy Simon have gone on to join the heavenly choir.
While the Voices of Mercy have been blessed with many talented members, our current group consists of:
- Drew Bernstein
- Cathy Bohan
- Dennis Gilhooley
- Sydnie Perkins
- Nick Puleri
We are also pleased to have members who join us as their time permits:
- Sandy Bernstein
- Deacon Greg Moran
- Joanah Perkins
