The celebration of the Liturgy at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ) is truly a community effort. While there is not time for “another” meeting, we all come together on Sunday evenings; and we, though many, become one body! We all come from different places and backgrounds, but here, at the celebration of the Mass, those differences are erased.

It all begins with our Campus Minister, Sr. Corinne Kirsch. She is the first to meet students at the beginning of the school year, finding out what their interests are and helping develop their participation in our Liturgy as Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Cantors, Psalmists, Singers, Musicians, etc.

Sr. Corinne is a Sister of St. Joseph from St. Nicholas Parish in Nicktown. Sister seems to do her ministry years in nines: 9 years as a teacher in both elementary and high schools, 9 years as a missionary in Borba, Amazon, and Brazil, 9 years as a parish social minister at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish in Pittsburgh, and now, she is in her 8th year of affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Music was very foundational in Sister’s childhood. Her mother played by ear and Sister sang, first accompianied by her mother and then by her two sisters. She was in Sr. Conchetta’s chorus at Bishop Carroll High School. The highlight of her music involvement was the year and a half she was a member of the Mendelssohn Choir in Pittsburgh.

Our pianist is Jim Voytko of Johnstown, aka “Jimmy V”. Jim also learned to play by ear at a young age. He is a Conemaugh Valley graduate and a former Bishop McCort student. He received college-level music theory classes from Mr. Richard Napolitan, jazz studies from John Pencola, and classical lessons from Joe Gaunt. Jim says, “I have a plethora of hobbies and love doing everything and anything I can to enjoy life.” He shoots fireworks professionally during the summer months and loves the big shows. Jim has also explored the music scene in Nashville and Texas, sitting in on studio sessions and plans to return. He also teaches piano and guitar and writes songs. You can check out his website at myspace.com/jimmyv.

Judy Kosmac is the Music Director for the campus ministry. This year, in an effort to get the students involved in playing the music for mass, Judy has put together a band. We have a core of bass, drums, guitar, and piano. Using the Spirit & Song Hymnal from OCP allows us to do music that appeals to the students. We have used “Mass of a Joyful Heart” by Steve Angrisano, until Ash Wednesday, when we made the change to the Celtic Mass for Lent. The band will return after Easter for the two remaining Sundays before we end for this school year and begin to look to September!

This year we have been blessed to have Monsignor Michael Becker as our presiding priest. Everyone knows what a music family Fr. Mike has come from. It is a joy to work with him. With his help we have begun Taize prayer every Wednesday at 7pm.

Taize is a quiet prayer time interspersed with chants, reading, intercessions, and lots of candles! “Ministry at UPJ is truly a team ministry,” says Msgr. Becker, “with Sr. Corinne full-time and my own presence as the sacramental minister. We are supported by an excellent music ministry, which seeks to tap into the talents of the students. Taize is an opportunity for our students to experience a different form of prayer and chant.”

One of the unique things about campus ministry is that we never know exactly what we’re going to get when we come in on Sunday. As we share our space with so many others, sometimes things need rearranging last-minute. And unfortunately, sometimes the equipment is broken. The need for us to have our own keyboard is quite clear. Many times the keyboard at the chapel just doesn’t work. In order to address this need, a “benefit concert” was held at the UPJ Chapel on March 18. The concert helped benefit in three ways: It featured the “Mass of St. Joseph” (written by Judy O’Hara Kosmac) which we have used for two years at UPJ; a live CD, recorded at the chapel, was available for sale; and a short Taize prayer service concluded the concert, which was a first time experience for many of those in attendance. There was also some good old-fashioned gospel sing-a-long songs. A free will offering was accepted. Additional donations are welcome! Please contact Judy at judyoharakosmac @ cs.com.