St. Stephen Folk Choir History
St. Stephen's Folk Choir History
In the spring of 1964, the effects of Vatican II on the Catholic Liturgy were just beginning to take effect. The change from a Latin Mass to a Mass celebrated in the native tongues of the parishoners was profound, and nowhere in the Liturgy were the effects more profound than in the music used to help celebrate and praise God. The turmoil this caused in the American Church reflected the tumultuous nature of the times, especially as there was very little material written specifically for an English Mass, and material that was available was not contemporary.
Fr. William Schaffer, the youngest associate at St. Stephen's Parish in Des Plaines, approached 4 young women who were at the time attending nearby St. Patrick's Academy for Girls, and asked the young ladies if they would start a folk mass at St. Stephen's. They agreed.
The original members, in addition to Fr. Schaffer, were Paula Wenk, Mary Kay Schleiter, Audrey Stanonis, and Mary Mandik. Audrey played the 5 string banjo to accompany the group, and acted as the leader, deciding on music and arrangements. The girls also started a group at Our Lady of Hope Parish, on Des Plaines' far south side, and Mary Mandik left to join that group, as OLOH was her parish. Gerry Johnson took her place. Within a year, parishioner John Rice joined the group, adding his standup bass, a Gibson guitar, and a repertoire of Baptist music that gave the group a distinctive flair.
Back then, the word "choir" wasn't mentioned in the same breath with these sorts of musicians, as most contemporary choirs of the time were referred to as "Guitar groups". This particular guitar group was open to all who wished to join, and as St. Stephen's was a thriving parish of over 1500 families, the numbers of the group increased. When the young women who started the group left to go to college, John Rice became the director, and remained so until 1981, when Tim Vana, who had joined the choir in 1968, became its' director.
As more music was written specifically for the American Mass in English, the parish has used "Glory and Praise", "Ritual Song", and "Gather" as hymnals. Current members draw from all these sources, and still sing music that they sang when they began, from a repertoire of songs that now numbers over two thousand.
Somewhere along the way, the term "Folk Choir" became acceptable, and the time and talent that the members continued to volunteer was recognized as a true ministry. From 1969 through 1982, the choir sang at 2 of the 6 Masses that were celebrated every Sunday at St. Stephen's (10:30 and 1:00), as well as the usual collaborations with other choirs at special Masses throughout the Liturgical seasons. Years have gone by, and demographics have changed, but the Folk Choir remains a staple of St. Stephen's, now singing at 10:00 Mass every Sunday, celebrating with a congregation with whom they share a mutual love and loyalty. Also attesting to their dedication and ability is the fact that no fewer than 14 former members have become directors of choirs at other parishes throughout the nation, continuing the ministry they started at St. Stephen's.
The choir is the longest-performing folk choir in the Chicago Archdiocese. As part of this 50th anniversary celebration, the choir will perform in concert at St. Stephen's church on Saturday, September 27th at 1:00 PM. The church is located at 1280 Prospect, between Manheim and Lee Streets.
The choir, composed of over 40 instrumentalists and singers, will include many former members who will assemble for the occasion. Tickets for the concert are $10.00 and can be ordered through the parish center (847-824-2026) or purchased at the door. All proceeds from the performance will benefit the music ministry of the parish.