Artist-in-residence to give concert at St. Thomas

Jeanne Cotter, who is leading the music in monthly Masses at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville, will perform the first in a series of monthly concerts on Saturday, Oct. 1.

In concert, Cotter will perform original piano works and inspirational songs as she shares anecdotes about growing up in an Irish Catholic family in southern Minnesota. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. A freewill offering will be accepted at the door.

Calling on her many talents, Cotter has captured the hearts of listeners throughout the United States and Canada for more than 20 years. With numerous recordings and music collections to her name, Cotter's latest projects include the release of two recordings this past year, "The Old Gravel Road: Storytelling and Song from the Heartland" and "Tender Hearted." She also has published an inspirational children's book, "Child of the Moon."

Active with the North American Form on the Catechumenate, Cotter also has served as master teacher and coordinator of the Keyboard and Ensemble Schools for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. She holds an interdisciplinary master's degree in psychology and spirituality; her undergraduate studies were in theology and music.

The Oct. 1 concert will coincide with Cotter's leading the music at all Masses at St. Thomas one weekend of the month. Her schedule for leading the music at weekend Masses through the end of the calendar year is Oct. 1 and 2, Nov. 12 and 13, and Dec. 3 and 4. The St. Thomas weekend Mass schedule is 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays.

The artist-in-residence program is sponsored by a group of St. Thomas parishioners who recognize music as prayer and wish to offer the opportunity for such appreciation to the community.

For information about Cotter, the October program "Jeanne Cotter in Concert," or the artist-in-residence program, contact Scott Knisley, director of liturgy and music ministries, at (630) 355-8980, ext. 111, or sknisley@stapostle.org.