Hubbard children's choir at St. Pat's Christmas Eve

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

HUBBARD

The sweetness of children’s voices in a choir at St. Patrick Church is only rivaled by their enthusiastic participation.

About 28 children from St. Patrick Church and School will sing at the Christmas Eve Mass at 4 p.m. at the church, 357 N. Main St.

In preparation, the group has rehearsed a few times under the direction of Mary Kay Jablonski and Susan Orlosky, organist.

“This is my 37th Christmas at St. Pat’s,” Orlosky said.

The two women have worked together some 36 years.

“We have different personalties, but we’re supportive of one another,” Jablonski said. “Most of all, we both love working with children.”

“The kids light up when they’re singing,” Orlosky said.

“I want them to go away with good memories.”

Neither is sure when the children’s choir came about, but both agree it’s “more than 20 years,” Jablonski said.

The two said they strive to make the experience a positive one that prompts children to return.

“They make me laugh, and I want them to have fun,” Orlosky said.

One thing is certain, the women said, the dedication and loyalty to the children’s choir by the participants and their parents and grandparents is admirable.

“It takes a commitment to get the kids here for rehearsals,” Jablonski said.

The children’s choir involves third- through eighth-graders.

“A love of music gets them involved,” Jablonski said.

“They learn how to be part of a group and become part of a community.”

Singing at the early service on Christmas Eve has special significance.

“There’s a sense of excitement,” Jablonski said of the children’s performing before family, friends and classmates.

“It doesn’t have to be perfect,” Orlosky said, adding the children do make an effort to do their best. “I want them to be calm and relaxed.

“They’re a wonderful group of kids.”

Among selections the children’s choir will perform are “O Emmanuel,” “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.”

“I’ll Make My Heart a Bethlehem” and “Christmas Canon,” a Trans-Siberian Orchestra selection, are among favorites of Elizabeth Chrobak, a seventh-grader at St. Patrick, and Katie Cigolle, an eighth-grader at the school. Both have been in the choir since they were in third grade.

“‘I’ll Make My Heart a Bethlehem”’ tells a wonderful story and is so meaningful,” Orlosky said. Elizabeth and Katie agreed, both saying they enjoyed singing it.

“Christmas Canon” also gets a nod from the two girls as being fun to sing.

Karen Bartos, coordinator of religious education, said, “It’s joyful for the children to share the Christmas spirit.”