Donor Story
Jeannie McGinley believes that music is an integral part of the celebration of Mass. Having learned to play the organ in 7th grade before she could even fully reach the pedals, she now shares her talent in music ministry as the organist at Holy Trinity Parish in Erie. Noting that many hymns are rooted in the Psalms, Jeannie speaks passionately about the role of music at Mass. She shares, “Music has a place in the history of our church. Our active participation in Mass through music is a good and worthy goal.”
Jeannie established the Michael C. McCloskey Memorial Endowment in memory of a good friend with a mutual interest in music. The purpose of the endowment is to support the continuing needs of music ministry, including education opportunities for music ministers. Grants from this endowment are awarded through the Catholic Foundation's competitive grant process.
Since the endowment was established, several grants have been awarded for a variety of purposes. These include a grant to Saint Andrew Church in Erie that supported their organist’s attendance at a conference on sacred music, a grant to Saint Joseph Parish in Warren to support a concert and presentation by liturgical music composer Father Ricky Manalo, and a grant to Saint Jude the Apostle Parish in Erie to support the purchase of a new keyboard for worship.
Most recently, Queen of the World Parish in Saint Marys received a grant to support the restoration and preservation of the parish’s piano and organ.
Jeannie continues to build the endowment with annual gifts because she knows that “good music is part of good liturgy. We need to enhance that.” She says, “People possibly wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise to get music education.” Jeannie is pleased that the endowment she created supports parish music ministry and gives people the opportunity to improve their skills and use their talents to serve the Lord.
“I continue to add funds to the endowment I established because good music is part of good liturgy. People possibly wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise to get music education.”