The Holy Family Folk Group is celebrating 50 years of bringing song, music, and joy to not only the Holy Family Parish, but numerous other venues and locations. Back in 1975, Mary Longo, who played guitar, went to the parish pastor, Fr. Michael Camilli, MSC to inquire if this was something she could get started. Fr. Camilli, MSC, a music enthusiast himself, gave her the approval. She then went to Jerry Schwartz who had been playing professionally with a polka band. Jerry agreed to join this new group and helped to grow the members. Soon thereafter, Joe Schwartz, Bobby and Wilma Vargo, Maryann Gostony, Gene Nealon, Hilda Deutsch, Able and Judy Miranda, and Marianne Schwartz also joined the group. The group grew to over 30 members over the years and currently has 25 active members.
Originally, the HF Folk Group did not have a director, but after about a year starting, they knew it to be an important part of the group so Jerry Schwartz agreed to take the position of Director. Even though Jerry works diligently at putting together 4-part arrangements (sopranos, altos, tenors, and bass), many could not read music. Not an easy or quick task! So, he worked patiently with them to learn their parts. This group does not discriminate, having no auditions or requirements in singing, but only the joy and commitment to do so. They also have members who do not belong to Holy Family Parish and some that are not even Catholic. Everyone is invited. They are a “ministry of volunteers”!
Over the years, this music ministry has clocked in over 250,000 hours! They sing or have sung at funerals, wedding anniversaries, anniversaries of priests and sisters, dedication of churches, nursing homes throughout the area and even travelled to Fort Meyers, Florida. Another example is when in 2014, group member Reggie Hackenberry’s mother passed away in Waynesboro, PA. He wanted to let the director know that he would not be around for a little while. Word quickly spread and on the day of the funeral, 17 group members were there to sing for him and his family at his mom’s funeral. The 17 members paid for their own transportation expenses and hotel rooms allowing Reggie to buy only their lunch.
The folk group get together weekly for practice to serve this ministry voluntarily. They are truly a real family and take time at every rehearsal to take prayer requests and then pray together. They are there for each other and prayer really lifts their hearts.
This Holy Family Folk Group is truly dedicated to their ministry and it was easy to see and hear their passion while talking with them about their history. It’s more than special!
Their latest performance at
