ATLANTA—Catholics in north and central Georgia are invited to “sing to the Lord” as members of the Eucharistic Congress choir.

The 25th Eucharistic Congress will be June 16-17, 2022. The theme is, “Come to Me,” inspired by Matthew 11:28.

This choir will be representative of who we are as the body of Christ, said Dónal Noonan, the Eucharistic Congress choir coordinator.

“It’s a way of showing an outward testament of who we are as Catholics,” said Noonan.

Noonan has been the music director at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Atlanta for nine years. He is also executive director of the Atlanta Homeward Choir, which brings together people from various beliefs and backgrounds who have battled homelessness. 

As a music minister, Noonan believes it is his mission to bring people to the altar. His plan is to make the Eucharistic Congress music accessible for all who attend the two-day event. This includes providing online resources and music selections that include multiple languages.

“We’re called to be people who take an active role in the liturgy in praising God’s name,” said Noonan. “We are choosing music that people will be able to sing, and we’re choosing music that’s going to give God the most glory.”

With less than a handful of emails sent out asking for participants, more than 80 people have already signed up for the choir. The first rehearsal will be at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 at Holy Trinity Church in Peachtree City. 

Noonan envisions creating a welcoming environment for choir members, which includes building community and some fun. He believes the choir will embrace their roles as music ministers at the Eucharistic Congress, helping to bring people closer to God. 

“I hope they will be able to witness the body of Christ coming together,” said Noonan. “I hope that they feel that their gifts and their talents are going to be a way for others to come to the altar.”