Celebrating Tradition: The Italian Choir at St. Paschal Baylon Church

A Legacy Since the 1960s

The Italian Choir is proud to be the oldest choir at St. Paschal Baylon Church, with its roots reaching back to the 1960s. Long before the parish had a dedicated worship space, the community gathered in a local community center—yet even then, the desire for music and shared song was strong. It was during this time that the idea for an Italian choir was born, bringing a new spirit and vitality to the liturgy.

Humble Beginnings, Vibrant Growth

What started as a small group of singers from northern and central Italy soon blossomed into a lively ensemble united by their love of music and service.
Stories of Ugo Benvenuto, the choir’s founding accompanist, are still cherished today. From the church balcony, Ugo would fill the mass with the warm sound of the organ as the choir lifted their voices in song—creating a welcoming and heartfelt atmosphere for the entire parish.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

While the choir’s membership has naturally changed over time, its spirit remains strong. Today, we are blessed to still have original founding members singing alongside new cantors and musicians who bring fresh talent to the group.

The choir rehearses every Sunday at 9:00 AM, just before the 9:30 AM Italian Mass, under the direction of Daniel Colla, our dedicated director and accompanist.

Keeping Tradition Alive

Though we may hold the title of “oldest choir,” we remain committed to growth and innovation. The Italian Choir continues to engage with the wider parish community through:

• Collaborations with other choirs

• Participation in special masses and parish celebrations

• Community prayer events, such as our recent rosary for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

These moments help us strengthen our bonds, celebrate our heritage, and share the beauty of Italian devotion and music.

Join the Italian Choir

Whether you’ve been singing your whole life or are simply interested in being part of our musical tradition, we welcome you. Join us as we carry forward the timeless spirit, culture, and faith of the Italian Choir at St. Paschal Baylon Church.