For centuries, the Church has offered a refuge in Gregorian chant. More than music, a chant is the sung Word of God, rising like incense from the altar of our hearts to the throne of heaven, inviting every soul into prayer.
Here in the Diocese of Gaylord, that ancient stream of prayer is flowing anew through the vision and dedication of two remarkable musicians: Kirsten Trudeau, of Christ the King in Acme, and Rita McIntyre, of Cross in the Woods in Indian River. Together, they have formed a diocesan Gregorian Schola, a choir devoted not to performance but to prayer, ensuring this treasure of the Church’s tradition continues to inspire, teach and sanctify all who encounter it.
Meet the Founders of the Schola
Kirsten is a wife, mother, and lifelong musician whose love for chant began at age twelve in the parish choir at Holy Rosary in Cedar. Her musical path led her from playing organ at St. Rita’s in Maple City to studying at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome. There, she encountered ancient chant manuscripts and sang in historic churches, including Santo Spirito in Sassia near St. Peter’s Basilica. For Kirsten, Gregorian chant is a living prayer that connects the faithful across centuries.
Rita brings a rich background in classical performance, parish choir direction, and even cantoring in a synagogue. A seasoned musician from Cleveland’s classical scene, she found in Gregorian chant a profound spiritual depth. With a vision to unite talented musicians, enrich the diocese, and deepen love for the liturgy, Rita co-founded the Schola to help others discover the beauty of sacred music.
Together, Kirsten and Rita lead the Diocesan Schola with a shared mission: to offer hearts to God through the timeless beauty of chant.
How it Began
After singing together at the Chrism Mass, Kirsten and Rita felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit: this was the time to act. The Schola was born—a gathering of devoted Catholic musicians from across northern Michigan, including:
• Tim Czerney, of St. Mary in Grayling
• Marie Carter, of St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord
• Christina Ihlenfeldt, of St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord
• Hope Evans, of St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord
• Daniel Neph, of St. Mary-St. Charles in Cheboygan
Rehearsals are not mere practice sessions but moments of prayer. As Kirsten puts it, “Every Kyrie, Gloria or Alleluia isn’t just something to sing—it’s something to pray.” Rita adds, “We want every voice to be a prayer lifted to heaven, touching hearts in ways words alone cannot.”
An Invitation to Prayer and Beauty
This November, the diocesan Gregorian Schola will offer three, free sacred music concerts:
• Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. – Cross in the Woods, Indian River
• Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m. – St. Francis of Assisi, Traverse City
• Friday, Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m. – St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord
Special Guest from Rome
Special guest maestro Davide Bucci, the organist of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, Italy, will be joining the concerts. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear sacred music of Palestrina, St. Hildegard von Bingen, St. John Henry Newman and Gregorian chant.
“Come with an open heart,” Kirsten invites, “let the music carry you closer to God.”
Rita adds, “Even if you’ve never sung chant, you can join our prayer—heaven is listening, and your soul will find rest.”
