Six participants from the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg travelled to Brampton, Ontario,
for SingCon 2026, a Liturgical music annual workshop, held September 10–14 at St. Elias the Prophet
Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Representing the Archeparchy were Anne Keating and Cheryl Lisowski of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish; Pat
Hawthorn of St. Michael Parish; Donna Korban of Holy Eucharist Parish; and Fr. Jay Korban and his
daughter, Gabriella, from the Rossburn Ukrainian Catholic Pastoral District.
First held in Parma, Ohio, in 2018, SingCon brings together cantors, choir directors, clergy, singers, and
others who share a love for the liturgical and musical traditions of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Its aim is to support and strengthen church singing in the English-speaking communities of the UGCC
through prayer, instruction, fellowship, and the sharing of resources.
This year’s gathering welcomed more than 100 participants for five days of liturgical services, choir
rehearsals, workshops, presentations, and fellowship. The conference coincided with the celebration of
the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, allowing participants to enter deeply into
the liturgical richness of the feast.
For the first time, SingCon also offered programming specifically for children. The young participants
learned several parts of the divine services, including “Tranquil Light” and the “Song of Simeon,” which
they then sang during services throughout the weekend.
The children were also introduced to the various elements and symbolism of iconography and created
small icons of their own to take home. Later, they presented a short play for the SingCon participants
recounting the story of the finding of the True Cross of Christ. Through singing, art, storytelling, and
active participation in the services, the children were given an opportunity to experience the liturgical
life of the Church in an engaging and meaningful way.
Anne Keating was particularly moved by a presentation on the history of the feast and by the
celebration of the Vigil with the Rite of the Exaltation of the Cross. “I found the presentation on the
history of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross very interesting,” she said. “It helped me to
participate more prayerfully in the celebration. Singing ‘Hospodi pomilui’ during the lowering and
elevation of the Cross at the Vigil was a deeply moving experience—it lifted my soul.”
For Cheryl Lisowski, the gathering renewed her appreciation for the essential place of music within
parish life. “For me, SingCon is a reminder of how integral music ministry is to the life of a parish,
bringing people together in prayer through song,” she reflected. “It is truly a blessing to experience this
faith-filled weekend—whether through choir rehearsals, workshops, participation in the various
liturgical services, or simply meeting new people who share a love for the Church and her music.”
Pat Hawthorn described the conference as a gift that transformed her understanding of the feast and
strengthened her desire to help others enter more fully into prayer. “It offered a deeper understanding
of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross by allowing us to experience its celebration through so
many of our senses,” she said. “I will forever see that service in a more profound way. If I can bring
home even a fraction of what I experienced—how music can stir the hearts of the faithful and draw
them into prayer—that would be a wonderful beginning. I came to see that working in unison, at any age or level of experience, and discovering how each of us ‘fits in’ is essential. As we gain the confidence
to use our voices, we can help lead others forward in prayer and, hopefully, inspire them to become
more deeply involved.”
Donna Korban returned home eager to share what she had learned and to encourage greater
participation by young people in parish singing. “I am excited to share with Fr. Michael the beauty of
antiphonal singing and, hopefully, to encourage the young people in our parish to begin singing in this
way—even if we start with the Divine Liturgy,” she said. “I am also excited to share the SingCon website
with others so that they can experience the beauty of the liturgical services that we should be
celebrating in our parishes.”
Fr. Jay Korban had the privilege of leading Vespers on Friday evening. In his reflection, he reminded
participants that church singing is not simply about achieving a perfect musical performance. Rather,
singers must remain mindful that their voices are meant to lead both themselves and others closer to
Christ. He also reflected on the evangelistic character of the Church’s music. When sung prayerfully and
with an awareness of its deeper purpose, the Church’s music can reveal the beauty of the faith, touch
the hearts of those who hear it, and invite others into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ.
Another highlight of the conference was a public lecture by Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway,
entitled “`He Who Sings Prays Twice.` How?” His presentation explored the relationship between sacred
music, prayer, the human voice, and the Church’s common worship.
Through their participation in SingCon, the representatives of the Archeparchy experienced the power
of liturgical singing not simply as music performed during worship, but as prayer itself—a prayer that
unites individual voices into the one voice of the Church. They returned to Manitoba encouraged to
share that experience within their own parishes and to invite others, especially young people, to
discover their own place and voice in the Church’s worship.
Bishop Erik Varden’s presentation and recordings of the liturgical services can be viewed through the
SingCon website and its YouTube channel.
Fr. Jay Korban
Pastor of the Rossburn pastoral distict
