Moving Faith
Moving Faith is a contemporary Christian and Christian rock band founded in 2007 by youth minister Gina Marie Loiacono and musician Paul Franco to reinvigorate the Sunday evening Mass at St. Joseph Church in Lodi, N.J.
History
Early Years
Gina Marie Loiacono was the Director of Youth Ministry and the Confirmation Program at St. Joseph’s Church in Lodi, N.J. Loiacono had the vision of restructuring and sparking the Sunday evening 6:00 pm Mass into something new and fresh.[1] Sensing and hoping that adding a contemporary feel to the traditional liturgy might appeal to the youth of the parish and attract other teens and young adults, the idea was that this would be an effective way to invite teens to the Mass and then follow up with BRANCHES Youth Group directly after the Mass, which would give the teens an even better sense of community.[2]
The first thought was to update the music and start a “youth band” strictly run by teens.[3] With the support of Fr. Jason Caganap, CRM, Loiacono asked then Pastor, Fr. Hector DiNardo, CRM for his thoughts. He was reluctant at first but gave the go-ahead and put his trust in the vision.[4] From there, Loiacono found it difficult to find teens who were willing to take on this leadership position and commit to the weekly responsibility of meeting on their own time along with the hours of rehearsals it would take to get the band off the ground. Therefore, with much prayer and perseverance, Loiacono, having been a vocalist in bands for many years, thought that maybe she could gather a group of musicians from the parish and begin to lead and mold them into the band that she had envisioned.[3]
In early 2007, along with the support of Fr. Melvin Avilla, CRM, Loiacono approached the new Pastor, Fr. Michael Marotta, CRM as well as the parish music minister, Millie Connolly, on the concept and they were supportive of the idea. The group took shape and found its voice shortly thereafter with the addition of their director, Paul Franco, a church cantor and organist in the Archdiocese of Newark, whose home parish was St. Joseph’s.[2][3]
And so the Sunday evening 6:00 pm Mass became the “Spirit Mass” and the newly formed “Spirit Band” consisted of vocalists, percussion, keyboard and guitars, all uniting to give back to the community by offering a new mode of praise and worship for their congregation members. Initial influences were said to consist of Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, Mark Shultz, Casting Crowns and Hillsong United.[4]
Recent Years and Success
Fast forward to the present day and the Spirit Band is now Moving Faith consisting of principle members Paul Franco (vocals and keys), Gina Marie (vocals and percussion), Peter Scarcella (electric guitar) and Steve Marek (drums).[5]
In September, 2012, the band released their self-titled debut album, "Moving Faith." Two cover tracks, "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen and "Calling All Angels" by Jane Siberry catapulted the band to achieve wider recognition, particularly in the Catholic Church funeral circuit.[6]
On October 19, 2015, Moving Faith performed with Chris Padgett, author and recording artist with Oregon Catholic Press.[7]
In 2016, Franco, a graduate of the School of Health and Medical Sciences Ph.D. doctoral program at Seton Hall University, studying health sciences leadership with a dissertation focus on Music Therapy, credited much of his success in directing the band to music's healing qualities, specifically, as a healing agent as therapy.[8] Franco further exemplified this by providing evidence that music as therapy has been shown to provide comfort and increased overall well-being as a Complementary and Alternative Medicine approach.[9] This academic philosophy has been attributed to the success of the band's ability to garner attention from individuals of all ages and backgrounds, particularly at healing services focused on Padre Pio.
On April 23, 2017, Moving Faith performed for Eminence Archbishop Joseph William Cardinal Tobin, C.Ss.R. of the Archdiocese of Newark for the Triduum Mass in thanksgiving for the centennial anniversary of St. Joseph R.C. Church in Lodi, N.J.[10]
In June 2018, Franco and Scarcella performed at Morsemere United Church of Christ in the "For the Beauty of the Earth" concert featuring mezzo-soprano, Nicole Karrs.[11]
Their debut album will be followed by their second album, "Moving Faith: The Christmas Album" in 2019.[12]
Mission Statement
"Moving Faith is a Contemporary Christian band founded in 2007 as a means to spread the gospel to God's community through music. By the work of dedicated musicians, the intent is to evoke a passion which inspires, changes and renews the lives of others in hope that they are awakened, transformed and moved toward a greater faith in our Lord."[13]
Ministry
Loiacono is Pastoral Associate at St. Therese of Lisieux[14] in Cresskill, N.J. where she subsequently founded "Rooted Ministry" - a coffeehouse group for individuals in their twenties, thirties and forties.[15]
In 2013, Loiacono was featured in the "Carmelite Review" for her work with Cardboard City: an event to bring awareness to homeless youth whereby teens volunteer to sleep outside overnight to experience homelessness firsthand.[16] In an interview with the Carmelite Review, Loiacono stated, "After almost 20 years in youth ministry and many 'Cardboard City' events under my belt, it never gets old watching teenagers as they experience what it might be like to be without the comforts of home, for just one night. However, it is more about seeing how their hearts change. This event in a wonderful way teaches them the true spirit of caring for our neighbor as Jesus taught us to. It also helps shape them on their young journey of faith. That is always the greatest witness to us all."[17]
Franco is Director of Music at St. Joseph Church[18] in Lodi, N.J. The members are involved part-time around their full-time work schedules. The band regularly participates in "Midnight Runs" to feed the homeless in the local N.J. and NYC areas as well as organizes and participates in fundraisers for charity causes, including the annual Walk to Cure Lupus at Metlife Stadium in Rutherford, N.J.[19] Additionally, the band plays for Confirmation retreats,[14]funeral services,[20] wedding Masses and receptions[20], concerts[21], worship events[22][23], and outdoor summer festivals.[14][24][25]
Through the constant support of St. Joseph Parish as well as neighboring parish communities, Moving Faith has become a United States east coast Catholic Rock/Pop band as well as ministry, which is intended not only for the youth, but all ages who are looking to move deeper in faith of and for the Lord.[26]
Members
Current[5]
- Paul Franco - lead vocals, keyboard, organ, songwriter
- Gina Marie Loiacono - lead vocals, percussion
- Peter Scarcella - electric guitar
- Steve Marek - drums
- Dominick Crouchelli - drums
- Kyle Crouchelli - bass guitar, saxophone
- Cady Kagume - vocals
Former
- Steve Colon - drums
- Michael Peral - bass guitar
- Michael Majdanski - acoustic guitar
Discography
- Moving Faith (2012)
- Moving Faith: The Christmas Album (2019) [Anticipated]
References
- ↑ "WELCOME". Moving Faith. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Moving Faith Unveils Its Self-Titled CD During Gala Reception". The Catholic Advocate. Archdiocese of Newark. 2012.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Worship Band Introduces Contemporary Style to Liturgy". The Bergen Record. September 2007.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 ""Spirit Band" Ignites New Interest in Sunday Mass Attendance". The Shopper Journal. November 2007.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Band Bios". Moving Faith. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- ↑ "Gina Marie of Moving Faith records Siberry's "Calling All Angels"". Arch New Press. 2013.
- ↑ "chris padgett ministry". 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
- ↑ Franco & DeLuca (Summer 2016). "Understanding Physicians' and Non-Physician Practitioners' Recommending Practices, Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Expectations Regarding Music as a Cost-Effective Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approach". UMI – via ProQuest.
- ↑ F.P., D.A., C.T., & C.L. (Spring 2018). "Why Practitioners Should Care About Music Therapy: Understanding its Clinical Relevance and Practical Implications Through an Evidence-Based Study". Alternative and Complementary Therapies. Liebert Publications. 24(2) – via SCOPUS.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)
- ↑ "Father General graces the centenary celebration of St. Joseph Parish, Lodi and visits Adorno Communities in South Carolina". Adorno Fathers. May 10, 2017.
- ↑ "For the Beauty of the Earth".
- ↑ "Mountain Moving Faith". The Herald. August 2018.
- ↑ "Mission". Moving Faith. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "St. Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Church". St. Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Church. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- ↑ "New Ministry Group for Young Adults". Northern Valley Press South. June 9, 2014.
- ↑ "Cardboard City: Brings Awareness to Youth at Two Carmelite Parishes". Carmelite Review. Winter 2014. p. 23.
- ↑ "Cardboard City: Brings Awareness to Youth at 2 Carmelite Parishes". Carmelite Review. Winter 2014. p. 22.
- ↑ "Home". stjosephchurchlodi.org. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- ↑ "Bridges Midnight Run to Feed the Homeless". Youth Ministry & Outreach. 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Bulletin". www.stjosephchurchlodi.org. 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
- ↑ "Paul Franco and Moving Faith Embark on 3 Part Concert Series". Hasbrouck UCC. 2014.
- ↑ "Moving Faith to Perform at Kearny Youth Retreat Center". Spring 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
- ↑ "25th Anniversary of Child Care Center at Felician Celebrated with Paul Franco of Moving Faith". Felician Focus. 2012.
- ↑ "Moving Faith Set to Perform at 100 Year Anniversary Feast". St. Joseph Society. 2015.
- ↑ "Feast of St. Joseph". USA Today Network. September 15, 2016.
- ↑ "An Interview with Catholic Worship Team Moving Faith". The Vigilant Clergy. 2018.
External Links
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