Two weeks ago, I had the utmost pleasure of delivering a talk on “Connecting to God Through Music” to ~350 elementary and high school music students at a choral festival held at a local parish. If you know my background in youth and music ministry, you’ll understand why this felt like a dream come true. But if you only know me through my writing and art these days, it might seem a little random haha.

Honestly, I wrestled with imposter syndrome in the weeks leading up to the session. Years ago, music—especially leading praise and worship—was such a huge part of my life. But I wasn’t sure I could still say the same. Still, as I sifted through pieces of my past to share how music connects us to our Heavenly Father, I realized it didn’t matter that music no longer held the same place in my life. What mattered were the lessons God taught me through those experiences.

The First Note: Learning to Pray with Music

During my talk, I shared about the first time I learned that I could connect to God through music. I was 11 years old when I first encountered praise and worship at a youth retreat. I was initially skeptical. The only form of worship that I knew was the Mass. How could singing a few Hillsong songs praise God?

Our worship leader explained that the Holy Mass is the highest form of worship. We receive Him in the Eucharist and are closest to Him. Praise and worship, on the other hand, is like a doorway— it helps open our hearts, especially outside of Mass, to feel God’s presence and love in a personal way. We can worship God through music, by singing songs from the heart. So, I gave it a try.

We were taught that these songs could be a form of prayer, so I closed my eyes and focused on the lyrics, reflecting on how they spoke to my life. It was true. I really did feel so blessed that I couldn’t contain it anymore. God has always been an important part of my life and this was my own way of showing my love for Him. These were no longer words but a prayer that I was singing from my heart to God’s ears. I could feel God’s presence in that room. He was really listening. Not just to me, but to everyone present.

A couple of years later, I was asked to lead our music ministry. Suddenly, I was the one teaching others at a youth retreat how to connect with God through music—it was a full-circle moment. Music changed my life. It brought me closer to God, to the Mass, and to the wider faith community.

The Next Verse: Leading Others to Sing from the Heart

After sharing that story with the students, I led a mini praise and worship workshop. I taught them a popular Catholic song and encouraged them not just to sing the words, but to sing from the heart—to reflect on the beauty of the lyrics and melody. As their beautiful voices filled the parish, I was instantly transported back to that first youth camp, reliving the moment I encountered God for the first time.

I realized God was there again. He was present with me, with the children, the youth, the teachers, and the parents gathered in that parish. In that moment, I was reminded again: this was never about me. I’d been so caught up in my own doubts and abilities that I lost sight of whose work this truly was.

God gently reminded me of my role. I was simply an instrument (pun intended) in His masterful plan. Every past experience was a note in the grand sheet music He was now playing through me.

It didn’t matter if I hadn’t sung or touched a guitar in months, or if I’d never won a Grammy. What mattered was showing up and sharing how God changed my life. What mattered was offering my witness of His love through the gift of music.

I don’t know if the kids will remember a single word I said, but I hope and pray that God touched their hearts that day-the same way He touched mine when I was 11 years old.

I may never know what seeds were planted in that room. But I trust that God was present, as He always is, waiting for open hearts, ready to meet us in every note we sing. Maybe even yours.