Michael Hayes has been the accompanist for the Contemporary Choir at 9 a.m. Mass for the past 21 years. That adds up to over 1000 Masses! He does this strictly as a volunteer. How did this happen? “Mike Ball came up to me during Hospitality one Sunday and said, “I heard you play the piano!” After a brief discussion, I said I would try it and see how it went. I tell people even today that I am still in the trial period.”
Starting piano lessons at the age of 6, he never really liked to play in front of people and found reasons not to attend his piano recitals. He’s come a long way, playing in front of hundreds of people each week! Who is his inspiration? “I would have to say Mary Kloster and Mike Ball for approaching me and believing in me that I could do this, my wife, Margot, for pushing me to step out of my shell to do this, and the Choir and Congregation for having the faith to help lead them in their prayer each and every week.”
Mike has also served on both the School Advisory Board and 2 terms on Parish Council . In addition, he has spent many a night and day helping out building sets for the SFDS School plays including Willy Wonka, Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast, as well as assisting in building the SFDS Floats for the LG Christmas Parade.
When asked what has been the most rewarding thing for him, Mike says, “ First and foremost, that I am able to give back to the church and help my fellow brothers and sisters praise God. Secondly, that it has brought me closer to God, and my own faith. Third, that it is something that I get to do with my family. My wife, Margot, is the one who really talked me into playing, and she sings with us. We even got our kids involved. While growing up, we would have my son, Austin, help out and play percussion with us, and my daughter, Jorie, sings with us on occasion. Fourth, the new family I have found with the CC group. We are truly a family, and gather inspiration from each other. We have been through many good times, and tough times (personally) together, and it is rewarding knowing that we are all there to support each other. In reality, while we may not be the most organized group, or run “traditional practices”, we enjoy working with each other, the music we play and sing, and helping our parish family and visitors praising God each and every week.”
His funniest memory? “There are many, but one that comes to mind is that I always had to remember to wear something waterproof during the seasons when Father Dave Braun would sprinkle us with the Holy Water. Fr. Dave liked to throw the Holy Water around (I always used to think that if the Arch would allow him to use a super soaker he would have). No matter what position the piano was in, he would find me hiding behind it, and give me a good “blessing”!”
Thank you Mike Hayes for being such a “blessing” to our parish, and for sharing your talent with us each week! You are so very appreciated, not only from your fellow choir members and family, but from all of the staff and parishioners of St. Francis de Sales!