Detroit Archdiocesan Chorus Raising Funds For Trip To Sing For The Pope

DETROIT (WWJ) - A metro Detroit choir will be singing for the pope in Rome — but they need some help to get there.

Forty people from the Archdiocesan Chorus will sing at mass with Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 6, 2016, the Feast of the Epiphany.

Because the choir members are volunteers, they'll be holding fundraisers for those who could use some help paying for transportation and other expenses.

"We are thrilled at the opportunity to sing for the Holy Father. Since Pope Francis isn't planning to come to Detroit this year, we will bring Detroit to Pope Francis!" said the choir's conductor, Joe Balistreri, Director of Music for the Archdiocese of Detroit, in a media release.

"We really see this trip as an opportunity to represent not just our choir or even just the Archdiocese, but all of Southeast Michigan. We'd like people to celebrate with us, to enjoy sacred music with us, to support us, and to even come with us. This will be an inspiring and life-changing experience. We need help to make it a reality, but we also see a great opportunity to invite others into the excitement."

The first fundraisers are in June.

The Archdiocesan Chorus will be singing at a Mass Mob event at St. Matthew Church in Detroit at 10 a.m. on June 7; and there will be a Roman-themed dinner for $50-per-plate at the same location a week later, at 7 p.m. on June 13.

For those interested in joining the choir on their pilgrimage to the Vatican, the early booking cost is $3,800, including travel, four-star accommodations, and a $200 contribution toward chorus travel expenses. [Get more info about the trip here].

To hear samples of the Archdiocesan Chorus, and for more details on upcoming events, visit www.aod.org/chorus.

To make a donation to help send the choir to Rome, visit this link.