Letter from Stephanie Dureau

Dear Friends,

I am writing to let you know that I will be leaving my position as music director at St. Catherine of Siena, effective September 2nd. St. Catherine is an amazing, vibrant parish, and it deserves a music program to match. As our ministry has continued to evolve and grow during my 14 years at St. Catherine, the amount of time my job requires has grown, too. It has become increasingly difficult to balance the duties and responsibilities of my job here with my teaching job, and after speaking with Fr. Tim, we agreed it was time to find a new director who would be more able to give this important ministry the time and energy that it needs to truly thrive. Fr. Tim has asked me to continue serving the parish as a cantor so I’ll still be around most weekends.

Words cannot adequately express how much I appreciate each one of you. Thank you for giving of your time and talent cheerfully and selflessly. As I transition into this new role, I hope that you will continue to make our liturgies beautiful with our next director. May God continue to bless you and your families!

Warmest regards,
Stephanie Dureau

Letter from Fr. Tim Hedrick

Dear Parishioners,

I would like to thank Stephanie Dureau for leading our music program for the last 14 years. Her dedication to the music ministry at St. Catherine has allowed us to offer joyful worship to the Lord on Sundays. I am grateful for her leading countless practices, singing weekly, directing our choirs, and coordinating cantor and accompanist schedules. I am grateful that she will remain as a cantor at SCS.  

I am pleased to announced that Lorraine Hess has agreed to serve as our new music director and Stephanie Hellmers will serve as our assistant music director effective September 2, 2019.

Lorraine Hess is a nationally published Catholic composer and recording artist with more than 35 years of experience in music ministry. She has a Master’s Degree from Loyola University Institute for Ministry in Pastoral Studies. As a national speaker, singer, and retreat facilitator, she has served throughout the country at multiple parishes and national Catholic conferences. She has been leading music at 5:30 pm Sunday mass at SCS since January of 2017, and she looks forward to expanding her music leadership role here at SCS. Lorraine has been married to her husband, Rob, since 1990, and they are proud parents to four sons.

Stephanie Hellmers previously served as the music director at SCS for 7 years. Stephanie has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Loyola University in music education. She directed adult and children choirs for many years including at SCS. Stephanie and her husband, Chip, have been parishioners since 1994. They are the proud parents of three sons.

Lorraine Hess will cantor the 9 am and direct the 11 am choir. Stephanie Hellmers will direct the 4 pm Choir. Barry Bouvier will continue to lead the 7 am Mass. Plans for the 5:30 pm Mass are still being developed. More information about the choirs is forthcoming from Lorraine.

Thank you again to Stephanie Dureau. We are looking forward to Lorraine Hess and Stephanie Hellmers working in their new roles.

God Bless, 
Fr. Tim