Keys to the congregation

Battle Lake organists at it for 34 years

By Susan Larson | The Daily Journal

Published Monday, March 10, 2008

As integral to every church service as the sermon is the music. For 34 years between them, Helen Haus and Sharon Vipond have been filling Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Battle Lake, with the sound of music.

Haus has been the church organist for 20 years

“I was living in Montana at the time and I was moving here,” she said. “I called and asked if I could play.”

Vipond joined in 14 years ago.

“There was a need,” she said, “so I volunteered. “I’m the pianist, for the most part. We trade off on the organ.”

Each is responsible for the musical selections for the next Sunday. For Haus, it’s “probably the biggest challenge I face.”

She makes her choices according to what readings will be used for Mass, as well as people appeal.

“I have to make sure that we get the right songs and ones the congregation will know,” Haus said.

Vipond doesn’t find it quite so vexing.

“We have guidelines to follow,” she said. “I combine that with whoever is doing song leading that day. My biggest challenge is trying to make few mistakes.”

Music is an important component to each woman’s life.

“When I was in the fifth grade, someone gave our family a piano,” Haus said. “My mom showed me the notes and a neighbor helped me a little,” but for the most part, she is self-taught. “From there, I learned the organ.” But, she is quick to add, “I’m not a true organist. I just play the way I know how.”

A human services technician at the Regional Treatment Center in Fergus Falls, Haus uses her musical talent to help the patients.

“I try to show them easy, simple ways to play the piano,” she said. “It releases stress.”

Vipond, who started taking lessons in the third grade, teaches piano lessons. Before coming to Our Lady, she was director of music at St. Charles Catholic Church, Herman. She likes that her musical gifts allow her to be part of the worship service.

“I like to be part of the Mass,” she said. “We’re all supposed to be part of the Mass. That’s what makes it.”

“I like the spirituality of it,” said Haus. “Even at home when I have friends to the house, we play and sing spiritual songs.”

Neither can envision quitting any time soon. But all things must eventually come to an end.

“I’ll keep doing this until someone takes my place,” Vipond said. “We’ve got to get some young people to step up. I’m not going to do this forever.”