“More than anything, this was to promote the culture of vocations in the family,” said Father Jorge Rodriguez-Piña, C.O.R.C., interim administrator at Our Lady of Guadalupe.
In total, seven music groups submitted original songs relating to vocations and performed. While many groups were from the host parish, music groups from St. Joseph Parish, Barstow and St. Mary Parish, Fontana also participated.
First place went to the Children’s Choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe for the song “Tu siervo quiero ser” or “Your servant, I want to be.” The children’s choir usually provides music for the 8:30 a.m. Mass at the parish.
The music group from Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pequeños Pescadores, took home second place in the contest with their song “Mi vocacion es y será” or “My vocation is and will be.”
Breath Out Loud, a choir from St. Joseph Parish in Barstow, won third place with their song, “El amor” or “The love.”
The song submissions were judged by a three judge panel of local Catholic artists. The panel included Jay-R El Profeta, Simona Landeros and Jason del Castillo. Songs were judged based on their musical quality and how well the lyrics reflected the vocational theme.
All seven music entries will be recorded and made available on CD.
Fr. Rodriguez-Piña wanted to organize an event that would promote vocations in a new way. After consulting with the vocations ministry at the parish, a music contest and concert was organized to attract people.
“It’s one thing for the priest to talk about vocations, but in reality the family is what shapes the youth,” Fr. Rodriguez-Piña said. “Vocations come from the family.”
The parish hopes to hold the event again and attract more participation from the parishioners and from other parishes in the diocese.