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JANINE GRADY-CREEDON
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY
janine.grady@abecket.org

At St. Thomas a'Becket, our Associate Music Director:

• Directs the Adult Choir
• Directs the Youth Choir

JANINE'S BACKGROUND
To summarize my musical journey and how it lead me to St. Thomas a’Becket was quite a task for me at first. I thought how am I going to write a bio that encompasses the significance this parish has had on my musical and spiritual life. However, after much reflection, I thought that’s easy ~ St. Thomas a’Becket is WHERE my journey all began!

My parents moved to Michigan in 1977 and were searching for a parish. They found themselves and my 4 siblings in the gymnasium of Field Elementary School celebrating with Father Porcari. As the congregation grew, it was very evident that the need to build a church was increasing. With the help of my parents, and other key people, ground broke at Cherry Hill and Lilley and St. Thomas a’Becket was underway! A surprise for my Mom was “underway” as well! :-)

I was born 9 months later! My sister, Lori, graciously put off receiving her First Holy Communion with her class so we could receive sacraments together - my Baptism and her Communion. Even though we were still in the gymnasium at Field School (as the church was not ready yet), it was quite a day! :-)

The rest as they say is history! I grew up with an abundance of love and support from our great parish. My home was filled with wonderful music courtesy of my Mom’s piano playing, which I believe is where my love of music stems from. In fact, I think I sang before I talked! :-) I joined the children’s choir as soon as I was able – under the direction, at that time, of Jim Lentz. An “in-between” choir had not been developed yet, so at age 10, I auditioned and joined the adult choir.

I was very fortunate that the adults and the director at the time took me under their wing and enhanced my love of music even more. Upon graduating high school I knew I had to choose a career that incorporated music. I loved working with children as well, so I thought why not combine the two and go into music education!

So I did just that! I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with my degree and began teaching middle school choir in the Plymouth-Canton school district as well as directing the Children’s Choir at St. Thomas. What a thrill for me to direct such dedicated, enthusiastic young people! I was so blessed to have both my days and nights filled with such beautiful music!

The blessings continued in 2004 when I married my husband, Patrick, and received my Master's degree in education. I continued working in Plymouth-Canton and for the church and loved every minute of it!

In July of 2007, Pat and I were yet again given one of life’s most greatest gifts – or should I say two of life’s most greatest gifts – our twin boys. They are the sunlight in our lives and definitely keep us hopping!

Currently, my job at St. Thomas has expanded to not only directing the talented Youth Choir, but also the Adult Choir as well. Yet again, I am humbled by the amazing gifts that these individuals bring into my life and their sincere love of music and fellowship. It is a wonderful family to be a part of.

Patrick, the boys and I love living in Canton and plan to continue the legacy of St. Thomas a’Becket that my parents started.

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