The idea behind the St. Matthew’s House Band runs deeper than just the music; it’s really another channel that Justin’s Place provides for spiritual connection and personal growth.
Throughout the program, residents learn how to use their God-given talents again, often which they have squandered for years. So many positive outlets are rediscovered like exercising, drawing, writing and playing music. Monique, a vocalist in the St. Matthew’s House band, sees her singing as “a gift from God” that she’s honored and excited to share with the community.
The band helps build a different level of vulnerability among its members, who are all men and women in the Justin’s Place program. Just like meetings, groups and churches, the band is another place to grow spiritually and emotionally. The men and women realize that it’s okay to be goofy or to make a mistake. It’s okay to laugh at themselves or simply just be themselves. “It’s given me confidence in myself that I never knew I had,” said Nicole, another vocalist in the St. Matthew’s House Band.
Members find a new confidence that they can apply to their new lifestyles; nonetheless, the purpose of the music is to spread God’s love and bring the St. Matthew’s House community together to worship God. “I do it so I can touch someone else – so God can shine through me,” said Monique.
The band humbly started with a few vocalists, an acoustic guitar and a small drum. Now it’s evolved into a full band, electrified with amps and microphones. Justin’s Place graduate Dominick Petronzio has been the core of the group, pulling the logistical strings and putting his time, money and effort into making the band it what it is today. But his mentorship to the group is not limited solely to the musical aspect.
No one can deny that music pulls on emotional and spiritual strings, and it’s meant to bring people together. That’s what the goal is with the band. “I know that there’s a change going on spiritually in me,” said Monique.
Join us under the breezeway at 2601 Airport Road South, on Friday night, August 25th, at 6 PM to hear the St. Matthew’s House band.
Jacob Braun is a vocalist and guitarist with the St. Matthew’s House band.
Tags: band, Justin's Place, music, Shop Night, St. Matthew's House Band, thrift