Young musicians and artists from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield will present a combination concert and fine arts exhibit on Sunday, May 3 at 4 p.m. Under the direction of Blessed Sacrament's music director, Jody Kienzler and art teacher, Ruth Ficke, In Unison will benefit the construction of an outdoor prayer grotto in the parish of Ss. Peter and Paul in the Tamale archdiocese of Ghana, Africa. Tamale is Ghana's third largest city, located in the northern part of a country whose total population is 24.2 million, of which 13.1 percent are Catholics.

"The concept of sharing time, talent and treasure is not new, but these kids revitalize it by adding so much love to the equation," said Kienzler. "They joyously use the gifts God gave them to help others — in this case, a beloved pastor and his people."

Father Gerald Zienaa, pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul, was priest-in-residence at Blessed Sacrament from 2010 to 2012, while also serving as a chaplain for the Springfield diocese at Memorial Medical Center and St. John's Hospital. His parish in Ghana ministers to approximately 850, whose per capita income is the equivalent of $46 per year.

With limited resources, the parish struggles to provide much-needed services such as counseling, job training and computer classes. Other needs include the completion of construction on the priests' rectory, conference rooms and offices, as well as furnishings, updated computers and funding for job training seminars and computer workshops.

Father Jeff Grant, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish remembers Father Zienaa as an unassuming, gentle man always looking to bring the Lord to others. "Gerald brought joy and peace to people here in Springfield. This is a way we can help him," said Father Grant.

In Unison will focus on raising funds specifically for the completion of the grotto. Frequently used by parishioners as a place to pray, the grotto is, according to Father Zienaa "… very much in need of a facelift. Seating is inadequate because construction came to a halt two years ago when funds ran out," he said. Over 100 more concrete terrazzo seats are needed. Completion of the project will cost approximately $4,200.

Father Zienaa sees the grotto as a place where the young people of his parish can become spiritually empowered to resist the destructive and distracting influences to which they are often susceptible. "I want to empower our youth and a few adult parishioners, by creating an environment of prayer where they can easily commune with God. I believe that as spiritually endowed people, they will be much more beneficial to society."

The idea for the fundraiser came to pass after Father Zienaa had a conversation with Kienzler and Ficke about the daunting task of providing for the needs of his parishioners. Kienzler and Ficke offered to help, and the idea for In Unison was born.

Participating young artists and musicians are Jack Allen, Isabel Anderson, Sydney Compton, Katherine Frost, Isabel Garcia, Tess Kelley, Rachel Loftus, Elyse Morehead, Q. Negro, Emily Scheufele, Emily Thornberry, Molly Thornberry and Ella Unal. In Unison will highlight individual singers, instrumentalists and fine artists.

The concert portion of the event will feature one of Blessed Sacrament's children's choir, Jubilate, and youth instrumentalists joined by four professional mentor-musicians: Karen Frost (viola); Gretchen Harrison (cello); Megan Turner (violin); and Kamen Petkov (violin). In addition, student artwork will be displayed and handmade items such as rosaries, quality prints and original artwork will be available for purchase. Members of Blessed Sacrament School Art Club will sell photographs featuring local architecture.

"We're trying to build bridges and share our faith in Jesus" said Father Grant. "There's not just an American way or an African way. The more we work together, the deeper our understanding and appreciation of Christ will be."

In Unison will be presented at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut St. in Springfield. A reception will follow. Tickets are available at the door for $10 each, or $20 per family.