TROY — The parishes of St. Elizabeth in Marine, St. James in St. Jacob and St. Jerome in Troy are hosting a mission the last week of September, titled "Awaken Our Hearts" and featuring the highly claimed musician and presenter Vince Ambrosetti.

A family concert kicks off the mission on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 507 S. Main St. in Troy. Ambrosetti will cover different topics over the mission with Scripture and song during the three succeeding evenings (Sept. 28-30) at 7 p.m. each night at St. Jerome.

According to mission committee member Liz Barker, the theme for this mission is: "From baptism to table, from table to world: we are called, anointed, fed and sent as presence of the loving God."

"We are so excited that our communities will have the opportunity to renew our faith lives through the music and preaching of such a dynamic, inspirational presenter as Vince Ambrosetti," Barker said.

Ambrosetti has conducted more than 500 parish missions throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Israel and the Philippines. His accomplishments include singing one of his songs, Sanctuary, at the funeral of Blessed Mother Teresa in Calcutta and performing for St. Pope John Paul II.

Additionally, Ambrosetti has recorded and performed with the National Philharmonic Orchestra of London, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Nashville String Orchestra and many others. Ambrosetti, who was named Catholic Artist of the Year in 2001, has been nominated for three Grammy awards, released more than 25 CDs and composed over 350 songs.

"I want to enliven and inspire people of faith and, through music, touch the hearts of those who cannot be reached by words alone," said Ambrosetti, who is in his 30th year of writing, recording, performing and directing missions for International Liturgy Publications and ParishMission.org.