Carrie Stewart addresses the congregation during her final Mass on May 19 at St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes. (Photo | Lightmaster Studios)

St. Mary’s church accompanist strikes final note after 27 years

Carrie Stewart, church accompanist and pianist at St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes quoted Ecclesiastes 3:1 in her goodbye message in the bulletin: “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

“It has been a season here for me. I found myself in terms of my faith and who I am. It has allowed me to grow in so many areas as a Christian, parent, mom, wife, and spouse. It has been a journey, and St. Mary’s throughout the entire 27 years has been my rock,” said Stewart, who served her final Mass on May 19.

Stewart returned to her home state of Connecticut to be with her elderly parents. She and her husband, Shawn, whom she also met at Westminster Choir College, have three children: daughters, Rachael, married to XY Lau, and Victoria, and a son, KJ. Hannah Comia, who has been with St. Mary’s since first grade when she sang with the children’s choir, has assumed Stewart’s role. The Francis-can friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe administer the parish.

Craig Limey, now music ministry co-director, contacted Stewart in 1997 when seeking an accompanist for the 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday Masses. He knew her talent well. Stewart, a grad-uate of West-minster Choir College in Princeton, met Limey and his wife, Dorothy-Mary, also co-director, there. Stewart was maid of honor at the Limeys’ wedding.

“You are always blessed to work with someone, who is not only your colleague, but also your family. It’s hard to see her go,” Dorothy Limey said.

Stewart recalled her first Mass at St. Mary’s, celebrated by Father Michael Carnevale, a former pastor. 

“I just sat there feeling the energy, love, and vibrancy. There was a joyful spirit in the sanctuary and the church itself,” said Stewart.

For many, Stewart was that joyful spirit. Franciscan Father John Aherne, St. Mary’s current pastor, said she has been a great prayer leader at the parish.

“Carrie’s wonderful playing was the background music of our spiritual lives. She played for babies baptized at our Masses, accompanied these children as they made their first Holy Communions and confirmations, was there when they walked down the aisle to get married, and played the final song of their funeral Masses,” Father Aherne said. “But even more than her wonderful music has been her wonderful presence with us. Carrie is one of the most faith-filled people I have ever met — always hopeful, always joyful, and always a shining light.”

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