“Theologians have studied to try to understand God. Artists have tried to depict God. But, it is in singing that we hear the Lord,” said South Region Bishop John A. Dooher, a headline performer at the Master of Arts in Ministry program’s annual All Souls Memorial Concert.

In addition to Bishop Dooher, Dominic Margaglione and Mary Beth Brady, Weymouth Landing’s Sacred Heart Children’s Choir, South Boston’s St. Peter’s Lithuanian Young at Heart Ensemble, Burlington’s St. Malachy Choir and Everett’s Immaculate Conception Haitian Teen Choir performed at the Nov. 16 concert held at St. John’s Seminary Chapel.

“We are all grateful for the performers and we pray for all the souls of those who have left us in this month of All Souls,” said the bishop, who performed four songs with his acoustic guitar and led the final songs with all of the performers.

Proceeds from the concert supported the program’s scholarship fund, said Aldona Lingertat, their incoming program director. Lingerat will replace Sister Mary Pierre Jean Wilson, RSM, who is leaving in December to join the faculty of the seminary of the Archdiocese of Denver.

Lingerat said each of the 21 musical selections were sponsored in memory of loved ones who have passed away.

The Master of Arts program prepares laity to assist the local Church in their formation for the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and the world. The program is based on the vision and aspects pronounced by Pope John Paul II: academic, human, spiritual and apostolic.

Bishop Dooher said the graduates from the MAM program do great work in the parishes and have been a tremendous aid to the Church.

In his welcoming remarks, Father Arthur L. Kennedy, the rector of St. John’s, said, “Over the years, the program has provided the archdiocese with a wonderful cadre of trained lay people to assist in the works of the Church, which is so important to contribute to the rebuilding of the Church.”

Father Kennedy said the concert was an example of the vibrant communities in the archdiocese and that the music would open hearts to God.

After the concert there was a reception in the school’s refectory.

“It was absolutely fabulous,” said Patricia Pineo, a MAM program student and a member of St. Malachy’s. “The music touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.”

John W. Spadaccini, who said he was a longtime champion of the MAM program, came to the concert to support the scholarship fund and to hear the different styles of music.

At the end of the concert, Bishop Dooher said hearing the talent performing with him he was reminded of the parable in that morning’s Gospel. The parable was the story of the rich man who trusted his servants with talents while he was away and when he returned he asked the servants what they did with the assets.

The bishop said everyone is called to use the talents the Lord has given them. “The greatest talent you can have is love. If you invest it, it grows. If you hide it, it shrinks away.”