Faith O’Brien
Born in El Paso, TX, Faith grew up in IL. SJB is the 4th church she has served as Music Director, and she brings a broad, deep musical background to the position. Raised Protestant, she learned many fine hymns and gospel songs. At age 10, she started accompanying church services and playing for civic events. Wheaton College in IL (the “Protestant Notre Dame”) noted for its church music is where Faith received her Bachelor‘s degrees in Music and English. After graduation, she sought the true church and discovered it was the Catholic Church! She converted and has been growing in her knowledge of the faith and her love of it while learning Catholic music. She taught High School and College English before becoming an Educational Publisher’s Rep., all the while continuing her musical activities. Her first church music director position was at St. Agnes CC in Chicago Heights, IL. The church created a music minister post and hired Faith for the job. In FL she has played at many churches including St. Timothy in the Villages and St. Vincent de Paul in Wildwood. In addition, she gives concerts, was recently music director of several musicals, and teaches piano to a growing number of students. Faith and her husband Bob have 2 children—a boy and a girl—and 5 grandchildren—all in the Chicago area. Faith LOVES working with choirs and helping congregations sing. She thanks God for bringing her to SJB and prays to continue serving Him and the wonderful people of SJB for many years. After all, at 93 her childhood piano teacher was still organist at St. John CC in Glenwood, IL.