A sweet symphony: weaving together faith, family, music and ministry
By Renée St. Martin Wizeman

David Casey laughs – a bit wryly – at the mention of being a “rock star.”
“Yeah, that was kind of the big dream – just be a rock star - that will solve everything. But beneath that, I always thought that music was worth doing, that music is a fulfilling thing that I can always have,” David says.
And have it he does.
But let’s back up. Over a decade ago, Casey was the bandmate of Colin Meloy, another Helenan, who went on to become the frontman of Portland-based indie rockers The Decemberists.
And while David may not have been profiled in Rolling Stone just yet, this accomplished musician and songwriter has found a way to combine his musical gifts and his love of Jesus Christ.
David–the first-born of Darrell and Rose Casey’s five children–began playing piano at age five, and picked up guitar in high school. He credits his parents with instilling a deep faith and love for God, as well as an appreciation for the beauty and value of music. They also helped him understand the importance of consistently practicing one’s musical craft, a principle he uses to this day.
“Somehow as a kid I got that idea that if you just did a little bit every day, you would get better and music would grow out of that,” he said. Both his parents are musicians, and both shared their knowledge and love of music with him throughout his life.
David said his musical inclinations have shifted over the years, from his high school and college days, which were focused on indie rock and “synthy” music, to his more recent focus on worship music. But, he feels that music is a consistent component of his vocation, regardless of the particular style he may be playing. He also plays in The Watercarvers Guild, a trio featuring his father, his brother Nathan and himself. He said that much of the band’s music has spiritual themes.
“I think Watercarvers Guild is as much a ministry as being on stage leading worship songs. I know people have good connections to that music, and they get inspired by it, and I’m very edified by that. It’s about being where God is calling you to be” he said.

Leap of faith rewarded
Following his graduation from Carroll College, David remained open to different opportunities to play music, as he worked in the restaurant business and cared for his children.
In the summer of 1999, music came to the forefront, as David made the decision to quit his restaurant job, telling wife Deidre that his heart was for music, and he wanted to make a go of it. The morning after giving his two-weeks notice, he was contacted by Grandstreet Theatre to write songs for their Christmas show. “It was the beginning of learning that God could provide for me,” he said.

Later in 1999, he and his brother-in-law Doug Tooke did their first retreat collaboration for what would become Monarch Catholic Ministries. “We found we had a really good intuitive way of collaborating,” he said. The duo has traveled around the country, particularly in the Northwest, providing their particular brand of youth ministry.

Music ministry blossoms
In 2001, Casey was approached by then-diocesan youth minister Deacon Dan McGrath to write a song for the Catholic Youth Coalition’s annual convention, and he’s done so for subsequent conventions. He said that over the years, he was “acutely aware” of the parameters of fashioning a worship song to be used during Lent, which meant no inclusion of the Hallelujah.
This year, the CYC convention came at a later date, during the Easter season, so David’s song Hallelujah (Love Has Won) made its debut at the event.
“I was definitely glad to be able to use (the Hallelujah) as part of the song this year,” he said, noting that he looked to the Gospel reading for Easter as the launching point for the song.
Earlier this spring, Casey released his third Christian music CD “Pilgrim Songs.” He said that writing Christian music has been a long-time part of his devotional life. The new CD features songs written over the past several years, and several members of the “house band” that plays at CYC convention also played on this CD, including his wife Deidre, his brother Nathan Casey and friend Ryan Rebo.
 “Writing Christian music is something I’ve always done, and used as part of my devotional life,” he said.

David said that balancing the daily demands of life as a father of five, husband, musician and catechist can be tricky, but that placing God at the center of his life is key to the effort.
“We give intellectual consent to the idea that God is the most important thing, but there is something that just refuses to order our lives around that concept. I think distraction is one of the biggest obstacles in our culture – there’s always going to be more to do, a new movie to find the trailer for, another TV show that’s well-acted and well-produced, another book to read – so I guess I yearn for just a simplicity in the day that I try to find that weaves everything together.”
He recounted a recent game of hide and seek he played with his two youngest sons, where he was again reminded of God’s presence. As he hid in the shower, in the darkness and silence he became aware of God again.
“It took me physically having to go fully dressed in the shower to be reminded of God in my morning. I was struck again by the hide and seek image, because God wins that game every time. Whenever you try to hide yourself, God is the one who will always be able to find you,” he said.
Despite the challenges of balancing so many commitments, he is able to weave together many facets of his life. For example, he might create music with his family, and some of those efforts may then be incorporated into his ministry as a part-time catechist at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Helena. Deidre is also a catechist for the parish, and David said they really enjoy the time shared with their oldest son, Brendan, who is a high school student in the program.
He and Deidre have imparted their shared love of music to their five children as well. David said Brendan, Abra and Everett all play instruments, and the younger children, Asher and Quinn, have joined in the family tradition of Christmas caroling.

So being a rock star probably has its perks. But being a musician who spreads the Good Word, evangelizing through his craft, and weaving together music, family and faith–why that’s even better.

David Casey’s music may be purchased at Piccolo’s Music in Helena, online at www.watercarversguild.com or www.itunes.com.

Published in The Montana Catholic Online, May 29, 2009.