By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
For the past 50 years, Diane Sammet has dedicated her musical talents to Corpus Christi Parish.
Sammet was recognized earlier this year for her 50 years of contributions to the parish in music ministry.
“I just felt real welcome when I came here,” Sammet said. “When I started coming here, I came here for the music, but the people were just really super friendly here and just made me feel really super welcome. And when I started singing here, people were just very nice and supportive.”
Growing up, she attended Sacred Heart School and Mater Dei High School. It was at Mater Dei she joined the Marians, which was a choir group at the school.
“It was a good experience and a good foundation for me, my Mater Dei experience,” Sammet said.
In 1975, Sammet began singing every week at the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi. She began attending Corpus Christi prior to that at a time when a group of Mater Dei people provided music there. After the group disbanded, she stepped in and started singing at the Sunday Mass.
She has since helped with many funerals, weddings, First Communions and Confirmations. The parish’s music coordinator, Sammet has directed the parish’s choir since 1999. She has also assisted with many children’s choirs over her years of service. Sammet said she has had many great children’s choirs throughout her time at Corpus Christi.
Sammet credited Father David Nunning, now a senior priest of the diocese, who she said “was a mentor to me.” She said Father Nunning provided books so she could start singing the Psalms and taught her how to do funerals.
“I was young. I didn’t know what I was doing,” she said. “And I had ladies playing for me and they would say do this. He was the one that kind of took me aside and said here’s how you do this, this and this. And he was really the good influence to me.”
Father Bill Nicholas, administrator of Corpus Christi Parish in Evansville, said it is rare to have a music director who works so closely and effectively with both the parish and school. Father Nicholas said her work with the adult choir and the school children’s choir are a real asset to the parish.
“That has greatly enriched the worship both at our parish Masses as well as our weekly school Masses,” Father Nicholas said. “Corpus Christi Church has been fortunate to have her on board for the last 50 years. Her dedication to her craft and her love for God and this parish is clear to all.”
Deacon Tom Goebel said Sammet has trained more singers and cantors than people could imagine. Deacon Goebel has not met anyone who has given more than her for her church, he said.
“Everyone at Corpus Christi loves her and is grateful for her,” Deacon Goebel said. “My wife and I are proud to call her a dear friend. We also are grateful for her husband Mark for sharing her with us.”
An announcement was made earlier this year that Sammet had served 50 years for the parish. A week or two later, the parish surprised her with a reception. She was awarded a plaque for serving the parish since 1975.
“As long as my health holds out, I plan on staying here,” Sammet said. ”Because I’m in great health and I love what I do. And I want to continue doing it as long as I possibly can.”