Boys Ranch Christmas Cantata Uplifts Spirits and Fosters Belonging
The festive air at Boys Ranch was filled with music, joy and a sense of belonging as boys and girls prepared for the annual Cantata, a cherished Christmas event put on by the Chapel Program.
Maddie, 17, a relatively recent arrival at Boys Ranch since February 2023, eagerly embraced her first Cantata experience. An avid singer, Maddie was drawn to the event as another avenue to engage with the vibrant Boys Ranch community.
“I enjoy singing, and I’ve been very involved in Boys Ranch since I got here, so I thought this would be another way to get involved,” Maddie said. “I’ve heard so much about Cantata, and a lot of people have encouraged me to be a part of it, and it was a lot of fun.”
“When you get here at Boys Ranch, there are a lot of kids, and they are going to have open arms. You have to make the right friends and right decisions and get as involved as you can. Those people who are around you when you involve yourself at Boys Ranch, those are the ones who are going to make an impact for a lifetime.”
Callie, 18, in her third year at Boys Ranch, was preparing for her last Cantata as a resident of Boys Ranch. Reflecting on her growth and spiritual journey, Callie expressed a desire to utilize her voice for a higher purpose.
“This is my last year, and I’ve definitely grown closer to God. I want to use my voice for something other than just talking people’s ears off. I decided to use it to glorify God,” Callie said.
“It’s crazy to be on stage and be part of it. I like that I get to see the joy on people’s faces. I really like Boys Ranch a lot, and I’m glad to be a part of my last Cantata.”
Ray Martinez, the event coordinator and a chaplain at Boys Ranch, shed light on the Cantata’s inception and its impact on the Boys Ranch community. He discussed the Cantata Prayer Retreat held in September, emphasizing the spiritual significance and planning that goes into the event’s creation.
Ray also highlighted the role Cantata plays in instilling excitement for the holiday season among the children at Boys Ranch. “For students who attend Cantata, they have the opportunity to dress up very nicely and experience the birth of Christ celebrated through song, color, dance, and most importantly, slowing down long enough to be present with people around them and the moment,” Martinez said.
When prompted about this year’s Cantata, Martinez noticed a remarkable enthusiasm among the participants. “This year, our kiddos who have signed up seem to have a tender spirit, eager to share their gifts and talents with their BR community,” he said.
He highlighted the dedication of the vocalists and the peace apparent during rehearsals, underscoring the participants’ connection to this year’s Cantata.
Cantata also fulfills the element of belonging at Boys Ranch.
“The Cantata facilitates and strengthens belonging through creative collaboration,” he said. “The message of Cantata highlights God’s saving presence and redemption on our behalf: ‘Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23). We are known by name. We are called by name. We belong with God.”