Mark your calanders for December 6, 2012 (Feast Day of St. Nicholas) - the date we will be having our long awaited Christmas Show at the Theatre at Westbury.
Laurie Mangano
A native of Long Island, Laurie began singing as a young child in elementary school, as well as in the folk group of her local parish. It was at this early age that she was singled out among other children as having a unique talent. Singing in church taught and challenged her to examine her heart. As Laurie recalls, she discovered God through song. She continues to have an intimate relationship with God, relying on Him for strength, compassion, and companionship.
Laurie and other family members formed a band, performed at local functions, and won many awards. These early performances paved the way for a budding solo career, but left her unfulfilled. "Performing was fun but something very deep was missing. Singing for God gave purpose to my song." She performed liturgical dance and sang throughout Long Island with the Spirit Life Center. As an active member of her local parish, she was a cantor and religious education teacher.
After her brother's ordination to the priesthood, Father Charles invited Laurie to join in his new music ministry. This presented her with the opportunity to use her angelic voice in a way she always dreamed. Together they have released nine successful albums: LEAD ME LORD, I CALL YOU FRIEND, THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS, TRUST HIS HEART, CELEBRATE JESUS, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER and GOD'S UNBELIEVABLE LOVE, A MULTI-DISC ROSARY CD along with producing videos and a DVD of their major concert events. They have performed internationally and have completed ten seasons as hosts of their own television show, a program of faith-sharing, music and prayer on Long Island's Telecare Network. They have appeared at countless venues from “Nights of Recollection” at local parishes to sold-out concerts at The Theatre at Westbury, the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts at Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall in New York, as well as The Cathedral Basilica of St. James, Brooklyn. Their goal has always been the same: to convey the awesome love of God so that people will be touched with a renewed sense of faith and the courage to live it out. To further express her passion for God, Laurie studied sign language and uses sign with song in this ministry.
A portion of the proceeds from all album sales and ticketed events go to several charities, including Little Flower Children's and Family Services of New York, Catholic Charities, The Life Center of Long Island, Father Thomas Hartman Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Inc., Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation for Catholic Elementary School Education, the Carol Baldwin Breast Care Center and the West Maui Domestic Abuse Task Force. To date, Father Charles and Laurie have donated in excess of $325,000 to these and other worthwhile causes.
Along with her music ministry, Laurie is first and foremost a devoted wife and mother. She has been a volunteer at The Life Center of Long Island and developed a modeling career, gracing the pages of the New York Times and Modern Bride, to name just two publications. She has also done runway work in Manhattan and has been seen in several corporate video productions and television commercials.
While modeling and volunteering were very important to her, Laurie now dedicates her time to this ever growing music ministry with her brother. "It is an honor to be the instrument by which God is doing His Work. I will go wherever God leads me for as long as He wishes." In Laurie's personal free time, she enjoys being a member of the Islip Horseman's Association Drill Team.
Islip Horseman's Association Drill Team, September 2011
Princeton Spirit Drill Team, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2009
