Keir Ward, Minister of Music

Armed with a love of gospel music and a natural curiosity, as a tween Keir Ward could be found picking out notes and eventually teaching himself how to play the piano in the sanctuary of Saint Cecilia Parish in Detroit. It wasn’t long before Keir taught songs and directed the choir under the guidance of his mentor Marjorie Gabriel-Burrow. By the age of 16, Keir was deeply immersed in Black Christian worship and he was already influencing Black Catholic Worship in the city. In 1986, in a shocking move—with the urging of Sister Carita Loving, HVM—Keir applied for the Minister of Music position at Epiphany Catholic Church. Upon acceptance, at the age of 16, Keir became the youngest Minister of Music in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Upon hearing of the inevitable closing of Epiphany, Sr. Carita set out to find a home for her youth ministry and found it at St. Leo in Detroit. She immediately caught the ear of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton to bring Keir on in the Music Department. At 18, Keir transformed the music department at St. Leo and served as the parish’s Minister of Music for 28 years. His first major work, inspired by St. Leo’s faith community, The Mass of Praise, was recorded and sung there in 1990.

Keir Ward is also a recording artist who has worked with nationally and internationally-acclaimed recording artists including: The Contours, The Vandellas, The Shirelles, John P. Kee, Salt of the Earth, and Vicki Winans. In addition to the Mass of Praise, Keir has written and composed many works including the Mass of St. Leo-Detroit (2000). Currently, Keir serves as the Music Director for several choirs including: The Motown Legends Gospel Choir, The Archdiocese of Detroit Black Catholic Ministries Gospel Choir, and The Ward Family Singers, the last group being comprised of his wife and children. He also teaches choir at St. Clare of Montefalco and Detroit Cristo Rey Catholic Schools, and teaches music for Mosaic Youth Theater’s First Stage and Main Stage Choir programs.

In the summer of 2017, Archbishop Allen Vigneron commissioned Keir to write a Gospel Mass for ecumenical ministry in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Keir rose to the challenge, and the Mass of the Sacred Heart was born. Inspired by his love for Detroit and its’ people, he presented this Mass to the Archbishop and it was accepted.

On Sunday, September 6, 2020 Keir became Sacred Heart’s 5th Minister of Music where he will lead the Sacred Heart Choral Ensemble, the Youth Choir, Teen Choir and our Cantors. Keir can often be heard performing and ministering with his family, The Ward Family; comprised of his wife, Charlene and three gifted children: Arym, Timothy, and Coleman.

Eileen Orr, MM, Accompanist

Eileen is a pianist, arranger, singer, and teacher who makes her home in Southwest Detroit. She is most widely known for her work with the Grammy-nominated jazz group, Straight Ahead., with whom she has performed extensively throughout the United States, playing such major venues as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

She has also traveled extensively in the Caribbean, having performed and taught music for two years in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic. She was the arranger for an 11-Piece Latin group, Orquesta Fuego, which has played all the major Latin Music festivals and events in the Midwest. She was voted Best Pianist in Latin/World Music by the Detroit Music Awards, as well as being in that competition’s Hall of Fame for her work with Straight Ahead.

Eileen joined Sacred Heart’s music staff in 2002 and has continued to grown in her studies of Gospel and Sacred Music. She completed a Master of Music from Wayne State University in 2006.

Stephanie Flanagan, Co-Director – Youth Choir

Stephanie, a native of Detroit, juggles a hectic schedule as both a mom and an entrepreneur. As a professional, Stephanie is the owner of the Stephanie Keith-Flanagan Insurance Agency in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For over 22 years, she has provided service and educated the community about various insurance products. Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University. Stephanie is married to David Flanagan and they are the proud parents of three talented children: Devinn, Mackenzie and Brian.

As a gifted soloist, Stephanie desires excellence from herself and the young people that she works within the Sacred Heart Youth Choir. For over 8 years, she has enjoyed developing a motherly attachment to each choir member and continues to energetically develop the talents of each youth.

Arthur Miles, Percussionist

Arthur, a native of Detroit, has been part of Sacred Heart’s Musical Staff since 2000.

As talented drummer, Arthur began playing at the age of 7 years old. His love for music and passion for God, makes him an asset both to this ministry and his home church Miracle Tabernacle Pentecostal Church (Detroit.)

Arthur is married to Charlene (Green) Miles, and is the proud parent of 4 children Angelique, Ashley, Chania and Arthur III.