ROSWELL -- Those who sing when they pray have an opportunity this month to attend a liturgical music workshop and concert by one of the most prominent figures in religious music today.

David Haas, composer, musician, author and performer, will give a solo concert, Friday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Alpharetta, and a music workshop at the church the following day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Haas, currently director of the Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer and Ministry in St. Paul, Minn., has composed music for eucharistic celebrations, weddings, Christian initiation and religious education. The Grammy-nominated artist is known for collections titled "I Am Yours Today," "We Have Been Told," "Blest Are They," "To Be Your Bread" and "Who Calls You By Name."

Parishioners, RCIA directors, choir members and music directors throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta and all surrounding dioceses have been invited to attend the concert/workshop, according to Rita Spellicy, a member of the music ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas.

"David was chosen because he is a contemporary Christian composer and because everyone sings his music," she said. " He hasn't given a workshop here in several years."

"People who have already made reservations say he is fantastic," she continued. "To hear him perform music he wrote will enrich everyone's performance of music. His songs are staples in our liturgies both for formal and contemporary choral groups."

St. Thomas Aquinas music ministry is holding the event not only to enrich parish music ministries, but to help raise funds for their year-end trip to Italy, where they have been invited to sing for Pope John Paul II on New Year's Eve.

Tickets for the Friday evening concert are $15. Fees for the Saturday workshop include lunch and materials for $35. Recordings and sheet music will be available.

All parishes in the archdiocese have received information about the events, for further information or registration leave a message on the parish's hotline for the event (770) 992-3698. The church, which seats 600, is located at 535 Rucker Road in Alpharetta. Information on accommodations is available.