As the Grace Keys piano ministry enters a new season, 12‑year‑old Clarissa Fussy and her sisters are preparing to help lead a fresh series of musical reflections centered on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The timing is intentional: as the United States prepares for its renewed Consecration to the Sacred Heart, Clarissa and her sisters, along with help from their mom, Edith, are shaping a program designed to help listeners pray, reflect and encounter Christ’s love through music. Their program is available to area churches and schools.
Grace Keys first appeared in The Central Minnesota Catholic featuring their Lent program, which can be read here. For the new program, The Central Minnesota Catholic asked Clarissa about her ministry, her faith and the Sacred Heart theme.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of Grace Keys and sharing music with others?
Clarissa: There are so many wonderful things about Grace Keys, but what I enjoy most is being able to use God’s gifts for his glory and serve as his instrument in drawing others closer to him through music.
Q: You and your family designed a Lent program. What was that like for you?
Clarissa: I really felt I was doing God’s work. It was a long process, but one with its rewards. God used this work to touch people’s hearts. It was really tough, too, but I felt very happy and hope to do it again next year.
Q: Your next program focuses on the Sacred Heart. What does the Sacred Heart of Jesus mean to you personally?
Clarissa: The heart is a symbol of love. The Sacred Heart of Jesus shows his love for us. It is a place of refreshment and peace — a place where anyone can go to talk with him. He loves us so much, and he talks to us, too. We just have to listen.
Q: How are you and your sisters preparing the new pieces for this season’s Sacred Heart reflections?
Clarissa: Very, very carefully and with a lot of love. We prepare our pieces in detail, focusing on every little thing. Everything must be played in a way that deepens the reflection given just before the piece. And it is not easy.
Q: What is the most challenging part of being a part of Grace Keys?
Grace Keys is wonderful, and I love being part of it. The most challenging part is connecting with priests to share our mission, which is to provide opportunities to their parishioners to grow closer to our Lord. Priests carry very full schedules and it can be hard for them to respond to emails or arrange meetings. We continue to pray for them with love and understanding. While this can be frustrating at times, we trust that this ministry belongs to God, and he will guide it according to His will.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece you’re working on for the Sacred Heart program? What makes it special to you?
It’s really hard to pick a favorite piece because they are all equally well prepared and very special. So no, I do not have a favorite piece, but I do really like Rachmaninoff’s Moment Musical No. 4 and its fiery longing, like the Sacred Heart’s love for us.
Q: What do you hope people feel or experience when they attend your Sacred Heart program?
I really hope that people are able to find healing and truly encounter Christ, feel the intense, burning love the Sacred Heart has for us, and be moved to love Him more in return. Many times we don’t listen to His whispers in our minds, and I pray this program gives them that opportunity.
Q: What would you say to other kids who want to use their gifts — musical or otherwise — to serve God?
That’s great! God has given you those gifts to serve Him. Don’t be shy — be bold — and remember that God loves you so much! You are helping Him, in that way, to draw people closer to Him.
For more information on bringing Grace Keys programs to your parish or ACC, visit https://www.grace-keys.com. Read our story about the Grace Keys Lent program here.
Pictured above: Clarissa and her sisters Crystal, left and Claire. (Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)
