Joyful Noise Books and Gifts - About Us

Elijah Music Ministry

2007-09-14T03:43:00Z

We have the ultimate blessing as husband and wife to share the same passion for the gift God has given us…music. Not just any music, His music.

The Lord heard the prayer of Elijah; the life breath returned to the child’s body and he revived. Taking the child, Elijah brought him down into the house from the upper room and gave him to his mother. “See!” Elijah said to her, “your son is alive”. “Now indeed I know that you are a man of God,” the woman replied to Elijah. “The word of the Lord comes truly from your mouth”. 1 Kings, 17:20-24

This ministry was formed in the year 2000 after having made music together since 1995 and having spent several years alongside many talented individuals in various music groups when we were invited to lead music at St. Clare of Assisi parish. Together with good friend and alto vocalist Marilyn Bateman, the Elijah Music Ministry was born.

The name of the group was chosen for two reasons. “Elijah” in it’s biblical form means ‘Yahweh is my God’. It also bears the name of one of two young sons, Elijah (1978-1990) and Elias (1979-1990) both of whom passed away in an automobile accident at the hands of a drunk driver. The name serves as a reminder of God’s infinite love and faithfulness especially during our time of deepest sorrow.

This is our latest CD

Today the Elijah Music Ministry members include Patrick on drums and vocals, Peggy on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Marilyn Bateman, Fran Kuhn and Socrates Pilapil on vocals, Dominic Pilapil on piano, Dan Sather on bass and Rob Victor on electric guitar. Together we have recorded 2 CDs which we are extremely proud of. The first “God’s Power” in 2004 and the second “Elijah & Friends” in 2006 which has trax by each of the talented choirs at St. Clare of Assisi Parish as well as, local Catholic musician Scott Roy.

We have been privileged by invitations to play at several local events including the welcoming of youth to World Youth Days in 2002 at the Plaza of Nations for over 2000 people to, most recently, the welcoming reception after the mass for Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Miller.

We hope and pray that we can continue to serve Him through the music ministry for many more years to come.

Sample Music

Contact Information

Elijah Music Ministry at 604.464.3415 or email

Photo Gallery

Click on the photos below to view them.

The Store

2007-04-04T03:48:00Z

Our little burgundy stuccoed 1930’s house has been completely renovated on the inside thanks to the help of our community. Where once the house was small and divisive with walls up where bedrooms were, it is an open space renovated from floor to ceiling with amber coloured wood floors, mediteranean wall colours in a deep yellow, and highlights of red curtains and chair coverings. We wanted to create a contemporary space with an old warm feel about it. It represents the way we see ourselves and our faith.

We have a sitting area in the front room in and amongst the bookshelves that have not only books but music CDs, DVDs, giftware, statues but even a small selection of food and beverage so you can enjoy lunch or a coffee break as you shop.

In the smaller rooms to the side you will find more shelving with a small selection of gifts for all ocassions, baptisms, weddings, first communion, confirmation, birthdays, and much more.

Still more, in the back room we have a variety saints medals, holy cards, pictures, rosaries, crucifixes and other small statuary.

Lots to see in a small but sacred space!

Patrick & Peggy Maas

2007-04-04T03:02:00Z

Patrick’s story:

In 1998 I believe God placed an idea on my heart to open a Catholic Christian bookstore. When I shared this with Peggy, she seemed surprised but really didn’t doubt what I felt. The three years leading up to this included dramatic changes in my life as I discovered my faith and developed my own relationship with God. I was not attending church when Peggy and I began dating and laughed abit whenever she asked me to come. I eventually went with her and was surprised by what I found. I found a great community that helped me not only find my way back to my faith but, helped me to find my way back to God.

Patrick and Peggy in the back room of the newly renovated store

Peggy and I were married in 1997 and by that time I was attending church on a regular basis, even becoming involved in the music ministry playing bass guitar in the choir at Our Lady of Fatima parish in Coquitlam where we were befriended by (then) Pastor, Rev. Craig Scott. It was through Fr. Scott that I participated in a Cursillo weekend which really helped to me to understand my new relationship with Jesus, with my Catholic Christian community and provided me with invaluable tools to help to enrich my worship and prayer life. It was quite a conversion from where I was and therefore I don’t think Peggy was surprised by my zeal for the faith.

Seven years later in 2005 after much prayer and many life changes, the desire to open the store was strong again. I think there was a pressing feeling in Peggy and I that time was passing by and that was God creating the sense of urgency that we needed. Of course, His timing is always perfect and here we are.

I am more the behind-the-scenes partner with Peggy as the proverbial hostess, something she loves to do and is very good at. She really allows God to work through her and that makes the store what it is. I feel very blessed on many counts and I pray that God will continue to use us to spread the Good News both through the store and through our music ministry (Elijah Music Ministry at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, Coquitlam).

Peggy’s story:

When Patrick announced one day that he thought that “God told him that he should open and operate a Catholic Christian booktore”, I thought, “oh, sure He did! I’m the one that’s been back to church for years, here you’ve just come back, and God’s speaking to you. Really?” Well, I’m just being honest. But, the more Patrick kept talking the more I believed him.

Patrick and Peggy at the front counter showing the books, gifts and CDs of local Christian musicians

In fact, nothing should have really surprised me where God is concerned. I also was away from my faith for many years, coming back in my late 20’s. Although my parents ensured I received all the sacraments and instructions as a child, I lived most of my youth and young adult life absolutely contrary to God’s teachings until one day a friend invited me to participate in the music ministry at her parish. God is so clever isn’t He? Using whatever He can to fan that flame that He placed in you when He created you. When I joined my friends I was to substitute for their vacationing guitarist/vocalist for 4 weeks…that was almost 20 years ago and I’ve barely missed a week!!

Thank God He never gave up on me even when I had given up on myself. The day He became real to me came through a tragedy in the summer of 1990 when I lost my 2 young sons Elijah and Elias to a drunk driver. God took care of my daughters Elishah and Elizabeth and I and our whole family.

For me, this is part of the reason that I do everything that I do. I sing His praises and share with people how God lifted me from my pain and sorrow and gave me His peace. I place my trust in Him because He has never, ever failed me. I place my trust in Him because He has taken better care of me than I ever did of myself.

Patrick and I are members of the Catholic parish of St. Clare of Assisi in Coquitlam, British Columbia where together we direct the Elijah Music Ministry. Named after Elijah, my oldest son, and named so because the name Elijah means “Yahweh is our God”. The music ministry is our other great joy, so it was very befitting to call the store “JOYFUL NOISE Books & Gifts”. The psalm says “make a joyful noise to the Lord” and we do wherever we can!