Bishop Tobin welcomed the audience to the performance and thanked them for their contributions to the campaign.

“We are in the midst of our fifth year of this program and with some of winter left to go we still have people who need our support,” he said, “Your presence here today, your financial support, and your prayers are greatly appreciated.”

The concert began with the choirs singing “Psalm 150” and was followed by “Ave Maria,” featuring mezzo-soprano Georgette ­­Hutchins and tenor Donald Blasis. A selection of pieces from “Mass in G” by Schubert came next, and then soprano Maureen Walsh O’Sullivan led in “Make a Rainbow.”

Before the Gregorian Concert Choir sang “Shall We Gather at the River,” the final song before intermission, Msgr. Mancini told the audience about the special meaning the song had to the choir. The Gregorian Concert Choir previously had the opportunity to perform at the Vatican during a private audience with the late Pope John Paul II and chose to sing this song.

“When we finished singing for the Holy Father, he enjoyed it so much he said, ‘One more time’,” Monsignor Mancini told the audience. “Of course, we were happy to perform it again!”

After intermission, the concert resumed with the songs “Exsultate Justi,” “Gabriel’s Oboe,” “Jubilee Te Deum,” “Above All,” and concluded with “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” to a standing ovation from the audience.

The concert is just one of the events that have been held over the years to help support the “Keep the Heat On” campaign. Past events have included partnership events with the Providence Bruins and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.

The “Keep the Heat On” campaign is an effort by Bishop Tobin and the Diocese of Providence to provide heating services for households during the winter season. Since it was launched in 2005, the campaign has helped provide for thousands of Rhode Island households in need.

For more information on the “Keep the Heat On” campaign, visit the website at www.heatRI.com.