Liturgical Music in the time of covid-19 virus

Why are we not singing as a congregation?  Why do we no longer have choirs or vocal groups?
Why is the cantor enclosed in a box?

To quote the Diocesan Office of Worship:  "There is evidence (including examples involving choirs in other states) that singing, especially in close proximity to others, greatly increases the risk of viral spread by aerosoling respiratory particles in a manner more akin to coughing or sneezing than mere talking. This causes particles to travel beyond six feet, and even surgical masks don't effectively contain them.  Infectious disease experts with whom we have consulted believe that this poses an unacceptable risk that would negate the beneficial effects of distancing and masks."

So.....as of June 1, the only singing currently allowed at public liturgies is by a cantor who must sing with a microphone from an enclosed space - either a room separate from the main body of the church - or from an enclosed booth or box specially constructed for this purpose.   The parish is in the process of making an enclosed booth which will be in the choir area.

I know it is hard for many of you not to sing right now, but please do not sing or hum in any way!

As you know,  the diocese has forbidden any choirs, or wind or brass instruments for several months now.  The piano and organ and guitar may be used.  As of June 1 (see above) one cantor may also sing at Mass.  We have also removed all missalettes, hymnals, bulletins, and anything else on which a covid virus could settle (sometimes remaining for as long as 6 days).  This was effective the middle of March.

We want everyone to stay healthy, and this is why the changes in music were made. This is a special, not normative for Church music, time that we are living in.

Let us all pray that a vaccine may be found soon and we can return to implementing the fullness
of the Church Documents and Liturgical Law.

Holy Week in Troubling Times

2020 is a year that will be long remembered as historic.  We are experiencing a pandemic that

is hitting everyone in one way or another.  If you are not sick, or have a relative or friend that is not sick, you still are "sheltering in place" and not able to come to Church.  We are not able to hold Holy Week services this year for the public.  However, the prayer of Holy Week is powerful and will help bring healing and peace to you and to this troubled world.

It really struck me that we are experiencing crucifixion leading to resurrection.  These difficult times and the grief that so many experience, will bring eventual resurrection of new life.  Jesus knows who we are by name, and he will help us through these times.

Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.   He has said: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."   

Remember, Christ is risen.   We too will rise.  Happy Easter to all!

Lessons and Carols is Three Weeks Away!

Lessons and Carols

Monday, December 16, 2019

Saint Therese Catholic Church, 2304 Lower Huntington Road.
7:00PM with prelude music beginning at 6:45PM.

The prelude music features violinist David Ling, flautist Tamara Searer-Jenkins, and organist Allen Goebbert. 

  

A Festival of Lessons and Carols 
is a beautiful candle-lit service of carols and scripture which is presented around the time of Christmas.   It has a long history, beginning in England in the early 1800s, and continued to this day.  This is a beautiful way to celebrate the Advent/Christmas season with family and friends!  O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL!

This evening of music and readings features David Ling, Tamara Searer-Jenkins, Allen Goebbert and St. Therese choir, chimes, guitar group, One Voice Children's choir and soloists from St. Therese Music Ministry under the direction of Beverly Rieger.

A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

There is no charge, but a free will offering will be taken to assist the St. Vincent De Paul Society in their important work for those who need our help.

Merry Christmas!

It's been a long time since I have posted on this blog.  Life got away from me, I guess.

We had a lovely Advent, a beautiful Lessons and Carols, and now Christmas Masses are over and we are looking at the Feast of the Holy Family this coming weekend, Epiphany on January 6 and The Baptism of the Lord will complete the Christmas season on January 13.

Many, many thanks for all the musicians who gave so generously of their time and talent over the Advent and Christmas season.  Thank you!

We are called, all of us, to be light to the world.  May we answer this call through our music ministry, and through our lives of service.

Music Ministry for Lent

Lent is time of deep retreat and of personal conversion.  Everything slows down and simplifies so that we can experience this change of heart.  The music for Mass is an integral part of this time of conversion.   The Alleluia and Gloria are omitted.  We sing the Latin/Greek chants of the Mass: the Kyrie, Sanctus, Agnus Dei.  Hymns such as "Deep Within", "Tree of Life', "Without Seeing You"reflect the readings for Cycle B, and inspire us to deepen in the prayers of Lent.

The responsorial psalm for this Fourth Sunday of Lent is Psalm 137:1-2,3,4-5,6.  The refrain "Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you." is our calling to bring the life of Jesus more deeply into our hearts and never forget his love for us.  The psalm verses reflect on what is means to be in a foreign land within ourselves...separated from God.

The Jewish people sang when they were captives in Babylon, and this is also our song:  "By the streams of Babylon we sat and wept, when we remembered Zion.  On the aspens of that land we hung up our harps.  For there our captives asked of us the lyrics of our song, and our despoilers urged us to be joyous: "Sing for us the songs of Zion!"  How could we sing a song of the Lord in a foreign land? 

As music ministers, how can we sing a song of the Lord if our hearts are not deeply connected to him and the journey of his life and death and resurrection?

Advent and Christmas Celebrations

Advent is such a beautiful time in the liturgical year.  It is peaceful and invites rest in the midst of busyness.  John The Baptist proclaims "Prepare"  the coming of the Lord is near.

We invite you to A Festival of Lessons and Carols. 

A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS is a beautiful candlelight service of carols and scripture which is presented around the time of Christmas. It has a long history, beginning in England in the early 1800s and continued to this day.

What a beautiful way to begin your week before Christmas with family and friends!  

COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL!

Featuring the music ministry of Saint Therese

with guest organist Allen Goebbert, guest violinist David Ling, and guest flautist Tamera Searer-Jenkins.

 

Blessing and Concert for our Samick Baby Grand Piano

We are now living the resurrection experience of the Easter Season which ended with the Pentecost commission to go out and be living witnesses to the Good News of Jesus Christ.  The readings in ordinary time are a continuing instruction in how to do this.....coming directly from the Old Testament, the New Testament letters from the early church, and words of Jesus himself through the Gospels.   The music, as always, directly reflects these readings.

NEWS:  On this coming Tuesday, July 18th, we will have a Concert and Blessing of the new Baby Grand Samick piano at 7:00PM at the church.  All are welcome.  Our guest concert pianist will be Dr. Valentino Piran who is the Music Director at St. Jude, Fort Wayne.  He will play original improvisations in many different music styles of our hymns, and will ask the audience also to suggest hymns for his improvisation.  Should be a beautiful and inspirational evening.  There will be a free will offering.