Angelic Voices. On Wednesday night I listened to the Children’s Choir as they practiced their Palm Sunday and Easter repertoire. They truly have beautiful voices! And the enthusiasm with which they both “belted out” some songs and joyfully sang others was truly amazing. When I thought I had heard the best of the best being sung, they out-did themselves by flawlessly singing the Latin song, Ubi caritas. I was very pleased with how well they were paying attention and taking direction from both Susan Zybert, music direc-tor, and Lori Ann Damato, who helps to train and conduct them. I know we will be very happy and proud to hear them at Mass on both Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday and we will be impressed with how these little voices will be able to lead the congregation in singing praise and worship to our loving God. Bravo!
Palm Sunday, the Holy Triduum, and the Great Easter Vigil. Last year the crowds were just simply amazing at all the liturgies of the Triduum (Holy Week) and the participation was spectacular. I hope we re-peat ourselves this year as we enter into the holiest of times in our Church. This year we will have a few different things going on to assist us in these wonderfully holy rituals…to make things run more smoothly and to invite and enable everyone to participate. First, we will produce a worship aid that will include everything from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. The worship aid will be complete with all the congregation’s singing parts (we will actually have the right music printed which corresponds to what we will actually sing at Mass!), and the worship aid will describe the liturgy or ceremonial ritual taking place, giving a bit of theology, a bit of tradition, and hopefully some idea of why the action taking place has application to our daily lives today. In addition to the worship aid, we will design the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday in such a way that last year’s long lines will be reduced, if not eliminated. Next week in the bulletin I will give a preview of how we are to accomplish that. The simple answer is to have more than one crucifix in the church to be venerated but the Bishop’s Ceremonial, the instruction for the rite, calls for only one crucifix in the church for Good Friday. There is an easy solution… I hope you will also consider attending the Great Easter Vigil, this year Mr. Charles Page will be welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church, and then we will all celebrate at the Alleluia Party to follow in Russell Hall (volunteers are needed for this grand event – and Confirmation hours are available, please see the notice below for more information).
Parish Facilities Projects. We are making progress on some minor projects here in the parish. First, the pews were removed behind the organ to allow for more fluid movement of the choirs during the Masses. This has been a long time coming and I thank Dr. Phil DePasquale for marshalling this effort. Also, we are going to have the outside wall at the music room repaired. As you can see all the peeling paint, mold and some wood rot which are making the place look terrible. Part of the problem is that when last painted a primer was not used, but another issue is that the location of the wall and the design allow for water to remain on the wood and mold and mildew grows. We have already replaced some of the wood but the problem persists. A soltion will be to cover the wood with vinyl siding to eliminate future upkeep and repairs. We have procured quotes and hope to take corrective action before Easter.
Easter and our Sanctuary. We are planning a beautiful Easter celebration this year and that includes everything from the rituals of the Masses and liturgies, to the music, to the environment. Our expert design team is working on some wonderful visuals for the Sanctuary in both materials and flowers.
Your support of the Easter Flower Envelopes are greatly appreciated.
