This week:
Entrance: Crown Him With Many Crowns - Diademata
Introit: Tone 8
Kyrie: Mass 16
Gloria: Mass 8
Psalm: EVERYBODY SIT DOWN:
Psalm 34 - setting by our FEARLESS LEADER,
The Right Most Holy and Irreverant Father of Several,
Brian Michael Page. You may now all continue with your regularly
scheduled breathing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Offertory: Come, My Way, My Truth - The Call
Sanctus, etc.: Mass 18
Communion Antiphon: Tone 8
Communion Hymn (a rare thing here): Gift of Finest Wheat - Bicentennial
Hymn: You Are the Way, To You Alone - Dundee
Organ: Toccata in e minor - Walther (I think...Biggs' Treasury collection)
Wednesdays will be my day off this year...barring funerals and Feast Days.
Katie will leave for TN to tend to her parents (her dad will be 93 on 8/31), which means that I'm bachelor-ing it up again. Pray for me. And Dooley.
School begins Monday morning....with Mass. This should be fun.
Except that I've been told I must be in dress code....which will be interesting since I have no money to purchase several pairs of nice pants and shirts..... oi vey.
Have a great, cool week.
I hear rumors that in Corpus Christi this year, WINTER will occur on December 4 from 8am until 3pm.
SteveO
Showing posts with label Christ the King Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ the King Church. Show all posts
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Taking the Plunge...(into the dunking booth?)
Well, the plunge has been agreed upon earlier than I expected! We had been planning on having the congregation chant the single verse introit and the communion antiphon at the daily Masses when the new school session begins. However, we've scrapped that idea and moved the schedule up a bit...to THIS WEEKEND.....
In place of the Introit at the weekend Masses, we'll be singing the hymns from the Introit Hymns collection, published by WLM. Although there are a few hymns wherein the texts are not very elegant, for the most part, everything is singable, and makes sense verbally. There are a few tunes that we will probably bypass, as well.
We are going to have the congregation chant the communion antiphon to Tone VIII, which is the most familiar one in this parish. (Years and years ago, I heard an entire parish sing the liturgy (Introit, Gloria, Psalm, Alleluia, Memorial) to Tone VIII!
So here's how things will be around here at CTK in CC TX.
Organ, Prelude on Kingsfold - Proulx, I think, is the composer....
Introit Hymn, The Lord is the Strength of His People - St. Denio
Gloria, Mass XVIII
Psalm, Tone II
Alleluia, A. Gregory Murray, SJ (vs. Tone VIII)
Offertory, I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - Kingsfold
Sanctus/Memorial/Agnus Dei - Mass XVIII
Communion Antiphon - Tone VIII
Marian Antiphon - Salve Regina, Mode V
Recessional, I Sing the Mighty Power of God - Ellacombe
Organ, Festive Trumpet Tune - David German
We still have a huge problem with the loud, falling kneelers immediately after the Sanctus. Our priests continue with the Eucharistic Prayer immediately upon the conclusion of the Sanctus, and several sentences are lost mid-air, due to the noisiness. So this week, I decided to make an attempt to rectify the situation. Here's the blurb printed in the music bulletin:
Regarding the kneelers: as yo know, we are supposed to kneel immediately after singing the Sanctus. The priest begins the prayer immediately. Unfortunately, it is difficult to kneel so quickly. It is suggested that the kneelers be quietly put down during the time of the collection. It's just a suggestion, but it might be worth trying.
In the order of Mass, under the line "Presentation of the Gifts", I inserted: (This is a good time to lower the kneelers). Time will tell if this works.
Progress often happens at a snail's pace. With the constant ringing of cell phones one weekend (four times at ONE Mass), I decided to be assertive --- no, make that agressive!!!!! My announcement (a rare thing): I know that most of us have cell phones, and I'd like to encourage everyone to take your phones out, and turn them off, or at least to the silent mode. It really gets very embarrassing when the phone rings during Mass, and it's not God calling!. Believe it or not, there were a large number of chuckles. Yet not one single cell-phone went off at that particular Mass. At one of the other Masses, I heard a very, very quiet ring....and saw a few people turn around. The intrusion into the Sacred by the mundane, profane & secular, is still difficult to deal with. Have you all noticed the sense of "self-importance" that is displayed in public when a person's cell phone rings?
The facial expressions, the vocalisations, etc....although eyes may roll, the person truly gets a blast out of feeling so needed. 'Tis a shame, because for our self worth, we need only Jesus, and he comes to us, hidden, yet manifest, body and blood, soul and divinity, under the form of a piece of bread.
May God bless all of you this coming weekend.
And may the snark in all of us crying out, aloud: SHUT THAT BLANKETY BLANK STUPID IDIOTIC CELL PHONE OFF OR GET THE HECK OUT OF THIS SPACE UNTIL YOU CAN SET YOUR PRIORITIES.
There now. Doesn't that feel better....... (Excedrin Headache #57)
SteveO
In place of the Introit at the weekend Masses, we'll be singing the hymns from the Introit Hymns collection, published by WLM. Although there are a few hymns wherein the texts are not very elegant, for the most part, everything is singable, and makes sense verbally. There are a few tunes that we will probably bypass, as well.
We are going to have the congregation chant the communion antiphon to Tone VIII, which is the most familiar one in this parish. (Years and years ago, I heard an entire parish sing the liturgy (Introit, Gloria, Psalm, Alleluia, Memorial) to Tone VIII!
So here's how things will be around here at CTK in CC TX.
Organ, Prelude on Kingsfold - Proulx, I think, is the composer....
Introit Hymn, The Lord is the Strength of His People - St. Denio
Gloria, Mass XVIII
Psalm, Tone II
Alleluia, A. Gregory Murray, SJ (vs. Tone VIII)
Offertory, I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - Kingsfold
Sanctus/Memorial/Agnus Dei - Mass XVIII
Communion Antiphon - Tone VIII
Marian Antiphon - Salve Regina, Mode V
Recessional, I Sing the Mighty Power of God - Ellacombe
Organ, Festive Trumpet Tune - David German
We still have a huge problem with the loud, falling kneelers immediately after the Sanctus. Our priests continue with the Eucharistic Prayer immediately upon the conclusion of the Sanctus, and several sentences are lost mid-air, due to the noisiness. So this week, I decided to make an attempt to rectify the situation. Here's the blurb printed in the music bulletin:
Regarding the kneelers: as yo know, we are supposed to kneel immediately after singing the Sanctus. The priest begins the prayer immediately. Unfortunately, it is difficult to kneel so quickly. It is suggested that the kneelers be quietly put down during the time of the collection. It's just a suggestion, but it might be worth trying.
In the order of Mass, under the line "Presentation of the Gifts", I inserted: (This is a good time to lower the kneelers). Time will tell if this works.
Progress often happens at a snail's pace. With the constant ringing of cell phones one weekend (four times at ONE Mass), I decided to be assertive --- no, make that agressive!!!!! My announcement (a rare thing): I know that most of us have cell phones, and I'd like to encourage everyone to take your phones out, and turn them off, or at least to the silent mode. It really gets very embarrassing when the phone rings during Mass, and it's not God calling!. Believe it or not, there were a large number of chuckles. Yet not one single cell-phone went off at that particular Mass. At one of the other Masses, I heard a very, very quiet ring....and saw a few people turn around. The intrusion into the Sacred by the mundane, profane & secular, is still difficult to deal with. Have you all noticed the sense of "self-importance" that is displayed in public when a person's cell phone rings?
The facial expressions, the vocalisations, etc....although eyes may roll, the person truly gets a blast out of feeling so needed. 'Tis a shame, because for our self worth, we need only Jesus, and he comes to us, hidden, yet manifest, body and blood, soul and divinity, under the form of a piece of bread.
May God bless all of you this coming weekend.
And may the snark in all of us crying out, aloud: SHUT THAT BLANKETY BLANK STUPID IDIOTIC CELL PHONE OFF OR GET THE HECK OUT OF THIS SPACE UNTIL YOU CAN SET YOUR PRIORITIES.
There now. Doesn't that feel better....... (Excedrin Headache #57)
SteveO
Monday, June 15, 2009
Can you believe this guy?
After saying that I remember too many hymns, I hit post... then realized that I FORGOT to tell you what we're doing for the rest of the liturgy!!!! It's hitting. Or maybe, it's just getting to be late on Monday evening....
Gloria, Sanctus, Mortem, Agnus Dei - - - all chanted
Alleluia by A. Gregory Murray.
There.
Thus endeth the snarkth.
SteveO
Gloria, Sanctus, Mortem, Agnus Dei - - - all chanted
Alleluia by A. Gregory Murray.
There.
Thus endeth the snarkth.
SteveO
A Village Can't do this....
It takes me HOURS to choose the hymns for Mass.
I'm not talking about a single day, either. Me esteemed snark, Brian, has been showing an excellent way to "figure out" how to choose the liturgical music of the day. It makes a huge amount of difference in the choices that are made, when compared to the choices made simply by looking at the Scriptures assigned through the lectionary.
For the next six weeks, we're embarking on a new music journey here at CTK-CC,TX.....
The entrance hymns are all chosen from the collection Introit Hymns, published by WLP (which, by the way, USED to be known as WLSM, World Library of Sacred Music....kind of like GIA USED to be known as Gregorian Institute of America. So much lost in just a few initials now followed by periods.....
Because it's summer, I've asked the parish priests for just a tiny bit less singing: the Kyrie and the Lord's Prayer.
We'll be chanting the Communion antiphon to Tone VIII. The reason for doing this is because in the Fall season, M-Th, we'll be having the people chant the introit, instead of singing a hymn. This is done for several reasons, not necessarily in order of importance: we have to watch the time....the introit needs to be re-introduced to the people as a sung portion of the liturgy, and not something the priest says after his greeting. . .
The Psalms will be chanted to either Tone II, III or VIII, except on 7/13, when we'll be singing a setting of Psalm 23 which I composed just before being diagnosed with cancer in 2004. It's one of my favorite compositions (HEY! someone has to be my fan, and it might as well be me....lol)
So, here's the lineup for June 21st:
Entrance - The Lord is the Strength of His People - St. Denio
Offertory - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - Kingsfold
Recessional - I Sing the Mighty Power of God - Ellacombe
After 42 years, it seems to become more challenging to choose the most appropriate music - I just remember way too many hymns and tunes! (Might as well enjoy this predicament while it lasts. Someday, I might not remember my name....)
Okay. It's off to see how I fared with Brian's list!!!
Make sure you get your snarkicillin shots. A very bad case of infectisnarkillillus is making the rounds.
SteveO
I'm not talking about a single day, either. Me esteemed snark, Brian, has been showing an excellent way to "figure out" how to choose the liturgical music of the day. It makes a huge amount of difference in the choices that are made, when compared to the choices made simply by looking at the Scriptures assigned through the lectionary.
For the next six weeks, we're embarking on a new music journey here at CTK-CC,TX.....
The entrance hymns are all chosen from the collection Introit Hymns, published by WLP (which, by the way, USED to be known as WLSM, World Library of Sacred Music....kind of like GIA USED to be known as Gregorian Institute of America. So much lost in just a few initials now followed by periods.....
Because it's summer, I've asked the parish priests for just a tiny bit less singing: the Kyrie and the Lord's Prayer.
We'll be chanting the Communion antiphon to Tone VIII. The reason for doing this is because in the Fall season, M-Th, we'll be having the people chant the introit, instead of singing a hymn. This is done for several reasons, not necessarily in order of importance: we have to watch the time....the introit needs to be re-introduced to the people as a sung portion of the liturgy, and not something the priest says after his greeting. . .
The Psalms will be chanted to either Tone II, III or VIII, except on 7/13, when we'll be singing a setting of Psalm 23 which I composed just before being diagnosed with cancer in 2004. It's one of my favorite compositions (HEY! someone has to be my fan, and it might as well be me....lol)
So, here's the lineup for June 21st:
Entrance - The Lord is the Strength of His People - St. Denio
Offertory - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - Kingsfold
Recessional - I Sing the Mighty Power of God - Ellacombe
After 42 years, it seems to become more challenging to choose the most appropriate music - I just remember way too many hymns and tunes! (Might as well enjoy this predicament while it lasts. Someday, I might not remember my name....)
Okay. It's off to see how I fared with Brian's list!!!
Make sure you get your snarkicillin shots. A very bad case of infectisnarkillillus is making the rounds.
SteveO
Thus Endeth the Trinity Weekend....and I'm right poop-ed out...
Well, the marathon, as you all know, began with Pentecost, followed by Trinity, followed by VBS and its closing solemn Mass, followed by Corpus Christi, including First Holy Communion and the great Eucharistic Procession. Of the 80 kids at VBS, 20 or so received their FHC. There were an additional 20 or so who attended the 8am Mass in support of their friends, and to participate in the procession.
As you know, the kids learned the 10th Century chant (ref.) for All Glory, Laud and Honor. Dr. J. Michael Thompson wrote three new stanzas for us to use here at the parish - as we have three outdoor processions each year (Palm Sunday, Corpus Christi and Christ the King). To add a bit of flavoure to the processional, we added finger cymbals (bought two new sets of Zildjian!), tambour and tambourine. The procession was to make five stations, where a decade of the Rosary would be prayed. Two things happened. The first was the time schedule; things were running late, but that was the only bad thing. The second thing that happened was that the kids, God-bless-'em, you just gotta love 'em, NEVER EVEN ONCE stopped singing the refrain!!!!!!!! By the time the procession was ready to enter the nave for Benediction, EVERYONE was singing that little piece quite nicely!
Music for Corpus Christi: Latin, Novus Ordo
Entrance:
With all the Powers my poor soul Hath - Rockingham
(the text by St. Thomas Aquinas)
Kyrie and Gloria were chanted.
Psalm: a bit messed with at Noon and Sun. pm
Tone III for the refrain (and verses except the two mentioned above,
which were sung to Tone VIII by the young woman who has been teaching
music the past year)
Alleluia:
Mode V, with verse to Tone VIII
Offertory:
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus - Hyfrydol (with mod. following stanza 3)
Communion: (solo at all Masses)
Panis Angelicus - Cesar Franck
Communion at 10am Spanish: (in addition)
Panis Angelicus - Louis Lambillotte
[sung by the two women who have been leading the music at that Mass]
Recessional:
All Glory, Laud and Honor - 10th C. Chant
The duet at 10am was stunning. These two women are close friends and have sung together for years. The solo increased in beauty and dignity (and confidence!) at each Mass. At the Sunday pm liturgy, she really opened up, especially on the final page. Wooohoooo!!!!!!!
Next post: The Sunday after......
God's blessings.
Keep on snarkin'!!!!!
SteveO
As you know, the kids learned the 10th Century chant (ref.) for All Glory, Laud and Honor. Dr. J. Michael Thompson wrote three new stanzas for us to use here at the parish - as we have three outdoor processions each year (Palm Sunday, Corpus Christi and Christ the King). To add a bit of flavoure to the processional, we added finger cymbals (bought two new sets of Zildjian!), tambour and tambourine. The procession was to make five stations, where a decade of the Rosary would be prayed. Two things happened. The first was the time schedule; things were running late, but that was the only bad thing. The second thing that happened was that the kids, God-bless-'em, you just gotta love 'em, NEVER EVEN ONCE stopped singing the refrain!!!!!!!! By the time the procession was ready to enter the nave for Benediction, EVERYONE was singing that little piece quite nicely!
Music for Corpus Christi: Latin, Novus Ordo
Entrance:
With all the Powers my poor soul Hath - Rockingham
(the text by St. Thomas Aquinas)
Kyrie and Gloria were chanted.
Psalm: a bit messed with at Noon and Sun. pm
Tone III for the refrain (and verses except the two mentioned above,
which were sung to Tone VIII by the young woman who has been teaching
music the past year)
Alleluia:
Mode V, with verse to Tone VIII
Offertory:
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus - Hyfrydol (with mod. following stanza 3)
Communion: (solo at all Masses)
Panis Angelicus - Cesar Franck
Communion at 10am Spanish: (in addition)
Panis Angelicus - Louis Lambillotte
[sung by the two women who have been leading the music at that Mass]
Recessional:
All Glory, Laud and Honor - 10th C. Chant
The duet at 10am was stunning. These two women are close friends and have sung together for years. The solo increased in beauty and dignity (and confidence!) at each Mass. At the Sunday pm liturgy, she really opened up, especially on the final page. Wooohoooo!!!!!!!
Next post: The Sunday after......
God's blessings.
Keep on snarkin'!!!!!
SteveO
Thursday, June 11, 2009
"Solemn Mass" at the close of VBS
Processional Hymn , Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - Picardy
Alleluia, adpt. Exsultate, Jubilate - Mozart
Offertory, Praise to the Holiest in the Height - Newman
Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus Dei, Mass XVIII/Jubilate Deo/Sacramentary
Communion, Panis Angelicus - Cesar Franck (solo)
Recessional, All Glory, Laud, and Honor - chant
Organ, Basse et dessus de Trompette - L. N. Clerambault
Alleluia, adpt. Exsultate, Jubilate - Mozart
Offertory, Praise to the Holiest in the Height - Newman
Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus Dei, Mass XVIII/Jubilate Deo/Sacramentary
Communion, Panis Angelicus - Cesar Franck (solo)
Recessional, All Glory, Laud, and Honor - chant
Organ, Basse et dessus de Trompette - L. N. Clerambault
VBS - CATHOLIC STYLE...
I mean, REAL Catholic style. Not a bunch of protest ant bullspoooooopiedoo..... Check back several articles and you'll see the plans we had made here. Well, I'm here to tell you (and you must want to know, since you're reading on....), that it's been like going to minor seminary for a week!
Yeah, we have the superficial "warm-up" time at 0745 hours.... The "Hallelu" song (where different groups stand for different texts), This is the Day.... BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT....
Hang on ye snarkies all. The O broke with all tradition and TAUGHT a short excerpt (is that an oxymoron? ) of the Mozart Alleluia from the Exsultate Jubilate. Just the opening of it. And the kids (all 80 of them - and the teachers as well), sang it beautifully. We give them time to have their "Loud" time, but then we quickly return to our motto: "Beautifully sung" . The response that these kids have had sorta kinda makes me excited about being in the classroom again...after an absence of a whole lottabuncha years.
Since the VBS has focused on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, tomorrow (Friday), at 1045 hours, we're going to celebrate! Although we're doing a daily Mass, we're doing it in a solemn way.... Procession....incense......chanting.....LAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTIN (Go, God). I know the kids will sing gorgeously. What I really am waiting to see and hear, is just how my boss, the Pastor, Fr. Glen Mullan, is going to condense and expand on all the lessons of the week..... in a ten minute time span!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's good, but this is going to be a fun challenge to watch.
Wait, wait, there's more! Every day, our two priests have been "in costume".... yesterday, the kids were visited by a Rabbi from Old Testament times. Evidently, his name was Rabbi Gleniel. He didn't tell them what his name meant.... and I saw Fr. Glen giving me a "look" (a good one), shaking his head, no. I told them that the name Gleniel meant "the tall one".... Fr. Glen is right at 6', I think. The kids laughed. Today, however, we were in the outer chambers of Solomon's Temple, where they met Zadok the high priest. (I immediately was taken away to the opening of Handel's chorus by that name). Zadok was going through the final instructions with Eleazar, who was going to be high priest later on. Zadok told the kids that when he turned 50, he would have to retire. I have no idea why some of the kids started to turn and look at me.... mesmells something fishy here........
In their music seminars each day, the kids have all worked on vocal technique as well as music.... a short list of that would include....
1. Praise to the Holiest in the Height (the text by Cardinal Newman), and the tune, Newman.
2. All Glory, Laud, and Honor - the old chant. Accompanied variously with finger cymbals, tambourine, tambor AND the organ (registered as a sackbut with piccolo on one manual, and the stinking chimes on the other). An esteemed colleague has penned three new stanzas for our parish, which we can use on Corpus Christi and Christ the King. So now the parish has a hymn which can be sung on those festival days, and those days where we have outdoor processions. A dream come true for our Pastor.
3. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - the tune, Picardy. Turns out that this is one of the kids' favorites! Am I blessed or what???????? With the older group, prior to their even knowing we would sing this, I had them shut their minds off, to modern things, and visit a time 3,000 years back - when Isaiah had his vision. Woe! The older kids really responded well, and I'm most humbled and thankful.
4. Sanctus, Mortem, Agnus Dei....the Mass XVIII chants (a.k.a., "Jubilate Deo" Mass)
We also sang several other hymn texts at the chapel services, to St. Flavian and St. Anne.
That is how Catholics should be doing VBS... in my mostnotsohumbleopinion. But it's the right opinion, of course. Thus saith the snarkikus coalition. Right? SPEAK UP!!!
More on all that later.
God's blessings.
Oh - and bad note.... when I arrived home last evening, there was a stinking FLYER stuck in the handle of the storm door. And just what is this, I asked???? a bill??? NOPE. A STINKING STUPID, IDIOTIC FLYER inviting me to attend the VBS at a neighboring heretic house. Some about Kingdom Kids..... yeah, another thing we can do to talk down to kids, dumb down to kids....
That you God, for the One, Holy, True, Apostolic Catholic Church.
Yeeeehaw.
SteveO
Yeah, we have the superficial "warm-up" time at 0745 hours.... The "Hallelu" song (where different groups stand for different texts), This is the Day.... BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT....
Hang on ye snarkies all. The O broke with all tradition and TAUGHT a short excerpt (is that an oxymoron? ) of the Mozart Alleluia from the Exsultate Jubilate. Just the opening of it. And the kids (all 80 of them - and the teachers as well), sang it beautifully. We give them time to have their "Loud" time, but then we quickly return to our motto: "Beautifully sung" . The response that these kids have had sorta kinda makes me excited about being in the classroom again...after an absence of a whole lottabuncha years.
Since the VBS has focused on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, tomorrow (Friday), at 1045 hours, we're going to celebrate! Although we're doing a daily Mass, we're doing it in a solemn way.... Procession....incense......chanting.....LAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTIN (Go, God). I know the kids will sing gorgeously. What I really am waiting to see and hear, is just how my boss, the Pastor, Fr. Glen Mullan, is going to condense and expand on all the lessons of the week..... in a ten minute time span!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's good, but this is going to be a fun challenge to watch.
Wait, wait, there's more! Every day, our two priests have been "in costume".... yesterday, the kids were visited by a Rabbi from Old Testament times. Evidently, his name was Rabbi Gleniel. He didn't tell them what his name meant.... and I saw Fr. Glen giving me a "look" (a good one), shaking his head, no. I told them that the name Gleniel meant "the tall one".... Fr. Glen is right at 6', I think. The kids laughed. Today, however, we were in the outer chambers of Solomon's Temple, where they met Zadok the high priest. (I immediately was taken away to the opening of Handel's chorus by that name). Zadok was going through the final instructions with Eleazar, who was going to be high priest later on. Zadok told the kids that when he turned 50, he would have to retire. I have no idea why some of the kids started to turn and look at me.... mesmells something fishy here........
In their music seminars each day, the kids have all worked on vocal technique as well as music.... a short list of that would include....
1. Praise to the Holiest in the Height (the text by Cardinal Newman), and the tune, Newman.
2. All Glory, Laud, and Honor - the old chant. Accompanied variously with finger cymbals, tambourine, tambor AND the organ (registered as a sackbut with piccolo on one manual, and the stinking chimes on the other). An esteemed colleague has penned three new stanzas for our parish, which we can use on Corpus Christi and Christ the King. So now the parish has a hymn which can be sung on those festival days, and those days where we have outdoor processions. A dream come true for our Pastor.
3. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - the tune, Picardy. Turns out that this is one of the kids' favorites! Am I blessed or what???????? With the older group, prior to their even knowing we would sing this, I had them shut their minds off, to modern things, and visit a time 3,000 years back - when Isaiah had his vision. Woe! The older kids really responded well, and I'm most humbled and thankful.
4. Sanctus, Mortem, Agnus Dei....the Mass XVIII chants (a.k.a., "Jubilate Deo" Mass)
We also sang several other hymn texts at the chapel services, to St. Flavian and St. Anne.
That is how Catholics should be doing VBS... in my mostnotsohumbleopinion. But it's the right opinion, of course. Thus saith the snarkikus coalition. Right? SPEAK UP!!!
More on all that later.
God's blessings.
Oh - and bad note.... when I arrived home last evening, there was a stinking FLYER stuck in the handle of the storm door. And just what is this, I asked???? a bill??? NOPE. A STINKING STUPID, IDIOTIC FLYER inviting me to attend the VBS at a neighboring heretic house. Some about Kingdom Kids..... yeah, another thing we can do to talk down to kids, dumb down to kids....
That you God, for the One, Holy, True, Apostolic Catholic Church.
Yeeeehaw.
SteveO
Monday, June 8, 2009
TRINITY SUNDAY at CTK, CC, TX
Well, it's soon here. Trinity, followed by a week long, exhaustive VBS, Catholic Style. No chance for Poncho Ladies to survive here, Brian!!!!!!! Just let them try to show their faces here - some of our parishioners will escort them to the shark fest.....hahaha.
Anyway:
Entrance: Sing Praise to Our Creator
Gott Sei Gepriesen
Kyrie - Mass XVI
Gloria - Heritage
Psalm - Tone II
Alleluia - Murray
Offertory - Holy, Holy, Holy - Nicaea
Sanctus - Mass XVIII
Mortem - from Sacramentary
Pater Noster - Snow (in time, the REAL CHANT!)
Agnus Dei - Mass XVIII
Marian Chant - Salve Regina - Mode V
Recessional - Lord, You Give the Great Commission - Hymn to Joy
with text slightly adjusted for the sake of Scriptural accuracy
Organ - Voluntary Nr. 2 (Diapason/Trumpet) - William Boyce
The bulletin is a pdf available for viewing....if I can figure out how to make that link available.. . if you want to see it, beg Brian, and he can coach me through the process..... if you're brave enough.... (it's an eight page booger, complete with info on the Athanasian Creed, plus a few programmatic notes on the music)...
UPDATE 6/8/09: Click here for the .pdf --BMP.
SteveO
Anyway:
Entrance: Sing Praise to Our Creator
Gott Sei Gepriesen
Kyrie - Mass XVI
Gloria - Heritage
Psalm - Tone II
Alleluia - Murray
Offertory - Holy, Holy, Holy - Nicaea
Sanctus - Mass XVIII
Mortem - from Sacramentary
Pater Noster - Snow (in time, the REAL CHANT!)
Agnus Dei - Mass XVIII
Marian Chant - Salve Regina - Mode V
Recessional - Lord, You Give the Great Commission - Hymn to Joy
with text slightly adjusted for the sake of Scriptural accuracy
Organ - Voluntary Nr. 2 (Diapason/Trumpet) - William Boyce
The bulletin is a pdf available for viewing....if I can figure out how to make that link available.. . if you want to see it, beg Brian, and he can coach me through the process..... if you're brave enough.... (it's an eight page booger, complete with info on the Athanasian Creed, plus a few programmatic notes on the music)...
UPDATE 6/8/09: Click here for the .pdf --BMP.
SteveO
I MUST USE HYMNS
There's no getting around it here. At least we're doing good hymns and not Mariachi stuff. That's all right at the Mexican Restaurants, but not for Mass.
My hymn choices focus on all the aspects of the liturgical texts - and for some reason, all texts fare equally in my planning. In part because I must build a solid repertoire. My predecessor did some good stuff, and I have to build on that, plus reteach proper "counting" in a few pieces.
BUT...
Our Pastor loves the Introit and Comunion Antiphon. Today, I began doing something new....with the Associate Pastor, I chanted both those pieces. With the Pastor, well, he recited the Introit, but I actually chanted the Communion. It was strangely beautiful - the response, I mean. The people were absolutely silent during the Communion.
Of course, our Masses were ad orientem, and perhaps that influenced behavior. I was struck though, by my own response at the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It was very moving.
Next goal: always ad orientem.
Next goal after that: (don't tell the "boss"!!) monthly Mass in Latin - at all the Masses on a given weekend. Hopefully the first weekend of the month, since that is typically the week that a school class is visible at the Noon Mass. And I want them to always be able to experience that form of the Sacred.
Which reminds me - VBS will close with a SOLEMN Mass on Friday, instead of a chapel service. This is because the entire week focuses on THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS.
Which also reminds me: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!!!!!!! We are at capacity, with 80 kids registered. This number includes the First Holy Communion Class, which are required to attend, as this is sort of like a "retreat" for them. More on all this stuff next time...next week...or later, after I recover!
Back to hymns: we use them. I told Fr. Glen before moving here, that if we use hymns, then we must allow them to be used as the liturgical music and art form which they are. We can't cut the entrance hymn short, simply because the ministers are in the sanctuary. Otherwise we teach the people that the show belongs to the ministers, and that it's not the Holy Mass.
Today, the first had interludes after each of the first two stanzas (incensing). The offertory hymn just made use of judicious registration, but the fun with the improvisation began immediately on the final chord of the hymn...because I needed a musical way to remind the people that we'd be singing the Sanctus from Mass XVIII. It worked!
NOW THE GOOD NEWS...... for "a nice, real, good-long-time" the Eucharistic acclamations will be in Latin. Including the Spanish Mass at 10am! They are not so eager to forget their guitars (the people, not the woman who leads the guitar section), but they'll come along, I think. The other music will be that which they are used to. . . for a while....
God is good.
My hymn choices focus on all the aspects of the liturgical texts - and for some reason, all texts fare equally in my planning. In part because I must build a solid repertoire. My predecessor did some good stuff, and I have to build on that, plus reteach proper "counting" in a few pieces.
BUT...
Our Pastor loves the Introit and Comunion Antiphon. Today, I began doing something new....with the Associate Pastor, I chanted both those pieces. With the Pastor, well, he recited the Introit, but I actually chanted the Communion. It was strangely beautiful - the response, I mean. The people were absolutely silent during the Communion.
Of course, our Masses were ad orientem, and perhaps that influenced behavior. I was struck though, by my own response at the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It was very moving.
Next goal: always ad orientem.
Next goal after that: (don't tell the "boss"!!) monthly Mass in Latin - at all the Masses on a given weekend. Hopefully the first weekend of the month, since that is typically the week that a school class is visible at the Noon Mass. And I want them to always be able to experience that form of the Sacred.
Which reminds me - VBS will close with a SOLEMN Mass on Friday, instead of a chapel service. This is because the entire week focuses on THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS.
Which also reminds me: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!!!!!!! We are at capacity, with 80 kids registered. This number includes the First Holy Communion Class, which are required to attend, as this is sort of like a "retreat" for them. More on all this stuff next time...next week...or later, after I recover!
Back to hymns: we use them. I told Fr. Glen before moving here, that if we use hymns, then we must allow them to be used as the liturgical music and art form which they are. We can't cut the entrance hymn short, simply because the ministers are in the sanctuary. Otherwise we teach the people that the show belongs to the ministers, and that it's not the Holy Mass.
Today, the first had interludes after each of the first two stanzas (incensing). The offertory hymn just made use of judicious registration, but the fun with the improvisation began immediately on the final chord of the hymn...because I needed a musical way to remind the people that we'd be singing the Sanctus from Mass XVIII. It worked!
NOW THE GOOD NEWS...... for "a nice, real, good-long-time" the Eucharistic acclamations will be in Latin. Including the Spanish Mass at 10am! They are not so eager to forget their guitars (the people, not the woman who leads the guitar section), but they'll come along, I think. The other music will be that which they are used to. . . for a while....
God is good.
Friday, May 29, 2009
THE FUNERAL - AN UPDATE
Well, the funeral liturgy was beautiful and the music went very well.
4-6th grade students sang at the liturgy.
The "Be Not Afraid" went quite well - accompanied/led (whichever you prefer) in a very traditional style, complete with the addition of the reeds (well, that's what they're supposed to be called, but toaster reeds are still binary codes....another story for another time).
The bulletin for the funeral included "rubrics", since we knew that quite a number of non-Catholics (and, indeed, LAPSED, lazy Catholics) would be in attendance. Some of those people were just plain rude....but I digress.
Many people went forward for Holy Communion - and crossed their arms over their chest to receive a blessing. I was surprised that this happened, but still happy about it. Heaven knows it must be a bit distressing for the priest who is distributing the Blessed Sacrament, not knowing the state of mind and heart of the non-regulars attending such liturgies. Father Glen mentioned the importance of the Sacrament, and gave a very brief talk about it (perhaps three sentences....give or take one or five). This, too, helped.
Natalia, who has been teaching music this year, served the liturgy as psalmist. She chanted Psalm 23 to tone VIII. The repeated antiphon was in Spanish, "El Senor es mi Pastor. Nada me puede faltar." (More formal Spanish, I think, than a lot of parishes do....and perhaps a different dialect as well).
Natalia, God bless her, also sang the Schubert "Ave Maria", accompanied by Josh, who plays classical guitar. They have worked together for a long time, and it was beautifully rendered.
Father Glen chanted the first section of the "In Paradisum" at the conclusion (in English), and I improvised on that tune for the remainder of the exodus.
There were a lot of people present.
4-6th grade students sang at the liturgy.
The "Be Not Afraid" went quite well - accompanied/led (whichever you prefer) in a very traditional style, complete with the addition of the reeds (well, that's what they're supposed to be called, but toaster reeds are still binary codes....another story for another time).
The bulletin for the funeral included "rubrics", since we knew that quite a number of non-Catholics (and, indeed, LAPSED, lazy Catholics) would be in attendance. Some of those people were just plain rude....but I digress.
Many people went forward for Holy Communion - and crossed their arms over their chest to receive a blessing. I was surprised that this happened, but still happy about it. Heaven knows it must be a bit distressing for the priest who is distributing the Blessed Sacrament, not knowing the state of mind and heart of the non-regulars attending such liturgies. Father Glen mentioned the importance of the Sacrament, and gave a very brief talk about it (perhaps three sentences....give or take one or five). This, too, helped.
Natalia, who has been teaching music this year, served the liturgy as psalmist. She chanted Psalm 23 to tone VIII. The repeated antiphon was in Spanish, "El Senor es mi Pastor. Nada me puede faltar." (More formal Spanish, I think, than a lot of parishes do....and perhaps a different dialect as well).
Natalia, God bless her, also sang the Schubert "Ave Maria", accompanied by Josh, who plays classical guitar. They have worked together for a long time, and it was beautifully rendered.
Father Glen chanted the first section of the "In Paradisum" at the conclusion (in English), and I improvised on that tune for the remainder of the exodus.
There were a lot of people present.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Pentecost at CTK, CC, TX
Just a quick listing of our music for Pentecost. I'm not sure exactly which readings are going to be used for the Vigil. We're really not doing the Vigil so much as the anticipated liturgy for Pentecost, with alternate readings. Maybe in a few years.
Prelude - Versets sur Veni, Creator, Spiritus - Jean Titelouze
Procession - Come, Holy Ghost - Lambillotte
Kyrie - Jubilate Deo
Gloria - Heritage Mass - Owen Alstott
Psalm - Tone V
Sequence
Veni, Creator, Spiritus - Mode
Variations sur Veni, Creator, Spiritus - Marcel Dupre
(sung ad alternatim)
Offertory - Come, Down, O Love Divine - Down Ampney
(version with four stanzas - from Lutheran Worship --
amazingly, the stanza omitted from Catholic hymnals is one which speaks of a trait we RC's tout the most: O let holy charity...)
Sanctus/Memorial/Agnus Dei - Jubilate Deo chants
Communion - Panis Angelicus - Lambillotte tune
(at two of the Masses, this will be sung as a duet)
Recessional - On This Day the First of Days - Lubeck
Postlude - Salmo XIX - Benedetto Marcello
Complete with incense, etc.
At the recessional of the Sunday 6pm Mass, the Paschal Candle will be carried out of the nave in the procession. Although the Easter Season concludes with the Vespers (3rd?), we don't do that office, yet. (We do read Morning Prayer prior to the weekday Masses, however. Complete with a sung hymn after the opening sentence and Gloria Patri.)
SteveO
Prelude - Versets sur Veni, Creator, Spiritus - Jean Titelouze
Procession - Come, Holy Ghost - Lambillotte
Kyrie - Jubilate Deo
Gloria - Heritage Mass - Owen Alstott
Psalm - Tone V
Sequence
Veni, Creator, Spiritus - Mode
Variations sur Veni, Creator, Spiritus - Marcel Dupre
(sung ad alternatim)
Offertory - Come, Down, O Love Divine - Down Ampney
(version with four stanzas - from Lutheran Worship --
amazingly, the stanza omitted from Catholic hymnals is one which speaks of a trait we RC's tout the most: O let holy charity...)
Sanctus/Memorial/Agnus Dei - Jubilate Deo chants
Communion - Panis Angelicus - Lambillotte tune
(at two of the Masses, this will be sung as a duet)
Recessional - On This Day the First of Days - Lubeck
Postlude - Salmo XIX - Benedetto Marcello
Complete with incense, etc.
At the recessional of the Sunday 6pm Mass, the Paschal Candle will be carried out of the nave in the procession. Although the Easter Season concludes with the Vespers (3rd?), we don't do that office, yet. (We do read Morning Prayer prior to the weekday Masses, however. Complete with a sung hymn after the opening sentence and Gloria Patri.)
SteveO
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
School's almost out...Deo Gratias.
With only nine more days of school left, I'm not sure who will be more exuberant on the final day? The pastor and associate? The principal? The faculty? Nope. None of them. It will be THE ORGANIST!!!!!!!
Not really - it's been a short year for me! Fall 2009 will be different, though.
Tonight, we had the first ever talent show. In a school with a student body of 70 (preK-3 through grade 6), there was a very respectable showing: at least 130 (probably more) adults, and I think maybe ten-fifteen kids performing. This was new territory, and although there were grand bundles of noives running rampant (they belonged to the parents), everyone was not only civil, but totally supportive of EVERY act!!!!! Nice to see well-behaved parents. It's not always the case these days (especially in sports, which should completely bar all adults, except the coaches and refs).
One child, who has a tiny, tiny voice, opened up beautifully after the first few notes. The kindergarten kids did their two numbers (one a "recitativo" sort of presentation on some contemporary Christian piece like "what would it be like" or "what would I do..." or something like that. Their second one, was cute, though - the four girls had little cowgirl-type dance outfits, and the four boys had their little fake guitars and one fake accordian (thank goodness), and did their routine to the much loved cult hero Selena, who was from Corpus Christi, and was murdered here years ago.....dum ditty dum dum or something... but very cute, and each group got to have their moment in the limelight.
The adult end of the program featured our two young staffs - the coach, and the young lady who has valiantly been teaching music this year. The coach, a very nice young guy (complete with colourefulle tattoo of music stuff on his upper right arm) is a classical guitar student - and he never fails to bring crowds to a whisper at fever pitch. His sidekick, the music teacher, is a vocal major, and has an absolutely gorgeous voice. She sang a short recitative from a Mozart opera. I don't recall the coach's piece, but it was a show stopper - very difficult and exellently played. The Mozart was stunning. The final piece of the program had the two young adults back together, this time doing a piece I had recommended..... the Schubert Ave Maria, soprano and guitar. Coach adapted the accompaniment very well. The two have worked together for several years and the chemistry was there.
Next year it will be even better with the kids - no prerecorded music, everything more thoughtfully planned and carried out (this was done on about six weeks notice...). The pta deserves kudos for their work.
The new Kurzweil PC-2 made it's first appearance during the program.
But the best part was watching the kids eyes light up as they saw the love headed their way (hey! I had to say that, you know). It boosted their ambition to do the best possible job even though their young nerves were a bit on edge. It will be a fun year working with this group next year!!!
Oh - the winners? The judges were wise. No singers were given prizes. It was action that one, because there were far fewer mistakes, and it helped to keep things tamed down:
First prize went to a 5yr old who was a "puppet" - held by her mother. The mother asked question, and the puppet answered (silly jokes, rendered to the hilt by the girl) - her "mouth lines" were perfect, and she really got into the act.
2nd prize was a karate demo, complete with the breaking of two pieces of wood - always a winner!
The event raised about $235 from the "concession stand" - which got a surprise advertisement from a performer waiting for his next verse of "Let it Be" (can't believe a marijuana song made the cut...)
Admission was all of a dollar.
Earlier in the day, the local tv station was at Mass, recording everything - then went to the school to catch spots of things going on. All this will be reduced to a 20 second spot which will be aired numerous times over the next six weeks. Trying to build the enrollment for next year.
This is the only Catholic School in the diocese that offers a curriculum that is solid - including music, of course. Daily Mass. etc. Keep it all in your prayers, folks! I don't want to move soon. (even though it's been hot as hayull here up until Sunday night when we got our first rain in months!)
SteveO
Not really - it's been a short year for me! Fall 2009 will be different, though.
Tonight, we had the first ever talent show. In a school with a student body of 70 (preK-3 through grade 6), there was a very respectable showing: at least 130 (probably more) adults, and I think maybe ten-fifteen kids performing. This was new territory, and although there were grand bundles of noives running rampant (they belonged to the parents), everyone was not only civil, but totally supportive of EVERY act!!!!! Nice to see well-behaved parents. It's not always the case these days (especially in sports, which should completely bar all adults, except the coaches and refs).
One child, who has a tiny, tiny voice, opened up beautifully after the first few notes. The kindergarten kids did their two numbers (one a "recitativo" sort of presentation on some contemporary Christian piece like "what would it be like" or "what would I do..." or something like that. Their second one, was cute, though - the four girls had little cowgirl-type dance outfits, and the four boys had their little fake guitars and one fake accordian (thank goodness), and did their routine to the much loved cult hero Selena, who was from Corpus Christi, and was murdered here years ago.....dum ditty dum dum or something... but very cute, and each group got to have their moment in the limelight.
The adult end of the program featured our two young staffs - the coach, and the young lady who has valiantly been teaching music this year. The coach, a very nice young guy (complete with colourefulle tattoo of music stuff on his upper right arm) is a classical guitar student - and he never fails to bring crowds to a whisper at fever pitch. His sidekick, the music teacher, is a vocal major, and has an absolutely gorgeous voice. She sang a short recitative from a Mozart opera. I don't recall the coach's piece, but it was a show stopper - very difficult and exellently played. The Mozart was stunning. The final piece of the program had the two young adults back together, this time doing a piece I had recommended..... the Schubert Ave Maria, soprano and guitar. Coach adapted the accompaniment very well. The two have worked together for several years and the chemistry was there.
Next year it will be even better with the kids - no prerecorded music, everything more thoughtfully planned and carried out (this was done on about six weeks notice...). The pta deserves kudos for their work.
The new Kurzweil PC-2 made it's first appearance during the program.
But the best part was watching the kids eyes light up as they saw the love headed their way (hey! I had to say that, you know). It boosted their ambition to do the best possible job even though their young nerves were a bit on edge. It will be a fun year working with this group next year!!!
Oh - the winners? The judges were wise. No singers were given prizes. It was action that one, because there were far fewer mistakes, and it helped to keep things tamed down:
First prize went to a 5yr old who was a "puppet" - held by her mother. The mother asked question, and the puppet answered (silly jokes, rendered to the hilt by the girl) - her "mouth lines" were perfect, and she really got into the act.
2nd prize was a karate demo, complete with the breaking of two pieces of wood - always a winner!
The event raised about $235 from the "concession stand" - which got a surprise advertisement from a performer waiting for his next verse of "Let it Be" (can't believe a marijuana song made the cut...)
Admission was all of a dollar.
Earlier in the day, the local tv station was at Mass, recording everything - then went to the school to catch spots of things going on. All this will be reduced to a 20 second spot which will be aired numerous times over the next six weeks. Trying to build the enrollment for next year.
This is the only Catholic School in the diocese that offers a curriculum that is solid - including music, of course. Daily Mass. etc. Keep it all in your prayers, folks! I don't want to move soon. (even though it's been hot as hayull here up until Sunday night when we got our first rain in months!)
SteveO
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Easter V at CTK, CC, TX
Organ: Voluntary on "Mit Freuden Zart" - Michael Burkhardt
Processional Hymn: Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above - Mit Freuden Zart
Psalm 22: musical setting - Stephen Ohmer
Offertory Hymn: Glory be to Jesus - Caswall
Communion Hymn: Eat This Bread - Berthier (Taize)
Post-Communion: Regina Coeli - Mode VI
Recessional: Let All Things Now Living - Ash Grove
Ordinary: Heritage Mass - Owen Alstott
Weekday Masses (M-W-R-F) we sing
1. Single stanza of an entrance hymn (proper antiphon will be sung beginning next school year).
2. Alleluia (either the "traditional" Gregorian, or O Filii et Filiae)
3. Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus Dei (this week: Heritage Mass)
4. Salve Regina during the oblation
5. Cantemos al Amor during the transfer of the Blessed Sacrament
(On Fridays, [school Mass] we sing the entire entrance hymn, and the entire closing hymn). Morning Mass at 8.05 is preceeded by Morning Prayer, beginning at 7.45)
Have a cool weekend, folks. (It's gonna be another scorcher here)
SteveO
Processional Hymn: Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above - Mit Freuden Zart
Psalm 22: musical setting - Stephen Ohmer
Offertory Hymn: Glory be to Jesus - Caswall
Communion Hymn: Eat This Bread - Berthier (Taize)
Post-Communion: Regina Coeli - Mode VI
Recessional: Let All Things Now Living - Ash Grove
Ordinary: Heritage Mass - Owen Alstott
Weekday Masses (M-W-R-F) we sing
1. Single stanza of an entrance hymn (proper antiphon will be sung beginning next school year).
2. Alleluia (either the "traditional" Gregorian, or O Filii et Filiae)
3. Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus Dei (this week: Heritage Mass)
4. Salve Regina during the oblation
5. Cantemos al Amor during the transfer of the Blessed Sacrament
(On Fridays, [school Mass] we sing the entire entrance hymn, and the entire closing hymn). Morning Mass at 8.05 is preceeded by Morning Prayer, beginning at 7.45)
Have a cool weekend, folks. (It's gonna be another scorcher here)
SteveO
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A great homily for Good Shepherd Sunday
If I can't brag about my boss's homilies, then I might as well quit. It's the end of the school year - a really, really tough school year, with all sorts of trials and tribulations with ol' SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAtan. So for me, this homily has no surprises, except that I am totally thrilled that Father Glen preached this today.
Enjoy. An offering will be taken up right at the end, lol.
Rev. Glen Mullan The True Shepherd May 3, 2009
4th Sunday of Easter (B)
(Jn 10:11-18)
Jesus presents us with a contrast between the Good Shepherd and the Hired Hand. This is something we observe in many different contexts, but it is specially important in the life of the Church.
The shepherd is the one who has responsibility for the flock. They are in his charge; they are on his shoulders; they belong to him.
The hired hand, on the other hand, works for pay. He is under contract to do a job according to certain terms, and that’s it. In the end, the flock doesn’t belong to him, and there are certain boundaries to his commitment. Once five-o-clock comes around, his duties are over, he is free to leave, and at that point the flock is not really his concern.
In other words, though he may do a good job according his qualifications, the hired hand is there for himself, the job is means to his own well-being. So, as Jesus points out, should there ever be a situation where a wolf attacks, he is not going to sacrifice himself for the flock. He will act to protect himself instead: he will run away, and not risk getting hurt in order to protect the flock.
This situation which Jesus describes is usually the case with any business. If you are hired to work at a convenience store and a robber comes in, you will not hesitate to give him anything he wants—you are not going to risk getting hurt for the sake of that business. On the other hand, if it is your own home or livelihood, you are more likely to fight an intruder.
But Jesus is not talking about a business, he is talking about people. There are certain jobs where being a shepherd or a hired hand makes a total difference. For instance, in the job of raising children, parents know what it means to be a shepherd. The shepherd has the responsibility to lead and guide the flock, providing nourishment, discipline, stability, and safety for the children. A shepherd’s work is motivated by love.
At times, parents have to entrust their children to others: babysitters, teachers, relatives, chaperones. And parents have one question in their mind: is this person going to be a shepherd who truly cares for my child, or is this person simply a hired hand who will put his own safety ahead of my child? Parents look for those people who will take up the role of a shepherd, serving the child in love rather than looking out for self-interest.
It is a very important distinction that Jesus is makes. And of course the context he is referring to is the Church community. The Church is not a business, it a family, God’s family. Therefore, if you are working in the Church in the name of God, you cannot be a hired hand; you are a shepherd after the example of the Good Shepherd. Beginning with the bishop and priests, but including all those who teach or serve God’s people, we must have the heart of the shepherd, and not be the hired hand.
Jesus says the Good Shepherd knows his sheep and the sheep know him. This means there is a bond of love and trust between them. It doesn’t mean the human shepherd acting in the name of Jesus is 100% perfect, but it does mean that he truly loves the flock in Christ’s name, and seeks always to act for the true good of the flock, not considering his own self-interest.
This is a difficult challenge for anyone who tries to be a shepherd, whether parents, priests, or teachers. The “wolf” comes in many ways, and you have to be ready to stand up against it for love of the ones you are serving. Sometimes being the shepherd, you have to do things for the good of the family or flock that are unpopular, or cause you to be misunderstood. Sometimes your discipline and guidance cause a backlash and you have to get your own feelings hurt.
Children do not always like to be disciplined, and they can sometimes throw a fit if you try. It’s not easy being a true shepherd trying to guide the flock into the pastures where they will find peace and health. Many parents, for instance, just bribe their children with giving them what they want in order to get them to stay quiet and behave. Some parents allow their children to get away with all sorts of things, and even criticize others for trying to provide correction and discipline. In other words, sometimes the ones who are supposed to be the shepherds, can become allies of the wolf because they are neglecting the true good of their flock, allowing the flock to follow a pathway of wrongdoing and not acting to correct it because it is too much work.
It is not easy being a good shepherd, and Jesus knows that. But he gives the model to follow, and the strength to carry it out. What are some of the qualities of the Good Shepherd? Jesus was gentle and compassionate by nature; he was patient with the weak and merciful with the sinner who was trying. He ministered to the sheep who were injured and spent long hours instructing the ignorant.
But the other side of being a good shepherd is also important: Jesus was uncompromising with the stubborn, malicious, and hard-hearted. Remember how he spoke to the Pharisees and Scribes, calling them “hypocrites, blind guides, white-washed tombs full of dead men’s bones”? Remember how he told them they were not doing good, making their converts twice as fit for hell as they were?
Being a good shepherd, yes, means being gentle and compassionate. But it also means being tough and resolute with those blinded by pride and malice, and whose soul is in great danger. Above all, being a good shepherd means you are going to be politically incorrect, as Jesus was.
The worst thing in the church is when leaders are afraid to say it like it is; who worry about what people will think or who they might offend, or what difficulties the truth will cause. The worst thing in the Church is leaders who act simply as hired hands, avoiding the situations where they will have to put out their neck.
It is difficult being a true shepherd in the Church, and we need to pray for the bishops and priests, because there are tremendous pressures they face. Many bishops and priests prefer to work as hired hands: managers and administrators who want to keep everybody happy, keep peace at all costs, don’t rock the boat, never say the difficult but necessary truths that that will expose you to being maligned, hated, or crucified. (They never sued Jesus, but that was only because he didn’t have any money: they certainly did all the other things to him).
How many bishops and priests live in fear of what the wolf will do to them, and as a result they act only to placate and bribe the wolf? Anything, rather than look bad; anything, rather than incur the wrath of the media; anything, rather than make people unhappy or uncomfortable even if it is for their own good.
The wolf our shepherds face today is the same ancient enemy. Today the Devil continues to scatter and destroy the Church through the secularism of society: through a president and politicians who legalize the slaughter of unborn children; through a public educational system that indoctrinates youth in atheism, relativism, and moral indifference; through a media that glamorizes evil and promotes indecency; through a commercialism that puts greed ahead of God; through a philosophy of individualism that undermines authority and religion. And worst of all, through the disunity and scandal that happens within the Church (for instance, when a Catholic University such as Notre Dame invites and honors the wolf instead of the shepherd).
Bishops, priests, and parents face great challenges as they seek to protect their flock from the harmful influences around them. The true shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, and does not run when he sees the wolf coming. He may not even be strong enough to overcome the wolf and get torn to shreds, but the good shepherd knows he has no choice: his life is bound up with the flock, for better or for worse. He must lead, no matter the personal cost. And yet he serves freely and in this way receives his reward: “This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life freely.” May the Good Shepherd help us to follow his example.
SteveO
Enjoy. An offering will be taken up right at the end, lol.
Rev. Glen Mullan The True Shepherd May 3, 2009
4th Sunday of Easter (B)
(Jn 10:11-18)
Jesus presents us with a contrast between the Good Shepherd and the Hired Hand. This is something we observe in many different contexts, but it is specially important in the life of the Church.
The shepherd is the one who has responsibility for the flock. They are in his charge; they are on his shoulders; they belong to him.
The hired hand, on the other hand, works for pay. He is under contract to do a job according to certain terms, and that’s it. In the end, the flock doesn’t belong to him, and there are certain boundaries to his commitment. Once five-o-clock comes around, his duties are over, he is free to leave, and at that point the flock is not really his concern.
In other words, though he may do a good job according his qualifications, the hired hand is there for himself, the job is means to his own well-being. So, as Jesus points out, should there ever be a situation where a wolf attacks, he is not going to sacrifice himself for the flock. He will act to protect himself instead: he will run away, and not risk getting hurt in order to protect the flock.
This situation which Jesus describes is usually the case with any business. If you are hired to work at a convenience store and a robber comes in, you will not hesitate to give him anything he wants—you are not going to risk getting hurt for the sake of that business. On the other hand, if it is your own home or livelihood, you are more likely to fight an intruder.
But Jesus is not talking about a business, he is talking about people. There are certain jobs where being a shepherd or a hired hand makes a total difference. For instance, in the job of raising children, parents know what it means to be a shepherd. The shepherd has the responsibility to lead and guide the flock, providing nourishment, discipline, stability, and safety for the children. A shepherd’s work is motivated by love.
At times, parents have to entrust their children to others: babysitters, teachers, relatives, chaperones. And parents have one question in their mind: is this person going to be a shepherd who truly cares for my child, or is this person simply a hired hand who will put his own safety ahead of my child? Parents look for those people who will take up the role of a shepherd, serving the child in love rather than looking out for self-interest.
It is a very important distinction that Jesus is makes. And of course the context he is referring to is the Church community. The Church is not a business, it a family, God’s family. Therefore, if you are working in the Church in the name of God, you cannot be a hired hand; you are a shepherd after the example of the Good Shepherd. Beginning with the bishop and priests, but including all those who teach or serve God’s people, we must have the heart of the shepherd, and not be the hired hand.
Jesus says the Good Shepherd knows his sheep and the sheep know him. This means there is a bond of love and trust between them. It doesn’t mean the human shepherd acting in the name of Jesus is 100% perfect, but it does mean that he truly loves the flock in Christ’s name, and seeks always to act for the true good of the flock, not considering his own self-interest.
This is a difficult challenge for anyone who tries to be a shepherd, whether parents, priests, or teachers. The “wolf” comes in many ways, and you have to be ready to stand up against it for love of the ones you are serving. Sometimes being the shepherd, you have to do things for the good of the family or flock that are unpopular, or cause you to be misunderstood. Sometimes your discipline and guidance cause a backlash and you have to get your own feelings hurt.
Children do not always like to be disciplined, and they can sometimes throw a fit if you try. It’s not easy being a true shepherd trying to guide the flock into the pastures where they will find peace and health. Many parents, for instance, just bribe their children with giving them what they want in order to get them to stay quiet and behave. Some parents allow their children to get away with all sorts of things, and even criticize others for trying to provide correction and discipline. In other words, sometimes the ones who are supposed to be the shepherds, can become allies of the wolf because they are neglecting the true good of their flock, allowing the flock to follow a pathway of wrongdoing and not acting to correct it because it is too much work.
It is not easy being a good shepherd, and Jesus knows that. But he gives the model to follow, and the strength to carry it out. What are some of the qualities of the Good Shepherd? Jesus was gentle and compassionate by nature; he was patient with the weak and merciful with the sinner who was trying. He ministered to the sheep who were injured and spent long hours instructing the ignorant.
But the other side of being a good shepherd is also important: Jesus was uncompromising with the stubborn, malicious, and hard-hearted. Remember how he spoke to the Pharisees and Scribes, calling them “hypocrites, blind guides, white-washed tombs full of dead men’s bones”? Remember how he told them they were not doing good, making their converts twice as fit for hell as they were?
Being a good shepherd, yes, means being gentle and compassionate. But it also means being tough and resolute with those blinded by pride and malice, and whose soul is in great danger. Above all, being a good shepherd means you are going to be politically incorrect, as Jesus was.
The worst thing in the church is when leaders are afraid to say it like it is; who worry about what people will think or who they might offend, or what difficulties the truth will cause. The worst thing in the Church is leaders who act simply as hired hands, avoiding the situations where they will have to put out their neck.
It is difficult being a true shepherd in the Church, and we need to pray for the bishops and priests, because there are tremendous pressures they face. Many bishops and priests prefer to work as hired hands: managers and administrators who want to keep everybody happy, keep peace at all costs, don’t rock the boat, never say the difficult but necessary truths that that will expose you to being maligned, hated, or crucified. (They never sued Jesus, but that was only because he didn’t have any money: they certainly did all the other things to him).
How many bishops and priests live in fear of what the wolf will do to them, and as a result they act only to placate and bribe the wolf? Anything, rather than look bad; anything, rather than incur the wrath of the media; anything, rather than make people unhappy or uncomfortable even if it is for their own good.
The wolf our shepherds face today is the same ancient enemy. Today the Devil continues to scatter and destroy the Church through the secularism of society: through a president and politicians who legalize the slaughter of unborn children; through a public educational system that indoctrinates youth in atheism, relativism, and moral indifference; through a media that glamorizes evil and promotes indecency; through a commercialism that puts greed ahead of God; through a philosophy of individualism that undermines authority and religion. And worst of all, through the disunity and scandal that happens within the Church (for instance, when a Catholic University such as Notre Dame invites and honors the wolf instead of the shepherd).
Bishops, priests, and parents face great challenges as they seek to protect their flock from the harmful influences around them. The true shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, and does not run when he sees the wolf coming. He may not even be strong enough to overcome the wolf and get torn to shreds, but the good shepherd knows he has no choice: his life is bound up with the flock, for better or for worse. He must lead, no matter the personal cost. And yet he serves freely and in this way receives his reward: “This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life freely.” May the Good Shepherd help us to follow his example.
SteveO
Second Posting.....why this boundless energy????
Well, because I must truly be in a manic state.....almost three hours of sleep last night. Why, I know not..... anyway....
After our Noon Mass, guess who I met....
A husband and wife who sing - the wife has been a cantor. Why am I excited? Well, for starters, this couple (and their four young children) are very conservative. But that's not important, is it? The husband plays trombone, and KNOWS other brass players.
It's sad that I don't have any funds to pay for outside musicians to come to our parish, but have been given a word of advice from a parish musician (a great violinist): get the profs. to give credit to those students who perform publicly. May be easier said than done, but I'm going to work toward that end. Plus, with singers, the singers would get experience singing some of the vast treasury of polyphonic choral music in a liturgical setting. While we are almost entirely a Novus Ordo parish, there are times when Latin is the language of the entire Mass (sans Scripture and homily, which are in English). This could be great.
So anyway, the trombonist and the phys ed teacher (who is a classical guitar student), plus our student music teacher and the wife of the trombonist, are going to sing the Cesar Franck mini-masterpiece, Panis Angelicus. They'll be singing it twice: first on Pentecost, and then again on Corpus Christi Sunday. The Corpus Christi liturgy will be without the violins, but we might very well have a brass quartet.
To which I'd normally sing a simple amen. But since I'm hypermanic and in a good mood, and living in South Texas, will say a simple yeeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The portable classroom building is now completed, so this week my office and music library will be moved from storage (thanks be to God) and put in the room (I get a complete one-half the trailer!!!). It will be nice to put my hands back on my music library again, and have a place to work.
God-willing, we hope to have the closing on our little house down the street (less than 1/10 mile!!) early next week. Which would be great, so that I don't have to shell out another $104 for the garage-sized storage unit for another 30 days.
God is good. And He's bigger in Texas. But of course, y'all.
Oh - a good friend (she and her husband are going to help with the removal of stuff) told me about her pastor's blog site. Check it out. The title of the blog is wonderful. Dagnabbit, I wish I could have done that before him.
Okay - I have to find it. Will post the link later.
SteveO
SteveO
After our Noon Mass, guess who I met....
A husband and wife who sing - the wife has been a cantor. Why am I excited? Well, for starters, this couple (and their four young children) are very conservative. But that's not important, is it? The husband plays trombone, and KNOWS other brass players.
It's sad that I don't have any funds to pay for outside musicians to come to our parish, but have been given a word of advice from a parish musician (a great violinist): get the profs. to give credit to those students who perform publicly. May be easier said than done, but I'm going to work toward that end. Plus, with singers, the singers would get experience singing some of the vast treasury of polyphonic choral music in a liturgical setting. While we are almost entirely a Novus Ordo parish, there are times when Latin is the language of the entire Mass (sans Scripture and homily, which are in English). This could be great.
So anyway, the trombonist and the phys ed teacher (who is a classical guitar student), plus our student music teacher and the wife of the trombonist, are going to sing the Cesar Franck mini-masterpiece, Panis Angelicus. They'll be singing it twice: first on Pentecost, and then again on Corpus Christi Sunday. The Corpus Christi liturgy will be without the violins, but we might very well have a brass quartet.
To which I'd normally sing a simple amen. But since I'm hypermanic and in a good mood, and living in South Texas, will say a simple yeeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The portable classroom building is now completed, so this week my office and music library will be moved from storage (thanks be to God) and put in the room (I get a complete one-half the trailer!!!). It will be nice to put my hands back on my music library again, and have a place to work.
God-willing, we hope to have the closing on our little house down the street (less than 1/10 mile!!) early next week. Which would be great, so that I don't have to shell out another $104 for the garage-sized storage unit for another 30 days.
God is good. And He's bigger in Texas. But of course, y'all.
Oh - a good friend (she and her husband are going to help with the removal of stuff) told me about her pastor's blog site. Check it out. The title of the blog is wonderful. Dagnabbit, I wish I could have done that before him.
Okay - I have to find it. Will post the link later.
SteveO
SteveO
VBS - CATHOLIC STYLE
Several posts for today..... the first is about the VBS (oops - sorry, I know that all of you are Roman Catholics! VBS is Vacation Bible School. Which is a fine title for THEM, because each week, most protest-ant churches only offer a snippet of Scripture, but in the Holy Mass, we are surrounded by the Holy Writ from beginning to end - AND the regular four Scripture readings during the Liturgy of the Word!!!!! So, here is the bulletin notice about our summer school this year - read and enjoy - and share it with your friends to make them jealous that they don't get to have something this wonderful....
From Christ the King Bulletin Vacation Bible School (June 8-12, 2009) -
"The Banquet of Christ"
One of the most guarded treasures and deepest mysteries of our Catholic Church lies within the Sacrament of the Eucharist where simple bread made of wheat and water transubstantiates into the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is in this event that Heaven and earth become united and we are able to partake of the banquet of Christ. Vacation Bible School 2009 will lead students through various titles of Christ which reveal Eucharistic themes before and after His coming, to prepare students for Holy Communion. There will be daily music clinics, catechesis, outdoor games, art activities, and devotions. Each day will be led by the pastor, Fr. Glen Mullan. Catechetical sessions will be taught by teachers from Christ the King School and the Religious Education Program. Music clinics will conducted by Mr. Steve Ohmer. Crowning the event will be our Eucharist Procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday June 14th. Cost is $50.
Monday Logos Catechesis:
Lady Wisdom and Madam Folly
Game: The Banquet Table
Chapel: Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Tuesday New Adam Catechesis:
The Fall & New Creation
Game: The Fruit of Sin
Chapel: Confession
WednesdayLamb of God
Catechesis: Christ the Paschal Lamb
Game: Manna in the Desert (Bring old clothes)
Chapel: Seder Meal/Last Supper
Thursday Temple
Catechesis: “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us”
Game: Three Veils
Chapel: Instruction on the Mass
FridayBridegroom
Catechesis: The Marriage Feast: Christ and the Church Game:
Capture the Bridegroom(Bring swimsuits)
Chapel: “Wedding Banquet of the Lamb”
So you can surmise that this writer will be well.... busy busy busy.... what I heard this past week sent me into the pre-tired tired mode: TWO, 35 minute sessions each day, in addition to the opening and closing liturgy in the nave.
The joys will be endless! The tired will be tired-er......
Please send wheaties and dilaudid (my drug of choice....if I were in need, which I'm not..... YET...
May your blessings be boundless. May you quickly get over your jealousy!!!
SteveO
From Christ the King Bulletin Vacation Bible School (June 8-12, 2009) -
"The Banquet of Christ"
One of the most guarded treasures and deepest mysteries of our Catholic Church lies within the Sacrament of the Eucharist where simple bread made of wheat and water transubstantiates into the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is in this event that Heaven and earth become united and we are able to partake of the banquet of Christ. Vacation Bible School 2009 will lead students through various titles of Christ which reveal Eucharistic themes before and after His coming, to prepare students for Holy Communion. There will be daily music clinics, catechesis, outdoor games, art activities, and devotions. Each day will be led by the pastor, Fr. Glen Mullan. Catechetical sessions will be taught by teachers from Christ the King School and the Religious Education Program. Music clinics will conducted by Mr. Steve Ohmer. Crowning the event will be our Eucharist Procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday June 14th. Cost is $50.
Monday Logos Catechesis:
Lady Wisdom and Madam Folly
Game: The Banquet Table
Chapel: Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Tuesday New Adam Catechesis:
The Fall & New Creation
Game: The Fruit of Sin
Chapel: Confession
WednesdayLamb of God
Catechesis: Christ the Paschal Lamb
Game: Manna in the Desert (Bring old clothes)
Chapel: Seder Meal/Last Supper
Thursday Temple
Catechesis: “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us”
Game: Three Veils
Chapel: Instruction on the Mass
FridayBridegroom
Catechesis: The Marriage Feast: Christ and the Church Game:
Capture the Bridegroom(Bring swimsuits)
Chapel: “Wedding Banquet of the Lamb”
So you can surmise that this writer will be well.... busy busy busy.... what I heard this past week sent me into the pre-tired tired mode: TWO, 35 minute sessions each day, in addition to the opening and closing liturgy in the nave.
The joys will be endless! The tired will be tired-er......
Please send wheaties and dilaudid (my drug of choice....if I were in need, which I'm not..... YET...
May your blessings be boundless. May you quickly get over your jealousy!!!
SteveO
The Organ Won
By a long shot..... it was after the people sat, following the General Intercessions at Saturday Holy Mass, that the pastor announced, nicely, that after hearing the singing of the processional hymn, "the organ won." After which the congregation was "invited" (very nicely), to pick up the hymnals and sing. It didn't help matters that the hymn during the collection was "Glory Be to Jesus" (tune: Caswall/Wem in Wiedessomethingorother...they changed the tune name in The Hymnal 1982, but the good editors of the St. Michael retained the common name.)
Fortunately, after Benediction, I had begun to improvise on the tune (for about ten/twelve minutes), so after the people heard the tune announced in unison/octaves, they began to sing it, a bit timidly, but by the third stanza, were doing an admirable job at it. Of course, this means that next week, this hymn will be sung yet again. By Mass number six (next Saturday), I will have learned to play it (just a joke....).
But next week, the Sanctus and Agnus Dei settings will be changed. The "Heritage Mass" setting will be retired until after Corpus Christi Sunday, and be replaced by Mass XVIII. The memorial acclamation will be "Lord, by Your Cross...." sung to a modification of Vigiles et Sancti/Lasst uns erfreuen which I did many years ago. (The people really do sing this tune well - as a matter of fact, it was the basis for the setting of today's psalm, which the people sang very well.)
One other change that I've made is that I sing from the console with no microphone. The room is sizeable (seating is around 450), but still intimate, and my voice does carry (even when the frog jumps in when my mouth first opens at the 8am Mass). The people have been told that they must do their part, and that I will not sing for them.
I'm tempted to quote the president which many of these people voted for (and many are now repenting over their actions, I hasten to add)... "it's above my pay grade...."
Here's the run-down:
Processional: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - Hyfrydol
Offertory: Glory Be to Jesus - Caswall
During the post-communion time: Regina Coeli
Recessional: Hail, the Day That Sees Him Rise - Llanfair
Postlude: Improvisation on Llanfair (in a set of renaissance-type variations).
There's always next week.
And yes, it is still hot here. And will be as you read this on Sunday afternoon and Monday...... but fortunately the city is enjoying a generous gift of "breezes" that have been fairly constant since October past.
May your bad day pass like gas, and allow a good wind to prevail.
Check here for more information - a fun-time from my ancient past (I remember when this recording hit the stands. We all had to have a copy of it, and change things for our choirs....)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z2jwDcb9wI
SteveO
Fortunately, after Benediction, I had begun to improvise on the tune (for about ten/twelve minutes), so after the people heard the tune announced in unison/octaves, they began to sing it, a bit timidly, but by the third stanza, were doing an admirable job at it. Of course, this means that next week, this hymn will be sung yet again. By Mass number six (next Saturday), I will have learned to play it (just a joke....).
But next week, the Sanctus and Agnus Dei settings will be changed. The "Heritage Mass" setting will be retired until after Corpus Christi Sunday, and be replaced by Mass XVIII. The memorial acclamation will be "Lord, by Your Cross...." sung to a modification of Vigiles et Sancti/Lasst uns erfreuen which I did many years ago. (The people really do sing this tune well - as a matter of fact, it was the basis for the setting of today's psalm, which the people sang very well.)
One other change that I've made is that I sing from the console with no microphone. The room is sizeable (seating is around 450), but still intimate, and my voice does carry (even when the frog jumps in when my mouth first opens at the 8am Mass). The people have been told that they must do their part, and that I will not sing for them.
I'm tempted to quote the president which many of these people voted for (and many are now repenting over their actions, I hasten to add)... "it's above my pay grade...."
Here's the run-down:
Processional: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - Hyfrydol
Offertory: Glory Be to Jesus - Caswall
During the post-communion time: Regina Coeli
Recessional: Hail, the Day That Sees Him Rise - Llanfair
Postlude: Improvisation on Llanfair (in a set of renaissance-type variations).
There's always next week.
And yes, it is still hot here. And will be as you read this on Sunday afternoon and Monday...... but fortunately the city is enjoying a generous gift of "breezes" that have been fairly constant since October past.
May your bad day pass like gas, and allow a good wind to prevail.
Check here for more information - a fun-time from my ancient past (I remember when this recording hit the stands. We all had to have a copy of it, and change things for our choirs....)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z2jwDcb9wI
SteveO
Friday, May 1, 2009
A Great thing about Texas
This is my third "round" of living in the great state of Texas, and I'm thrilled to be here again - even farther down South than I've ever been (in the U.S.).
One of the great things about Texas is that everything is bigger. Honest. I really mean it. And please don't doubt my honesty.
My mother (age 76) is raising her 11 year old great grand-daughter, who Katie and I hope will come to visit us this summer. She was thrilled to hear that we live less than five miles from the Gulf of Mexico (we call it "the bay"). I told my great-niece that if she came to visit, she and Aunt Katie could go to the beach as often as they liked (and she was thrilled to hear it), but I felt that it was only a smart thing to warn her..... about the sharks. After all, EVERYTHING'S BIGGER IN TEXAS. Right? Agree with me here, okay?
She asked me about the sharks, and I simply stated to her the fact that Texas waters have some of the meanest and biggest sharks in the world. Oh? Yep. They're so vile that when they are swimming off shore, and see someone walking alone on the beach, that they just jump clear out of the water onto the beach, have the person as a snack, and head back to the water. I had her believing me until .... yep, not too long. Why can't she - a yankee (and I'm just about prepared to call her a DAMN YANKEE), believe her favorite great uncle (unless my brother is her favorite, and then we will have a huge family problem. Texas sized....)
The good news from the parish is that we're going to have our first Mass bulletin/leaflet this week. The bad news is that I have to get it done Friday.... but AFTER the morning prayer (7.45) and Mass (8.00), which will also include the May Crowning. This should be fun. The St. Michael Hymnal in our pews has an older version of the "Immaculate Mary" text, which includes in the first verse: "your praises we sing". (I wish it were the even OLDER text: "Immaculate Mary, our hearts are on fire.")
The baptism by fire does continue, though.....VBS, Catholic-style, will include (from 8am-Noon) an opening "service" in the nave - with music. Then, two, 35-minute music sessions....THEN the closing chapel service, which will include a hymn that we will have (endeavored) to teach the kids (grades 1 on up). Pray for the humble organist who will be begging for a padded organ bench (or padded room at week's end)!
Tonight the wonderful women who lead the music at the Spanish Mass told me that they will be out of town for Mother's Day. God will help me - that's kind of what they said - without saying it. Fortunately, the ordinary will be in Latin (except the Gloria).,
We're beginning the Latin ordinary again (they sang it during Lent), because on Corpus Christi, all the Masses will be in Latin (Novus Ordo). I think - and pray - that it's also going to be ad orientem, as well. To that bit of news, I add my not-yet-completely-formed-Texas-accent YEEEEEHAWL!!!!! Rejoice with me. Come to The Body of Christ to celebrate the Body of Christ on the Body of Christ Day.....
Please send wheaties.
And grits.
In Christ,
SteveO (Larger than ever in Texas ---- really!!)
One of the great things about Texas is that everything is bigger. Honest. I really mean it. And please don't doubt my honesty.
My mother (age 76) is raising her 11 year old great grand-daughter, who Katie and I hope will come to visit us this summer. She was thrilled to hear that we live less than five miles from the Gulf of Mexico (we call it "the bay"). I told my great-niece that if she came to visit, she and Aunt Katie could go to the beach as often as they liked (and she was thrilled to hear it), but I felt that it was only a smart thing to warn her..... about the sharks. After all, EVERYTHING'S BIGGER IN TEXAS. Right? Agree with me here, okay?
She asked me about the sharks, and I simply stated to her the fact that Texas waters have some of the meanest and biggest sharks in the world. Oh? Yep. They're so vile that when they are swimming off shore, and see someone walking alone on the beach, that they just jump clear out of the water onto the beach, have the person as a snack, and head back to the water. I had her believing me until .... yep, not too long. Why can't she - a yankee (and I'm just about prepared to call her a DAMN YANKEE), believe her favorite great uncle (unless my brother is her favorite, and then we will have a huge family problem. Texas sized....)
The good news from the parish is that we're going to have our first Mass bulletin/leaflet this week. The bad news is that I have to get it done Friday.... but AFTER the morning prayer (7.45) and Mass (8.00), which will also include the May Crowning. This should be fun. The St. Michael Hymnal in our pews has an older version of the "Immaculate Mary" text, which includes in the first verse: "your praises we sing". (I wish it were the even OLDER text: "Immaculate Mary, our hearts are on fire.")
The baptism by fire does continue, though.....VBS, Catholic-style, will include (from 8am-Noon) an opening "service" in the nave - with music. Then, two, 35-minute music sessions....THEN the closing chapel service, which will include a hymn that we will have (endeavored) to teach the kids (grades 1 on up). Pray for the humble organist who will be begging for a padded organ bench (or padded room at week's end)!
Tonight the wonderful women who lead the music at the Spanish Mass told me that they will be out of town for Mother's Day. God will help me - that's kind of what they said - without saying it. Fortunately, the ordinary will be in Latin (except the Gloria).,
We're beginning the Latin ordinary again (they sang it during Lent), because on Corpus Christi, all the Masses will be in Latin (Novus Ordo). I think - and pray - that it's also going to be ad orientem, as well. To that bit of news, I add my not-yet-completely-formed-Texas-accent YEEEEEHAWL!!!!! Rejoice with me. Come to The Body of Christ to celebrate the Body of Christ on the Body of Christ Day.....
Please send wheaties.
And grits.
In Christ,
SteveO (Larger than ever in Texas ---- really!!)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Surviving the first two weeks
Well. Here is a short version of the past weekend. I had prepared a nice travelogue and description of the parish and liturgies, and then decided to do a preview. However, I messed all that up after the preview and ended up with an empty screen, so now we get the short version. More will appear later!
Prelude
Improvisation on "Duke Street"
(Introduction, Chorale, Bicinium, Trio, Trumpet Tune)
Processional Hymn - "Jesus Shall Reign" (Duke Street)
Ordinary: "Heritage Mass" (Alstott)
Psalm: tune from Missalette (Joncas - ackward, but we made it work)
Alleluia: "traditional" Gregorian
Offertory Hymn - "At the Lamb's High Feast" (Salzburg)
Communion Hymn - "Shepherd of Souls" (St. Agnes)
Post-Communion - "Regina Coeli" (Mode V)
Recessional Hymn - "Hail, the Day That Sees Him Rise" (Llanfair)
Postlude - "Prince of Denmark's March" (Jeremiah Clarke)
Christ the King Church and School
Corpus Christi, TX
SteveO
Prelude
Improvisation on "Duke Street"
(Introduction, Chorale, Bicinium, Trio, Trumpet Tune)
Processional Hymn - "Jesus Shall Reign" (Duke Street)
Ordinary: "Heritage Mass" (Alstott)
Psalm: tune from Missalette (Joncas - ackward, but we made it work)
Alleluia: "traditional" Gregorian
Offertory Hymn - "At the Lamb's High Feast" (Salzburg)
Communion Hymn - "Shepherd of Souls" (St. Agnes)
Post-Communion - "Regina Coeli" (Mode V)
Recessional Hymn - "Hail, the Day That Sees Him Rise" (Llanfair)
Postlude - "Prince of Denmark's March" (Jeremiah Clarke)
Christ the King Church and School
Corpus Christi, TX
SteveO
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