Slow down and smell the incense

About ten years ago, my local Catholic parish had a Wednesday evening centering prayer service.  It wasn’t very well attended…maybe ten or so people.  What I found so wonderful about this form or prayer was the relaxing pace that ensued once we began the service.  Even further back in my childhood (early 70’s), I [...]

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Choir Characters

I’ve noticed in my years as a Catholic choir member and now director for the past 9 years—there is a reoccurring theme of characters in every choir.  No, not all choirs have these same characters—although some of these characters have multiple personalities!  Here is my list of the most common “Catholic Choir Characters” I’ve run [...]

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Where is the Liturgical Clip Art?

I am a believer in the use of worship (participation) aids to encourage assembly participation in the “singing of the mass”.  Not just any worship aid, but a very well thought out and professionally created worship aid with notes and music—not just a sheet with words. 
It is my goal as a minister of [...]

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The Zombie Catholic Congregation Singers

As a choir director, I do things a little different.  Unless we are singing an incredibly difficult song (which is almost never) I stand facing the congregation.  I normally play the guitar (mostly classical) or bass or sometimes the violin.  If I had a full complement of instrumentalist, I guess I wouldn’t have much [...]

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Song that defines the Easter season

Is there a certain song that defines your Easter season?  For about the last 12 years or so, my congregation has been singing In the Breaking of the Bread by Michael Ward (WLP) as our recessional song for the Easter vigil and Easter morning.  The words are based on Luke 24 and Acts 2.  [...]

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Triduum Memories 2008

Holy Week has come and gone.  It’s been so long since I was part of the congregation (and not the choir director) that I almost feel like I want to take one Triduum off and just enjoy the Three Days without feeling the pressure of being there with the music—no, as I think more about [...]

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Stations of the Cross with Taize chants

During the weeks of Lent, I had the pleasure of participating in a “Stations of the Cross with Taize chants” service.   I’ve never really been drawn to this Catholic tradition but I was very surprised how the music drew me into the prayer.  Much of the impact this service had on me was due to [...]

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Schedule of Music for the 5th Sunday of Lent

I’m always wondering what music other pastoral musicians are using for various seasons of the year. We are going into the fifth weekend of Lent and I am happy to say that I’ve had my choir practicing the music for Triduum for over a month. For me, that is a pretty big deal. [...]

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