Music Ministry when you're "Safer @ Home"

I would never have imagined that we would be giving up how we are used to encountering God for Lent. I’m reminded of a mission trip I once made to coastal villages in Honduras, where the main goal was to bring medicine and the mass to small villages only reachable by boat. These were the kindest and happiest people that I had ever met, and they seemed most grateful to have an opportunity to join in song and celebrate the eucharist, a rarity for them. The gift given to me on that trip was the lesson of how to get by with so little—and the joy that simplicity can bring.

For our 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. livestream Masses:

• Students from the music production class are working on tracking the music
• Students of our high school singing in video to help gather us together for mass
• All are encouraged to sing along—at Mass...assembly is required.

The word “Lent” is sometimes traced back to the old English, “lencten,” which means “spring” - new life, new beginnings, and perhaps original ways to encounter the divine. Join us this Sunday as we begin to explore new ways to come together and celebrate the glory of God. Our gathering song is “Into the Desert,” written by Curtis Stephan. Church documents on music in mass discourage us from using pre-recorded music at Liturgy. That’s the letter of the “law,” but the spirit of the law is that Liturgy is a living and breathing ritual that calls for maximal participation, not just pressing play. And so, in keeping with the spirit of the Liturgy, we have put together a video with students from our High School to lead us in song.

Rest assurred, this is just the beginning. It's the first weekend and we hope to open these opportunities up, expand them, and extend invitations to everyone to collaborate. Blessings to all, and hope to see you online at Mass.

Jeffrey Bonilla, Director of Music