November 2022 Praenotanda

St. Cecilia Hymn Festival

Tues, Nov 15, 7pm

Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter-in-Chains
325 W. Eighth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Come and sing to celebrate the patron saint of Church musicians! Everyone is invited - singers, instrumentalists, directors, clergy, liturgists, even people who just want to listen!

We'll have pipe organ, a brass quintet plus timpani and a small choir, directed by Cathedral Basilica Music Director Matthew Geerlings, to lead us in singing many of our favorite hymns.

Co-sponsored by the Cincinnati chapters of the American Guild of Organists and the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear friends and colleagues,

The word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving”. Each time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we gather to give thanks. We come together to express our gratitude for all that God has given to us, especially the gift of his only-begotten Son, in whose name we gather, whose Word we proclaim, whose Body and Blood we share in Holy Communion, and whose witnesses we are to the world.

In this month of gratitude, let me thank YOU for your tireless ministry in the Lord’s vineyard, particularly in your liturgical and sacramental ministries. Especially during this time of transition into Families of Parishes, I am grateful for your constant attention to the Lord’s presence in our worship and sacramental ministry, and your leadership and service to the people of God.

As always, if there’s anything that Matt, Monica, or I can do to assist you in your worship and sacramental ministries, please let us know.

“Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right and just.”

Jeremy Helmes
ODWS Director

FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR

In last month’s article I talked about how parish musicians can help their pastors and priests as they work through the Beacons process. This month is about how pastors can help their musicians. Again, this is not an exhaustive list, but more a starting point for further reflection.

1. Pray for your parish musicians. They have the same spiritual needs as anyone, and your prayers help them greatly.
2. Meet with them on a regular basis – in person. Emails, texts, and such are helpful, but if the discussion is for something important, in-person meetings can help to eliminate confusion. At a recent meeting of some of our archdiocesan musicians, several mentioned they never see their pastors except at Mass.
3. As a tangent to the previous point, please understand your musicians work somewhat
odd hours. Rehearsals happen in the evenings. We work the same holiday hours as you do, unlike most of the parish staff. Practice time might need to happen in the late evening or early morning so as not to disturb people coming to church to pray.
4. Please make certain there is money in the budget for proper instrument maintenance.
Nothing is more frustrating to a musician than to show up to play for a Mass only to have the instrument not working properly.
5. Continuing education is an important element for your musician. If you are wanting to change the style of music used at mass and your musician isn’t educated in that particular genre, they need training. Workshops abound throughout the country which can benefit them and your parish.

Finally, I’ll be the first to admit that we musicians can sometimes be difficult to manage. Odd work hours, time away from family, and dealing with choral and ensemble members add to the stress level. Knowing that we do all this for our love of Christ, his Church, and his people are the keys to understanding one another and are certain to sow the seeds of success!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Matthew J. Geerlings
Music Director

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

How will Advent & Christmas be different in your Family of Parishes than in a single parish or even your former pastoral region? How will the celebration of these seasons truly be a time of grace for you? What will being part of a Family of Parishes mean for your time-honored traditions?

(Pathway discussion forums are open to all parish leaders: clergy, staff, and parishioner leaders. If you don’t yet have access to the Pathway platform but are a parish leader, click here.)

Each month, we’ll look at one of the aspects of the vision for a Eucharist-centered parish and offer a prompt for your reflection upon your own Family of Parishes.

Formation: Every Family of Parishes offers liturgical and sacramental formation “with zeal and patience” (CSL, 19), deepening an appreciation of the sacred mysteries.

Question for Reflection: What kinds of liturgical and sacramental formation are offered in our Family of Parishes? Are we helping parishioners deepen their appreciation of the sacred mysteries? What new approaches could we take to liturgical catechesis?

Q. Must an Advent wreath be placed in the sanctuary of the church? What about the creche/manger scene?

A. No. In fact, nothing should detract from the centrality of the altar in the sanctuary, even as regards seasonal décor. An Advent wreath or creche may be placed in the sanctuary, but it should not obscure the centrality of the altar. The U.S. bishops teach: “The altar should remain clear and free-standing, not walled in by massive floral displays or the Christmas crib, and pathways in the narthex, nave, and sanctuary should remain clear.” (Built of Living Stones 124). Consider the gathering space, foyer, side chapels, etc. for placement of seasonal devotional symbols rather than the sanctuary itself.