Memorial Day means several things for Americans. It's the unofficial start of summer, time to clean off the grills and patio furniture, open the pool, and enjoy time in the yard. It signals the end of school is near. But most importantly, it is a day to remember all those who serve our country, defend it day in and day out, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy. This Memorial Day, let us remember and give thanks for these brave men and women. God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - Prayer for Memorial Day; Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers |
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St. Matthew's Cathedral in our neighboring Archdiocese of Washington DC will soon be completing their organ project begun over three decades ago. In this morning's Washington Post Tom Stehle, Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Director of Music at the Cathedral, talks about the final stages of the project and takes the Post reporter into the organ chamber. The website includes a great video of this! Check it out! Handbells have liturgical roots in the earliest days of the church. Bells were used to inform the town when Mass was soon to begin. As the Mass developed and was celebrated in Latin, bells were added to the liturgy to announce to the assembly the presence of the Body and Blood of Christ on the altar. Bells gave pitches for chants and lead processions. The modern handbell has its roots in the change-ringing tradition. In towns all over Europe, the tower bells would ring to announce the hour, celebrate holidays, and mark sombre occasions. To ring these large tower bells required a great deal of skill and practice. Smaller versions of these large bells were developed to allow for practice without disturbing the entire town. In this country, there are two major manufacturers of handbells, Malmark and Schulmerich, both based in Pennsylvania. Saint Agnes is proud to ring three octaves of Schulmerich handbells and hand chimes. Check out this video on how handbells are cast. Interested in learning more about handbell ringing? Come join our handbell choir at rehearsal - Thursday evenings at 7:30 - 9:00 pm. Our Music Ministry is expanding and creating a new choir to serve the parish. The Resurrection Choir will support the singing and participation at our parish Funeral Masses and Memorial Masses. Open to adults of any age with the availability to provide music during the daytime at parish funerals. No auditions are required; the ability to read music, while helpful, is not required. Members will be contacted via e-mail or phone as funerals occur. The Resurrection Choir, with the Parish Choir, sings for the annual Mass of Remembrance each November. Volunteers will rehearse periodically throughout the year and before each funeral. An interest meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10:30 AM in the lower church. Contact Tim for more information. It's always good to learn something new. The Easter season, in which we experience again the newness of the Resurrection and our Baptism in Christ, is an ideal time to learn and experience new things. This weekend we will be learning new Communion song, although the music might sound a bit familiar! Based on the chant, Adoro te devote (Humbly Lord I worship you), the text focuses on the Eucharist's unifying aspect - how we all become one with our Lord and one another. A concert featuring many local parish choirs that make up a spectrum of our Church universal. Choirs from Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, African-American, and African communities of our Diocese present a special concert celebrating our Catholic diversity and the joys of the Resurrection. Another great concert opportunity is on Friday, April 24 at 8:00 PM at Saint Thomas More Cathedral. Free concert! Broadway musicians!
Tonight - the Great Easter Vigil - we celebrate Jesus' victory over Death. As we begin with the Service of Light, the deacon proclaims Christ as light of the world. In the seven readings from the Old Testament, we hear our salvation history. During the sacraments of initiation, we welcome new members into the Church, confirm others, and renew our own Baptismal promises. Then we celebrate the Eucharist with the newly initiated for the first time. |