+JMJ
Dear Parishioners,
Here are a few music items for my bulletin letter this week. First, we scheduled the young adult sacred music chorale ECCE! for our parish on Sunday, August 6th at 3:00 PM. We will consider this another concert in our parish Karcher Concert Series. Jessica Schuster, of the Toledo Diocese, founded ECCE! about six years ago; and they minister primarily in the dioceses of Toledo and Fort Wayne/South Bend. ECCE! means “Behold!” in Latin, and this expresses their group's mission: to help people behold the beauty of the Lord through beautiful chant and poliphony from the heart of the Church's Tradition. Jessica held her first day-long seminar on Church music (“Beauty Unveiled”) and concert at my last parish in Paulding; and I am really happy we can host her here at St. Wendelin on August 6th. Please attend this concert! You won't want to miss it. The beauty of the music, and the explanations of the background of the pieces will be super inspiring and evangelistic. You should also think of whom to invite to this event. I guarantee you hearts will be moved.
On another note, Larry Clouse, our new Music Associate and Principal Accompanist, will be starting "Saint Cecilia's School of Music" in the heart of St. Wendelin Parish. The idea is to help people learn and/or hone voice, organ and piano skills in the Church context, working with Church music, in hopes that this will enrich current music ministry, and provide for future music ministry. This certainly means that we would eagerly welcome any youth who want to consider the Saint Cecilia's School of Music. But it is not only for youth. The cost of lessons will be very modest – in my opinion just enough to make sure people have some “skin in the game.” We also have an idea for funding that could help people who would struggle with paying for lessons. In addition to this effort, Larry will eventually be establishing some standard cantor hours in the choir room, and in the fall some standard hours for the choir. If you are interested in any of these music ministry enrichment opportunities, please contact Larry (music@stwendelin.org; 419-435-6692 x412).
Have a blessed week!
In cordibus Iesu, Mariae et Iosephus,
Father Poggemeyer