Growing up in the Catholic school tradition, I am grateful to have benefited from a Catholic school education and to learn the music of the Catholic church as well as the newer more contemporary songs of the time that were fostered from some of the folk traditions of the American culture.
The wealth of music has broadened over the years as expressed in both the Breaking Bread and Spirit and Songs hymnals.
How blessed we are to have a Catholic School in our community and how blessed we are that our Catholic School has a music program. Music programs in a Catholic School are essential since the Mass is a sung rite.
Each Friday, students at St. Mary’s School attend Mass in the Cathedral and on cold, wintry days or for special occasions, the Mass is celebrated in the school gymnasium. The choir members, under the direction of Miss Heather Brooks sing for Sunday Masses on occasions in our Cathedral and at Holy Trinity parish. For each school Mass, cantors or psalmists are chosen to sing the responsorial psalm and gospel acclamation. This is important because the future of our church depends upon this leadership.
Recently, the school has added a handbell choir that is featured at Friday school Masses once a month. Included in this group are members of the high school Virtual Academy.
As music director of the Cathedral of St. Mary, I support the efforts of these students and their teachers. The future of our church depends on it.