Liturgy, Life, Love, Laughter, Lamentations, and Leaps of Faith. . .All Under One Roof! Welcome to my Little Liturgy House where I will try connecting the dots between Liturgy and Life itself, Between Life and Liturgy. . .and back again. . .
(this is my nativity scene, which I place on top of my baby grand piano at home)
Please come and let the Children of Southwest Detroit
offer you the Christmas Story
told in Song, Scripture and Poetry
in Spanish, English and a little bit of Latin!
The concert is free. It will take place on:
Friday, Dec. 16th
at St. Gabriel Church, 8118 W. Vernor, Detroit, MI
Daily mass at 6:00p.m. Followed by the concert at approximately 6:30p.m in the church building w/fiesta after that in the hall!
The children will be accompanied by
musicians from the adult choir.
And the children, themselves,
will play various hand-held percussion instruments:
maracas, claves, etc.
Parking behind the church.
The Cesar Chavez Academy is located next to the church
with more parking behind the Academy
and even more parking on Norman Street,
near the Academy playground area.
And, in case you are interested,
here is the program line-up
(subject to change, of course!)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Children’s Choir Christmas Concert - Dec. 16th
Prepare the Way (Taize) Wonder Counselor Poem recited by: Esther, Wendy, Giselle Lectura La Anunciación de la Santísima Virgen María Proclamado por: Esther, Wendy, Giselle
About two years ago I received a phone call from the man who is now my pastor. He asked me to come to his parish to direct the children’s choir. After some discussion I accepted and I started rehearsals at the end of September 2008.
It was a very messy process. There were discipline issues, both in behavior and in commitment to the project at hand.
But directing children’s choirs is one of the things I like best. And, to be quite honest, I think it’s one of the things I do best.
Children are eager. They learn quickly.
Now, that’s not to say that teaching them is always easy. A rehearsal must be well planned out. You can’t skip a beat, not even when a child comes in late and their mom has a question. If you lose their attention, even for a second, you need to know how to get it back in an instant. But if you know how to teach them, children just learn quickly.
And children don’t have opinions the way adults do. Now, I love working with adult choirs, so please don’t get me wrong. But adults are quick to tell you that a song is too high, too low, too fast, too slow. They are quick to tell you that they don’t like a particular melody or that the song doesn’t fit this or that particular mass.
Not so with children.
They just sing whatever is presented to them.
But this particular group of children, well, let me just say that anything you can think of inner city was/is going on in their lives.
I have children who are survivors of domestic violence.
There was one child that I thought had measles. When I asked about it the child responded that “Mom just can’t get rid of the bed bugs no matter how much she cleans.”
One evening I came in and one of the children was already there. I unlocked and opened the church door and suggested that she wait at the entrance until I turned on the lights so she wouldn’t have to walk through a dark church. And then she said, “It’s OK. I’m used to seeing by candlelight in the dark. Sometimes my daddy can’t pay the bills.”
Many of these children live in neighborhoods with abandoned buildings.
There is a woman who comes to beg for money sometimes, standing just outside the church entrance. To me, she has sort of become an unofficial greeter. She is there just about every Sunday before the rest of the community. I don’t know her story, as she doesn’t speak much. When I try to start up a conversation with her, she often just walks away.
One child knows her well. She said, “That’s so-and-so. She lives in the abandoned house next door to me.” I don’t know what hurt me more, the fact that this woman lives in an abandoned building or that the child just saw it as a matter-of-fact circumstance.
These are just some of the fabulous children that form this choir.
And then, there is one child who is taking guitar lessons. And I just learned that two of these children will be taking piano lessons in the summer sessions with me at the performing arts school where I teach.
Somehow, God has called all of these children together to form this choir. What a magnificent God we have!
This past Saturday the kids sang in concert. Now, we’ve done a few concerts already, but something was different about this one. Something was just so different about this one.
One of my personal goals when I took this ministry on was to have the children singing in parts by the end of my second year with them. Now, if you would have seen them at the start of this project, one wouldn’t think this possible. Their attention span was all over the board. And again, the discipline thing was. . . well. . . let’s just say that they needed refining.
I formed them into two choirs: Choir 1 and Choir 2 (Soprano and alto). It took them awhile to get it. At first they thought I was separating them into two different choirs. But I finally got them to understand it was about singing in parts.
At the concert on Saturday they debuted some of the music they have been working on. The seemingly unattainable goal of having them sing in parts has been attained!
And you know, I think they knew it. They knew and understood that this was big milestone. And I think they sang so well because they knew they had managed to do something major. They have started to ask me if we will be forming a “Choir 3" and “Choir 4.” Little do they know that I have Taize plans. . . . . . .something they should be able to accomplish at this point!. . . .
My babies did great in the concert on Saturday. My Beautiful Bilingual Babies were awesome! Those in attendance actually gave them a standing ovation. “Nothing gives me greater joy than to know that my children are walking in truth.” (3 John 1:4)
Four of the children, for a variety of reasons, could not participate in the concert.
Two children in attendance asked if they could join the choir.
Another child who left the group wishes to return now that he understands a little something about long range visioning and planning.
So, next time around, the photos and video will have at least seven more children.
My ultimate goal is a Children’s Choir of forty-five members. Wouldn’t that be just awesome????
And one of the parents volunteered as choir secretary to help me keep lists and phone numbers in order.
. . and you know, I don’t remember where the statistic came from, but at an NPM conference many years ago, a speaker stated that some 80% of people who sing in choirs as adults sang in a choir as a child. This being the case, Detroit is Making some Marvelous Music Ministers!!!
Yeah, inner city Detroit. . . . . . would it be a stretch to say this is heaven on earth????
- - - - - - - - - St. Gabriel's Children's Choir singing "El Fuego Cae" Detroit, MI - June 19th, 2010 Concert
I just want to be sure you're aware of the concert next Saturday, June 19th at 1:00p.m.
The Children's Choir of St. Gabriel Detroit will be performing in the church, located at 8118 W. Vernor in Detroit.
Here is the complete program for the event. We do hope you can make it!
The program is bi-lingual, being presented in both Spanish and English. The Church is air-conditioned and there is a reception afterward. And it's FREE!!!!
Children's Choir Concert Program - June 19th - 1:00p.m.
*Bienvenida (Welcome) Michelle G. - Celine G.
El Fuego Cae, Cae Tradicional Maracas - Carlos E., Jean Paul G. Chimes - Viridiana C. Claves - Rita R.
*El Oración de San Patricio (About St. Patrick's Prayer) Natalie A.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate Gaelic Melody (Bunessan) Translation by James Quinn Rainstick - Elisa E., Elizabeth M., Estefania
Ven, Espíritu Santo Jaime Cortez, OCP Publications Soloista (soloist) - Rita Chimes - Viridiana C. Maracas - Carlos E., Jean Paul G.
Mi Amigo, Jesús Silvio Cuéllar, OCP Publications Solista (Soloist) - Jessica R.
*Oracion A La Virgencita de Guadalupe (Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe) Esther G., Jean Paul G.
Holy Is Your Name Wild Mountain Thyme, arr. by David Haas, GIA Publications Chimes - Viridiana C.
Virgencita, Dulce Madre Silvio Cuéllar, OCP Publications Trio - Esther G., Celine G., Michelle G. Maracas - Carlos E.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Music by Cesareo Gabarain, text unknown Duet - Estefani O. & Elisa E. Rainstick - Estefania R.
Canto Final/Rosas del Tepeyac. Carlos Rosas, OCP Publications Rainstick - Estefania R. Chimes - Viridiana C. Maracas - Carlos E., Jean Paul G.
* Intermedio (Intermission Announcement) Michelle G. - Michelle G.
****Intermission*****
Guitar Soloists (Rita & Alfredo) Introduced by Fr. Jaime
Soon and Very Soon Andrae Crouch, Bud John Songs, Inc. Solo - Gerardo R. Chimes - Viridiana C. Claves - Rita R. Maracas - Carlos E., Jean Paul G., Gerardo R.
The Love God Has For Me Donna Pena, GIA Publications Duet - Viridiana, Estefania
All In All Dennis Jernigan, Shepherd's Heart Music Inc. Rainstick - Estefania R. Chimes - Viridiana C.
Halle, Halle, Halle Traditional Carribean, arr. John Bell, Iona Community, GIA Publications Chimes - Viridiana C. Maracas - Carlos E. Claves - Rita R.
Si Se Puede/You Can Do It (Dedicated to the Memory of Cesar Chavez im Rule, PNO Tuna Music Rainstick - Elisa E. , Estafania R.. Elizabeth M. Maracas - Carlos E., Jean Paul G., Gerardo R. Claves - Rita R.
The Children's Choir
of St. Gabriel Parish of Detroit
and The Parish's Students of Classical Guitar
present A Concert
on Saturday, June 19th at 1:00p.m
The music will be bilingually performed (Spanish and English)
and will feature several children soloists,
including a duet and a trio.
Several children in the choir will also play various hand-held percussion instruments.
Several musicians will accompany the Children's Choir.
The students of classical guitar
are taught by none other than our pastor, Fr. Jaime Hinojos.
These guitar students will be our featured musicians.
Reception following the concert.
For a complete program line-up
and a list of the members of the choir and musicians
accompanying St. Gabriel's Children's Choir Go Here.
This will be a wonderful event by some marvelous Detroit inner-city children.
St. Gabriel Parish
8118 W. Vernor Highway
Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 841-0753
(the concert is free of charge and the church is air conditioned!)
I have been so busy lately. I know I haven’t finished writing all of The Road to Juquila blog entries. I still have some thoughts about that trip: about holy water; about Our Lady’s mantle; the story of Juquila. And I promise to post all of that as soon as possible.
But I really have been so-o-o busy.
February saw me working like a mad woman on a proposal of sorts. I don’t want to write to much about that here. I only mean to say that I did a lot writing and a lot of soul searching. Whether or not the grant money will arrive is really only the half of it. I learned so much from the process. I needed to write a personal mission statement and vision statement. One can learn a lot about self in just such a process. It was a time consuming process, a draining process. But mostly, it was a selving process.
I continue to work at COMPAS (Center of Music and Performing Arts Southwest). To tell the truth, I am finding that I love this job more and more. I had two new piano students yesterday. I think this puts me at 21 piano students now. To tell the truth, I’ve lost count! And that just confirms for me what I truly believe the Holy Spirit is calling me to.
You see, I’ve been working in the music ministry for well over 20 years. . . .about 28 years. And I’ve led adult choirs, children’s choirs, women’s choir. I’ve worked with flutists, guitarists, other organists and pianists. I’ve worked with cellists, violinists, bag pipers and trumpet players. I’ve worked with cantors and soloists. I’ve coordinated and collaborated with various Mariachi groups.
But, somehow, I feel this push, this nudge. It’s not just about planning and preparing the music for liturgy anymore. Oh, I love that and will continue to do that forever, I do believe. But I find I’m being called to do more than that.
I find that I am being called to create the musician today that will become the pastoral musician tomorrow.
One of my piano students is a member of St. Gabriel’s children choir, another child from the choir is a voice student.
Two of my piano students, sisters, attend the evening mass and often ask me about the songs from last Sunday, what chords I used, who cantored the psalm, etc.
Another of my piano students, a gentleman (whose daughter is also my student) states that the only reason he wants to learn is so that he can one day lead the music at church.
One of my piano students is a guitarist that works with me in the music ministry at St. Gabriel’s.
The youth mariachi at COMPAS is taught by Mr. Newhouse. I often go downstairs and just spend time with these wonderful young people. I’ve sang with them a couple of times, just for fun. These young musicians are currently working on a mass setting. Mr. Newhouse and I are presently visioning how we can bring these young musicians to church, a mass where youth mariachi are the musicians and the children’s choir lead the singing. It’s still all just an idea. But at least we are planning and discussing and putting it out there!
But even more, a few members of the choir at St. Gabriel are starting to ask me questions about a lot more than the songs for liturgy. A few of them asked me for a keyboard chord chart. Others are asking me, not only how to play or sing a scale, but how to create and form it, about how to find the chords that go with the scale. When I explained the circle of fifths, a light bulb went on for one of the guitarists.
Yes, I truly feel called, to not only plan and prepare the music for worship, but to also help create the musician that will lead that music tomorrow. And to create the opportunity, especially for young people, to lead the music themselves every once in a while.
This is not at all to say that I feel any less called to a good old fashioned pastoral music ministry. On the contrary, I vision much for St. Gabriel parish.
The children’s choir is doing fine, though I still believe that she could be twice the size that she currently is. Honestly, I think 45 members is optimum for a children’s choir, for a variety of reasons, which I won’t detail here. But my point is, while the children’s choir is holding its own, there is much room for growth.
I am also increasingly aware that there needs to be a youth/teen music ministry in place. I know the pastor has been visioning and working on this, but, I too, begin to see the future. There must be place for the children to grow into with their music after they leave the children’s choir. And I am increasingly aware that this youth/teen music ministry must be something that reflects teen culture, not just the same old church stuff.
I also being to see where a Cherub Choir needs to form, a place where children ages 3-6 can begin their life of music ministry. I haven’t mentioned this to the pastor yet, but I’d like to flesh this idea out a bit and perhaps start just such a program by Sept. 2010.
And I have this idea, an idea that has been with me for many, many years, long before coming to St. Gabriel, about holding a children’s music ministry summer camp. I have been VERY impressed by the Vacation Bible School at St. Gabriel. And I begin to realize that I am walking on the holy ground where this music summer camp may be able to take life.
I envision this being time dedicated to a specific musical element, the psalms, for example. Or perhaps mass settings.
I envision this to include much more than just the hum drum vocal exercises, but to include how music can be found all around us: in the siren of the fire engine, in the meow of a cat, in the doorbell.
I envision this music summer camp closing with a concert, featuring new music learned. But also closing with a challenge for these children: What are you going to do with the knowledge gained? How are you going to make music better for your church? I envision not only teaching music, but teaching that what we have received as a gift we must give as a gift.
And then there is the parish dance troupe. Yes, I said dance troupe. St. Gabriel has a Mexican Folkloric Ballet. A wonderful group of young people who make it their mission to learn and preserve this wonderful art. A number of churches in southwest Detroit have dance groups, but none of them, to my knowledge, are incorporating these talented youth into liturgical celebrations.
Now, I know the liturgical police will probably place me under arrest for even suggesting this. So be it. But I really would LOVE to see these kids dance. . . While we sing the Gloria. . . While we sing Santo, Santo, Santo. . . . Oh, what beautiful movements of praise can be made!
. . . .and what if. . . . What if. . . What if the youth mariachi from COMPAS served as musicians and what if the children’s choir leads the singing. . . And what if the folkloric ballet dances. . . Wow!!!!
Oh, yes! I am definitely being called, being pushed and pulled into something more. . . .
The Cherubs, The Dancers, The Children, The Mariachi, and Summer Camp. . . If I could just get all of this stuff out of my head and into reality. . . .
I realize that a lot of what I suggest here will require funding, which probably doesn’t exist right now. But I’m game for looking for the money. Writing this all out on to electronic parchment at least puts the ideas out there. Goals and objectives can be written later. Volunteers can be sought when the time comes. For right now, it’s just getting the ideas out of Rubi’s Head. Once in better shape, we (yes, I said “we”) can look for funding.
The Cherubs, The Dancers, The Children, The Mariachi, and Summer Camp. . .
. . .yeah, I’ve gone mad. That will be my excuse when the liturgical police come to place me under arrest. . . .
I’ve been officially directing the children’s choir at St. Gabriel for one year now. It was at the end of September of 2008 that I first began. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that one must constantly evaluate. Set the goals and make the objectives. And, during the course of the year, make any necessary adjustments needed to reach that goal.
After the first few rehearsals with these amazing children I knew well that I would having them singing in parts within two years.
There were some other kinds of things we needed to work on first, like attention span and discipline. And though most of them speak Spanish they do not read Spanish, which makes reading music and singing in Spanish a bit of a challenge.
And while some weren’t quite singing on pitch at first, it wasn’t because they couldn’t. It was just that they needed to learn how to hear, learn how to listen to a particular note or musical phrase. So, I had to and continue to teach them how to listen.
But underneath it all, I could see the diamond in the rough. I knew from the beginning that this group of children was fully capable of singing in harmony, of singing in parts. I knew well that I would have them doing so within two years. But the fact is, this is making itself manifest right now. It’s messy, but they get it. They understand why there is new special seating arrangement, why we are now rehearsing different groups of children on different days.
But one of the other goals I had was one that I knew I would probably never see. Not that it wouldn’t happen, but that I probably wouldn’t be here to see it happen. That goal is to have these children singing in the choir as adults.
Since first coming to St. Gabriel one of the things I have been saying to people is that 80% of people who sing in a choir as an adult sang in a choir as a child. I heard that statistic quite some time ago at a conference of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). I can’t remember the source of the statistic or who quoted it. I only remember what was said. I find it so hard to believe that more churches, Roman Catholic or otherwise aren’t doing more with music and children.
But, as I said, I didn’t think I would see this come to life. I didn’t think I would be here to see the movings of the Holy Spirit once these children got older.
But you know, I didn’t have to wait. One child in particular, is showing me that she has no intention of ever leaving the music ministry. Apart from her commitment to the choir, this child truly understands what is meant by co-responsibility. She understands stewardship better than most.
That child is Wendy.
Wendy and her family attend the Spanish mass at St. Gabriel. And there is an adult choir for that mass.
They also attend the Thursday evening mass, where Wendy and several other children serve in the music ministry.
Wendy is in the third grade and has perfect attendance at choir rehearsal.
This past weekend, Wendy was at the noon mass in English. I didn’t see her until mass was over. She came up to the choir loft to say, “hello,” and then asked me where all the people were. “What people,” I asked. “The people in the choir.” “I lead the music for this mass, Wendy. Robyn has started to help recently, but that’s all there is for this mass.”
“You mean you don’t have a choir?” “No, Wendy, there is no choir for the noon mass. I’ve asked some people. I’ve invited several folks to come to the music area to help. I’ve encouraged folks to come early to come to choir loft to rehearse a little before mass. But so far, it’s just me and Robyn.”
Wendy looked up at me with eyes that told me she was serious about what she was going to say she put her hands on hips and said, “What are we going to do about it?”
Wisdom from the mouth of babes. It’s not just that she had this sense of wanting and needing to see a music ministry developed. She included herself in the equation; “What are WE going to do about it?”
Wendy gets it. I have no doubt that she will continue in the music ministry into her teen and even into her adult years. I have no doubt that she will be actively involved in parish life in the years to come.
80% of people who sing in a choir as an adult sang as a child. Keep your eyes on Wendy. Because she will be a part of that group. Her parents would do well to get that child a guitar and/or keyboard and send her to private lessons. She will have my job one day.
The Amazing Miss Wendy has question that remains unanswered. Can you, will you include yourself in the equation? There is not a choir for the noon mass. What are we going to do about it?
And that’s not just a question for the people of one Southwest Detroit parish to answer. It’s a question to be answered by any parish that does not have a choir or active music ministry.
It’s been quite a while Since I posted something of substance to this blog. There are a lot of reasons for that, But I won’t go into that right now. For now, I want to tell you about Another decision I made recently.
About a week ago, An old friend of mine came to mass. I’ve known Ismael for years. He used to work as the pastoral musician At Detroit’s Holy Redeemer.
While I was yet at Ste. Anne, He and I worked together with Dr. Norah Duncan, IV To present Ariel Ramirez’ Misa Criolla. . . and then there was the mobile music school of the MOSES organization. . . the Detroit Youth Symphony in the plaza. . . . . .most recently Ismael helped to bring the DSO youth to Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, an event I’m so involved which each year. . . yeah, Ismael and I go way back. . . .
He spent some time in Chile (his native land) and then returned to Detroit. He quickly landed a job As the Director of Compás Center for the Performing Arts.
I’ve seen Compás. I drive by there all the time. I’m sadden to say, That until last week I never ventured into the building.
Anyhow, Ismael came to see me. He said he needed a piano instructor For the summer program. I don’t know what happened To the instructor he had lined up.
I said I’d think about it. Although I had thought about teaching, I wasn’t sure that I was quite ready. But you know, When The Call comes, Most of us aren’t. And I do consider my musicianship A Calling. God gave me a mother Who instilled in me a love for music And she made sure I went to the Conservatory Every week. . . even on summer vacation. . . I consider myself Graced. . . . . .also called by that same Grace to share the gift of music. . . But now??? At Compás??? Couldn’t it wait until the fall??? Yeah. . . . . . .we always make excuses, don’t we?
The very least I could do Is spend some time with an old friend And see the center. I had a meeting with Ismael over at Compás. That building is amazing! One would never guess such an amazing center For the performing arts was right there In the heart of SW Detroit. A dance hall with mirrors and ballet bars, Guitars, keyboards, Concert hall. . . you name, they have it!
Once I saw all of the photos of inner city youth All around that building, I had no other alternative but to say, “yes.”
So, beginning tomorrow (on Tuesday and Thursdays) I will be teaching the piano/keyboard classes At Compás Center for the Performing Arts.
Now, Why would I write about this in a Liturgy blog? Because Liturgy is Life And Life is Liturgy.
Oh, I know Liturgy with a capital “L” Is the public worship of the Church. But liturgy with a small “l” Is the stuff of our daily lives That helps to build up church. Sometimes the call to serve Comes from places other than on the church grounds.
Liturgy, as we all know, Is the work of the people. But it’s not just any work. It’s a work done with the people, For the people, To build up the people and the community. It’s a work To make the community better.
I can sing my heart out on Sunday. I can rehearse choirs. But if I am not creating The pastoral musician Who will one day replace me I am not doing the work God commissioned me to do.
At mass last Thursday I asked some of the members Of the children’s choir If they were taking any classes at Compás. Many were. I told them that I was going to be teaching. It wasn’t hard to find new recruits! Sunday morning I was passing out brochures To the families that were interested.
So, The classes may not be in church Or on church grounds Or have anything to do with the parish. . .. . but really, it does. It affects and effects The children of the community. That, my friends, Makes it liturgy with a small “l,” Which can only serve to build Liturgy with a capital “L.”
Life is a Liturgy. And I am just delighted That our good and gracious God Is finding more and more ways For me to serve in the inner city. It is life giving beyond measure.
A concert of of Easter Music, including some original works by our pastor, Fr. Jaime Hinojos.
This concert will feature the adult choir as well as the children's choir. The choir's will each sing selected works and then will sing together.
I make no promises, but the event may include a piano solo by yours truly!
I've been directing the adult choir at this church for about 1 month. I've been directing the children's choir since late September of 2008.
The music for this event will be in Spanish. All are welcome!
There is no charge for this event, only a desire to come and experience the music ministry of Detroit's St. Gabriel parish!
Come and see where I've been serving for the past few months. You might just come to understand why I struggled so much with a decision to return to inner city ministry. This really is a special place!
St. Gabriel Music Ministry
Concert - Saturday, April 18, 2009 7:00pm
St. Gabriel Church 8118 W. Vernor Highway Detroit, MI
Yes. . .I was one of those crazy people that get up in the wee hours of the morning to go to church to "wake " Our Lady of Guadalupe on Her feastday. Here are some photos I took this morning. Pictures include Mariachi, Band, and choir and singers from the parish. A few pics of people who participated in the "open mic" as well, including a very young child. Sorry. No photos of children's choir. I can't accompany and take pictures at the same time! Pictures taken at the mananitas this morning at Detroit's St. Gabriel parish. And sorry not to spend too much time cleaning photos up. I just wanted to get them up today! Happy December 12th!
One of the many festivities being planned Is a wonderful concert.
This will take place this Friday, September 26th at 7:45p.m., immediately after the evening mass.
Featured in this event will be Proyecto Artifice and Rondalla San Gabriel, Both groups are from St. Gabriel parish. St. Gabriel pastor, Fr. Jaime, Directs both of these groups.
A special guest choir will also be part of this event, Cántico de la Mujer Latina. Translated, the group’s name means Canticle of the Latin Woman. And, you guessed it, It’s a Latina Women’s Choir. This group is directed by yours truly. The concert will be primarily in Spanish, Though Cántico de la Mujer Latina Will sing at least two songs in English.
You’ll also be able to hear some original poetry As I will be reciting one of my works that night as well!
The event will also feature an Art Gallery. I’ve already seen some of the works to be displayed And I can say first-hand that the artwork is spectacular! At least 20 works by a young man name Gilberto Will be on display during this event.
This enjoyable evening is the brainchild of the pastor, Fr. Jaime Hinojos. Fr. Jaime is always finding creative ways of celebrating special moments in parish life.
Do Join us: Friday - Sept. 26th@ 7:45p.m. St. Gabriel is located at 8118 W. Vernor Detroit, MI 48209
The concert will take place in the school hall.
Better yet, Come to mass at 7:00p.m. And then stay for the concert and art exhibit. And, oh, mass is in Spanish!
On September 11, 2001 I was actually at church. At the time I worked for an historic church in Detroit. A tour bus had just come in to visit the historic place. . . . . .the visitors to church didn't know what was happening. . . . . . .The church secretary, myself and a few others all watched the towers fall from the TV set in the rectory living room. . .
This labor day weekend I spent some time with religious women. The Grand Rapids Dominicans and The Missionaries of Charity.
On Saturday, members of my women’s choir drove up to Grand Rapids. We were invited to participate in the Perpetual Profession of Vows of one of our members.
I was totally impressed by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids. They are a dedicated and prayerful bunch, to say the least.
They are aware and involved. Just entering the Dominican Center at Marywood one saw immediately how involved they are in areas of justice and peace.
And the art on the grounds was just amazing. And I love art, all things creative. So, needless to say, I took few photos! But I was impressed that these ladies say a lot with the art they have on exhibition. To even have art on exhibit is saying something.
I totally enjoyed my company at lunch and at dinner. These ladies make you think. These ladies gently agitate to make your brain cells grow! I just love that!
The mass and profession were just wonderful. There were several hundred people in attendance. The chapel was packed. My women’s choir joined the Dominican Sister’s choir and it was just an experience that I will never forget. The whole assembly sang and responded with great gusto, with energy and enthusiasm. Theirs is a preaching charism and preach they do!
And then, almost in polarity, I spent Monday evening with the Missionaries of Charity. They are holding a novena in honor of their foundress, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. They are another amazing group of women, in full habit and living in the barrio of Southwest Detroit. To tell the truth, I was just plain honored when they invited me to the convent.
The novena was simple. All in Spanish before the Blessed Sacrament and with people from the neighborhood.
These wonderful Sisters got it. I mean, they got it.
You know, when the rest of the liturgical world is struggling to define Liturgical Inculturation, struggling to control Popular Religiousity, struggling to create a Liturgical Catechesis (as if it needs to be “created”), . .. . . .or any other liturgical buzzword or phrase, these wonderful Sisters just plain got it.
When the rest of Detroit is struggling with clustering and who gets what mass time and who gets what priest.. . .. .well, these Sisters just plain got it.
It’s not about what parish you belong to. It’s not about who your pastor is. It’s not about what time you gather to pray. It’s about Being.
They accepted the popular piety of the neighborhood and incorporated their patron saint. As a pastoral people, they accepted the language and culture of their surroundings and worked to use the same to affirm the faith.
They didn’t just invite other people into their world. They dared to enter into the world of others.
And they did so with a rosary novena. It was simple. It was powerful. And it moved me to tears. These women, whose first language is neither English nor Spanish, sang Pange Lingua in Spanish. That, my friends, was more than I could bear and the tears just made themselves present.
In a previous blog entry I said something about holy space, sacred ground. These Sisters just plain got it. They sang an ancient hymn that has been historically sung in Latin in Spanish in Southwest Detroit, in a neighborhood that they gently adopted. Pange Lingua. It wasn’t only about the Blessed Sacrament before me. It was about Body of Christ that surrounded me at that moment. I just cried.
I have the great honor of being invited to serve as Pastoral Musician for their big feast day this Friday, tomorrow. If you’re in the Detroit area, please do come to St. Gabriel Parish for 9:00a.m. mass with these Sisters, The Missionaries of Charity. (Holy Hour at 8:00a.m.)
You know, these women, the Dominicans and The Missionaries of Charity, are really quite the same, despite their obvious differences. They are living examples of people who have become all things to all people in order to bring some of them to Christ. Would that more of us would do the same. . . .
"There is always enough time to pray three ‘Hail Marys.’"
"There is always enough time
to pray three ‘Hail Marys.’"
That’s what Mary G. would always say.
She was one of those church ladies.
You know the ones I mean.
She did everything:
serve as Eucharistic Minister,
fill in for the secretary on her day off,
stuff the church bulletin,
count the collection money. . . .
She was very staunch in her ways,
often making me very angry
because she always thought
that her point of view
was the only point of view to have.
God has already called her home.
But her words
stay with me: "There is always enough time
to pray three ‘Hail Marys’"
This really isn’t a hard practice for me to follow.
I have always had a devotion to our Blessed mother,
particularly under the tile of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
I found myself
practicing this "Three Hail Marys" devotion last night
as I drove home from St. Gabriel parish
after a rehearsal last night.
As I neared the intersection
of Outer Drive and Fort Street,
where the cities of Lincoln Park and Detroit meet,
I found myself with more than enough time
to pray "Three Hail Marys."
A few years ago,
my eldest son was car-jacked there.
I suddenly realized
that I had been praying "Hail Mary"
every time I drive through that intersection.
Last night I realized
that the intersection is calling me to prayer.
At the time when my son was car-jacked,
I found my prayers were three-fold.
Of course,
I offered prayers for my son.
But I also offered prayers
for the young man
who held a gun to my son’s head
and shouted at him,
"Get out the ride."
What could have happened
in this young person’s life
that he chose to do this?
Where did he get the gun?
What did he want the car for?
Even as I write this
I offer prayers to Our Lady for him.
And I remember him
to St. Monica as well.
At the time
I also offered prayers up
for this young man’s mother.
Was she a good mother
whose son went down the wrong path?
Was she a bad mother
who just didn’t care?
Was this young man’s mother deceased?
Whoever she was
and whatever the situation
I found that I needed to offer prayers for her as well.
You know,
it isn’t just sacred space
because we worship there,
because the church building is there.
It’s sacred space
because we walk on it.
It’s sacred space
because we drive through it.
Outer Drive and Fort Street.
It’s a sacred land
because no matter how many times
I drive through that intersection
I always feel the sudden desire to pray.
Thank you, Mary G.
This time your point view
truly proved to be the only point of view to have.
There IS always enough time
to pray three Hail Marys.
About the photo: Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day 2007 St. Hedwig Parish Detroit, MI
In a few of my blog entries, I’ve mentioned a parish with a dance troupe. Actually, it is a Mexican Folkloric Ballet. They are an outstanding group of performers and hail from St. Gabriel Parish in Detroit. They are having a fundraiser. You’ll find the details below.
The funds will benefit the group’s new costumes. Some of which, I may add, are elaborate and absolutely gorgeous!
But you know, if you can’t make it to this event, you may just want to drop a check in the mail.
Mail to: St. Gabiel 8118 W. Vernor Highway Detroit, MI 48209-1524
Please make check payable to St. Gabriel, but put “dance group” or “asi es mi tierra” in the memo line so that Esther, the parish secretary, will be able to apply accordingly.
If you can't make the event, please do contribute what you can.
Show your support
of a unique program for children and youth.
Show your support
of the really great works
being done by a parish in the inner city.
Show your support
of culture and the arts, especially folkloric ballet.
But please support this excellent group.
Here are the event details:
Loteria Mexicana El Ballet Folklorico Mexicano ' Asi Es Mi Tierra' invita a una Loteria Mexicana
The Mexican Folkloric Ballet “Asi Es Mi Tierra”Invites Everyone to Mexican Bingo
Lugar / Place Cafeteria de la Iglesia San Gabriel St. Gabriel Parish Cafeteria 8118 W. Vernor, Detroit, MI
Hora / Time: 2:00 PM
Fecha / Date Domingo 13 de Julio del 2008 / Sunday July 13, 2008
After yesterday's blog entry, several asked me what Quadraparroquial means.
Parroquial means "Parish." Like, Parroquial School means a school run by the parish.
So, if I invent a word like Quadraparroquial, what I am saying is that I feel at home in four different parishes.
But it's slowly growing to five.
My first home is St. Elizabeth Parish in Wyandotte, MI I'm the music director there and have been at this parish for 3 years now. St. Elizabeth - My Primary Parroquial Home.
My second home is St. Alfred Parish in Taylor, MI. I lead the music for the afternoon Spanish mass twice a month. I've been here for about 3 years now as well. Bi-Parroquial Defined.
My third parish home is St. Gabriel Parish in Detroit, MI. (turn your speakers up if you click the link. Fr. Jaime is a professional musician!) I subbed for a musician about 2 years ago while he was out of town. This was for the 7:00p.m. Spanish Mass. Then I stepped in when their parish organist died, but only for a mass or two. And then I got called back during Lent to lead for the Spanish mass again. Tri-Parroquial Defined.
During the school year on weekdays I can sometimes be found, not at the organ bench or piano bench, but in the pew at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Allen Park, MI. My son attends high school there, and well, I just sometimes worship there because I'm there! I started attending daily mass when my son was in middle school. He would read or be an altar server and I was just the mom showing some love and support. Quadra-Parroquial Defined.
Lately, however, it would seem I need to add a 5th parish to the list: St. Hedwig; Detroit, MI. I'm still not quite as comfortable here as in the above parishes. But I've certainly been called to serve as a musician for special masses (Weddings and 15eras). I'll be at St. Hedwig twice in July. . . .and becoming Quinte-Parroquial!
You know, I have to admit that it really feels good knowing that I can feel at home in a number of different places. Would that all parishes could be as welcoming as the ones mentioned above.
It is true that this blog entry is a little overdue. The fact of the matter is, I had many photos in my digital camera and I just kept putting off uploading them to my PC and doing the crop and irfanview thing. That’s the thing about digital cameras. One must really be religious about uploading them or you end up with a ton of photos!
These photos are from recent masses in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I had the great honor of serving as a pastoral musician for both of these celebrations.
The first mass was held in Dec. 11th at St. Alfred parish in Taylor. The procession began and went through St. Alfred school. You know, that school building is a lot larger than she looks from Telegraph Road! The school children had adorned the halls with "Ojo de Dios" and "Papel Cortado," as well as with other fine art work.
We processed through the halls with the parish’s deacon carrying the image of Our Lady. The community sang "Las Apariciones Guadalupnanas" and ended the procession with "Las Manañitas a la Virgen de Guadalupe."
It really was a wonderful celebration with the parish’s newly formed Spanish choir. Kudos to Teresa P. for organizing the choir. Congrats, Tere, on the parish’s newest little Guadalupana! The second celebration I had the honor of serving for was held on Dec. 12th at Detroit’s Most Holy Trinity Parish. Located in Corktown, this historic church is one of the most beautiful in the City of Detroit. The acoustics are phenomenal. The stations of the cross are huge and beautiful paintings. Trinity houses many lovely statutes, including one of St. Patrick. (This parish is THE place to be for St. Patrick’s Day Mass!)
The organ itself is one of the oldest pipe organs in the city. . . .The couplers on that instrument can offer a challenging touch to those of use who are so accustomed to playing electronic organs! Yes, it’s a beautiful instrument indeed there at Most Holy Trinity!
The Guadalupe celebration at Most Holy Trinity was bilingual. And I must say, Fr. Russ really does have a way with bilingual celebrations as these can challenge even the best of presidors. The thing is, I prefer a mass that is bilingual. I mean, for those of us who are 2nd and 3rd generation in the States, being bilingual is a very natural state of our being. We’ll flip flop between the 2 languages all the time. I realize that sometimes this can frustrate folks. . .especially when the not so well informed want to repeat everything about mass in the other language. Anyhow, my point is that Fr. Russ really has a handle on celebrating a good bilingual liturgy. The mass in Honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a perfectly good example.
The photos above show Our Lady in each of these parishes. The first iImage of Our Lady of Guadalupe is St. Afred parish in Taylor, MI. The other image is at Most Holy Trinity in Detroit, MI.
