FUNERAL FOR JANET HOHLER

Funeral Mass for Janet Hohler will be on Wednesday, December 29 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Gary Guendelsberger will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR PAUL MAINZER

Funeral Mass for Paul Mainzer will be on Monday, December 27 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR HELEN MESENBURG

Funeral Mass for Helen K. Mesenburg will be on Wednesday, December 22 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

THE SISTINE CHAPEL VIRTUALLY

The following was received from an email:

WOW !!! You can spend DAYS just viewing the Sistine Chapel virtually !! Enjoy ....


Here is an amazing bit of technology that you would never see in person, and you would NEVER be alone in the room. It is ALWAYS VERY CROWDED and of course you can't see Michelangelo's artwork close up as you can here. This is especially spectacular if you have a large high-definition screen!


The Sistine Chapel Virtually

If you havent seen this already it is amazing!!

If you have seen this already it is amazing!!


The Sistine Chapel Virtually
VIEW EVERY PART OF MICHELANGELO'S MASTERPIECE.
JUST CLICK AND DRAG YOUR ARROW IN THE DIRECTION YOU WISH TO SEE.

In the lower left, click on the plus (+) to move closer, on the minus (-) to move away.



Choir is thrown in free.



AMAZING! MOVE THE ARROW AND YOU WILL SEE EVERY PART OF THE CHAPEL.


This virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel is incredible.

Apparently done by Villanova at the request of the Vatican ..
Thought you would enjoy the quality and a bit of Rome on your computer.



Amazing what can be done with technology.

http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html

FUNERAL FOR PAUL BAIER

Funeral Mass for Paul Baier will be on Tuesday, December 21 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Chas Singler will preside.


For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

THE "O" ANTIPHONS

In the Roman Church, the O Antiphons are prayed, beginning December 17 one for each day up through December 23 at Vespers (Evening Prayer) (before and after the Magnificat [Mary’s Song]), and at Mass (the Gospel Acclamation Verse). They are not prayed at Vespers on December 24 because that begins the Christmas Vigil. Below are the prayers with the dates they are to be prayed.


December 17 – O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.

December 18 – O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: Come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.

December 19 – O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

December 20 – O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.

December 21 – O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

December 22 – O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.

December 23 – O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.

FUNERAL FOR JOSEPINE "PEPPA" HOELZER-FLETTNER

Funeral Mass for Josephine Flettner will be on Saturday, December 11 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Gary Guendelsberger will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

ADVENT: THE COMING OF CHRIST

Sunday, November 28 begins Advent, the new year for the Church Year. During this time of Advent, we prepare for Christ's coming; both his coming in the Nativity on Christmas, as well as his second coming.

One of the great traditional hymns of Advent is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." We at St. Mary's will be singing this hymn at all the Masses this weekend. To read more about this great Advent hymn, click here.

FUNERAL FOR AL MILLER

Funeral Mass for Al Miller will be on Saturday, November 27 at 1:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 12:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR JAMES FOX

Funeral Mass for James Fox will be on Saturday, November 27 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahler will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR FREDERICK J. "FRITZ" SARTOR

Funeral Mass for Fritz Sartor will be on Wednesday, November 24 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

NATIONAL PASTORAL MUSICIANS WEEK

The week of November 21 - 27 is National Pastoral Musicians Week (NPM week). Nov. 22 is the feast of St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians; thus during this week she is remembered for her role in Music Ministry. St. Cecilia has often been pictured, through the centuries, seated at the organ, singing God’s praises, or listening to a choir of angels. Appropriately, at this time, members of the music Ministry, consisting of Mass Accompanists, Instrumentalists, Parish Choir, Funeral Choir, Contemporary Choir, and Cantors, rededicate themselves to praising God through liturgy, music, and song. Pastoral musicians will receive a special blessing during the 9:30 and 11:30 Masses on November 20th.

PARISH CHOIR FALL PARTY

Recently the Parish Choir had their annual Fall Party at the home of Stefanie and Jeff Rowland. Below are a few pictures from that fun event.


Ron Smith and Ron Blake chatting it up about the philosophical and theological aspects of the Church. . . . OK, they were really talking about home improvement projects. :)

Anita Claubaugh and Pat Smith

Pete Dubois, Jerry Harkness, Rosemary Manner, Barb Harkness, Elmer Grahl, Phil Hohler, and Paulette Grahl.

Colleen Wellington, Shirley Dubois, and Tom Sample

The Food Spread

The Food Spread

Dessert . . . .YUM! ! !

More dessert! ! !

Ron Smith and Dave Proy getting in the food.

Pat Smith's turn to "Gesture" as we played the game "Gestures."

Kris Dinovo and Julie Castello trying to guess what Pat Smith is "gesturing."

Kay Proy and Joyce Leibacher watching on during the "gesturing."

Tom Sample's turn at "Gesturing."

Tom Sample and Phil Dinovo High-5 after a correct guess.

Jerry Harkness, Rosemary Manner, and Barb Harkness

Tom Sample, Judy Guendelsberger and Jerry Harkness

PARISH CHOIR TO HONOR VETERANS

Since Veterans Day will be celebrated across the country on Thursday, November 11, the Parish Choir will sing the Military Hymns of our 5 military branches as the Prelude, Offertory, and Communion Meditation pieces at the 9:30 Mass this Sunday.

These hymns are the following:
Prelude: "God of Our Fathers" (the hymn for the U. S. Army).
Offertory: "Eternal Father Strong to Save" (the hymn for the U. S. Navy, U.S. Marines, and the U. S. Coast Guard).
Communion Meditation: "Lord Guard and Guide All Those Who Fly" (the hymn for the U. S. Air Force).

So let us pray for our veterans; those currently serving our country and those who have served in the past.

FUNERAL FOR VIRGINIA A. WINDAU

Funeral Mass for Ginny Windau will be on Tuesday, October 26 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Gary Guendlesberger will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR JEANNE MARIE STIERHOFF

Funeral Mass for Jeanne Stierhoff will be on Monday, October 25 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR MARGARET M. WINDAU

Funeral Mass for Margaret Windau will be on Thursday, October 21 at 12:00 Noon. Choir members are asked to be in church by 11:30. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR THADDEUS B. STRASSER

Funeral Mass for Thaddeus Strasser will be on Saturday, October 16 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Ron Abbott will be the organist; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR MARY F. MARTIN

Funeral Mass for Mary Martin will be on Thursday, October 7 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Gary Guendelsberger will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR EDWARD M. TOOMEY

Funeral Mass for Edward Toomey will be on Monday, September 27 at 9:30. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:00. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Phil Feltman will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR VIRGINIA MESSENHEIMER

Funeral Mass for Virginia Messenheimer will be on Thursday, September 9 at 10:30. Choir members are asked to be in church by 10:00. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR FREDA MARIE SCHMENK

Funeral Mass for Freda Marie Schmenk will be on Thursday, September 2 at 11:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 10:30. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR MILDRED L. FOX

Funeral Mass for Mildred Fox will be on Saturday, August 28 at 11:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 10:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR DONNA SARTOR

Funeral Mass for Donna Sartor will be on Friday, August 27 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR CARL JOSEPH TRIMARCHE, JR.

Funeral Mass for Carl Trimarche, Jr. will be on Monday, August 9 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Gary Guendelsberger will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR EDWARD J. CROSS

Funeral Mass for Edward Cross will be on Friday, August 6 at 11:30. Choir members are asked to be in church by 11:00. Ron Abbott will be the organist; Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Phil Feltman will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR FRANCES SMITH

Funeral Mass for Francis will be on Monday, August 2 at NOON. Choir members are asked to be in church by 11:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

MEMORIAL MASS FOR THOMAS W. (BILL) PIERCE

Memorial Mass for Thomas (Bill) Pierce will be on Monday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 12:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

FUNERAL FOR BERNICE CECIL

Funeral Mass for Bernice Cecil will be on Monday, July 26 at 9:30 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:00. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss (?) will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR GLADYS V. SCHIPPEL

Funeral Mass for Gladys Schippel will be on Saturday, July 24 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR DONALD ERNEY

Funeral Mass for Donald Erney will be on Tuesday, July 20 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Julie Castello will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

TOLEDO DIOCESE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL: "EXCLAIM !"

The Toledo Diocese is having a diocesan wide Summer Music Festival on Sunday, August 15, 2010 and will be held at the Monsignor Schmit CYO Athletic Complex located on Holland Sylvania Road. The day will include nationally known catholic musicians as Audrey Assad, Chris Bray, Jackie Francois, and Matt Maher. There will also be talent competition, Mass, games and more! For more info on the day go to Exclaim! 2010 home page, click here.

The day will end with a Mass with a Diocesan wide choir. Registration is required. There are several regional rehearsals to choose from and a combined rehearsal. All registered choir members are required to attend 1 regional and the combined rehearsal. For more information (and the registration form) on the Mass Choir, click here.

JULY UPDATE

"This Month in St. Mary's History" has been updated for July. Check it out here or click on it in the side bar.

FUNERAL FOR ELIZABETH "BETTY" J. ARNOLDI

Funeral Mass for Elizabeth "Betty' Arnoldi will be on Thursday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 10:00. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.



For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR MARJORIE PUSATERI

Funeral Mass for Marjorie Pusateri will be on Wednesday, July 7 at 10:30 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 10:00. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.



For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR RAMONA A. BARRETT

Funeral Mass for Romona A. Barrett will be on Saturday, July 3 at 10:30 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 10:00. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR BETTY R. SMITH

Funeral Mass for Betty Smith will be on Tuesday, June 29 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Gary Guendelsberger will be the cantor; Ron Abbott will be the organist; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR GLEN J. BRUNNER

Funeral Mass for Glen Brunner will be on Monday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Ron Abbott will be the organist; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

THOMAS J. SMITH, SR.

Funeral Mass for Thomas J. Smith, Sr. will be on Thursday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Ken Lill will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR DORIS A. MESENBURG

Funeral Mass for Doris A. Mesenburg will be on Wednesday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Gary Guendelsberger will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR LOUIS M. YOUSKIEVICZ

Funeral Mass for Louis Youskeivicz will be on Tuesday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

POSTINGS

There will be no new postings on this site until the week of July 12. Certain pages, such as "This Sunday's Music," will continue to be updated weekly.

MUSIC MINISTRY BANQUET

Reminder to all Mass Accompanists; members of the Funeral, Contemporary, and Parish choirs; Instrumentalists, and Cantors:

If you have not yet turned in your reservation for the Music Ministry Banquet, please drop them off at the rectory office NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, JUNE 6.

FUNERAL FOR RAYMOND SCHELL

Funeral Mass for Raymond Schell will be on Thursday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Ron Abbott will be the organist; Fr. Phil Feltman will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

A FUNNY

CHILDREN'S CHOIR OFF FOR THE SUMMER

The Children's choir, under the direction of Mr. Mike Schmenk, sang their final Mass of the season this past Sunday. They really did a great job and have come a long way from their first Mass in November. There are a lot of good qualities from which we can build on for next year!

PARISH CHOIR ON SUMMER RECESS

This past Sunday the Parish Choir sang at their final 9:30 Mass for the season. Congratulations on a FANTASTIC year, job well done! Have a safe & fun summer and we'll see you back in the choir loft on Thursday, September 9 at 7:30 for our first rehearsal of the new season!

CHILDREN'S CHOIR TO SING SUNDAY

The St. Mary's Children's Choir, under the direction of Mr. Michael Schmenk, will be singing for the last time this season this Sunday, May 23 at the 11:30 Mass. Choir members need to be in the choir room ready to sing by 11:00.

A FUNNY

28TH ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT RECAP

St. Mary's 28th Annual Spring Concert was Sunday, May 16 at 7:30. Approximately 125 people attended the concert. The concert featured the St. Mary's Parish Choir along with conductor Jeff Lindquist; student conductors Tavis Jones and Cory Jolly; Flutists Mary Conley Riedy and Heather Dion; Trumpets Jeff Lindquist and Rick Ellis; and Tim Claubaugh Organist / Music Director.

The program was as follows:

WORKS OF J. S. BACH:

JESUS WHO DIDST EVER GUIDE ME - J. S. Bach
Flute: Heather Dion, Mary Conley Riedy

JESU JOY OF MAN’S DESIRING - J. S. Bach
Cory Jolly, Conductor
Flute: Mary Conley Riedy

HONOR AND GLORY - J. S. Bach
(Mildred & Fred Bretz Memorial)
Travis Jones, Conductor

PREPARE TO RECEIVE HIM - J. S. Bach



WORKS BASED ON HYMNS:

AVE VERUM CORPUS - W. A. Mozart
Cory Jolly, Conductor

O HOW AMIABLE - Ralph Vaughan Williams
(Helen Lechler Memorial)
Travis Jones, Conductor

FANTASIA ON CHRISTMAS CAROLS - Ralph Vaughan Williams
Jeff Lindquist, Conductor
Baritone Soloist: Ron Blake

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS - Mark Hayes


PRECIOUS LORD, TAKE MY HAND - Roy Ringwald
Soprano Solo: Stefanie Rowland

COME TO THE WATER - John Foley
(Ed & Kay Shepherd Memorial)

AMAZING GRACE - Richard Proulx
(Margaret Kreidler Memorial)
Flute: Mary Conley Riedy

ALLELUIA! SING TO JESUS - Noel Goemanne
(Virginia Schropp Memorial)
Trumpets: Jeff Lindquist, Rick Ellis

YE WATCHER’S AND YE HOLY ONES - S. Drummond Wolff
(Hilda Berverick Memorial)
Trumpets: Jeff Lindquist, Rick Ellis

FUNERAL FOR ESTHER MAXWELL

Funeral Mass for Esther Maxwell will be on Monday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 1:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Jim Riedy will be the organist; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

Check back later for the Sandusky Register Obituary link.

FUNERAL FOR EILEEN POPKE

Funeral Mass for Eileen Popke will be on Monday, May 17 at 9:30 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:00. Gary Guendelsberger will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

THE BLUE MASS

The "Blue Mass," to honor the work of all public safety personnel, will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. The event is hosted by the Sandusky Knights of Columbus and will begin at 1:30 downtown at the Police and Fire Memorial in Washington Park by the Court House. After a blessing of the memorials, there will be a procession of police and fire vehicles to St. Mary's Church where a Mass will begin at 2:00 p.m.

The blessing of the Memorials downtown and the Mass are open to the public. This yearly event has been a tradition for the past 7 years. Come and be part of the tradition for 2010! !

ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT THIS SUNDAY

St. Mary's Parish Choir 28th annual Spring Concert is this Sunday Evening at 7:30.

This year's concert will feature guest conductor Jeff Lindquist, and Terra Community College student conductors Cory Jolly and Travis Jones. The concert will also feature Jeff Lindquist and Rick Ellis on trumpet, Mary Conley Riedy and Heather Dion on flute, and soloists Stefanie Rowland and Ron Blake.

Since this year marks the 325th anniversary of the birth of J. S. Bach, several works by Bach will be performed. There will also be several works performed based on hymns.

The concert is free and open to the public. Plan to attend and bring a friend! !

A FUNNY

FUNERAL FOR CHRISTOPHER D. GALLOWAY

Funeral Mass for Christopher D. Galloway will be on Friday, May 7 at 11:30 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 11:00. Julie Castello will be the cantor; Fr. Phil Feltman will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

TERRA ARTS CHORALE CONCERT: RECAP

The Terra Arts Chorale performed an amazing concert Monday, May 3 in St. Mary's Church. The concert theme, "A Choral Landscape" was conducted under their director Michael Schirtz with Jane Beckley accompaning them on the piano. Approximately 70 people attended Monday evening performance.

The program was:

PART I - IMAGES OF REFLECTIONS (performed from the choir loft)
"Alleluia" - Randall Thompson
"Musick's Empire" (from "Triptych") - Lloyd Pfautsch
"Alleluia - Ralph Manuel
"Seasons of Life" - Mark Hayes (piano solo performed by Jane Beckley)



PART II - IMAGES OF A EUROPEAN TRADITION (performed down front)
"Regina Coeli" (K. 276) - W. A. Mozart
Soloists: Tracey Nyca, Soprano; Joy Gruetter, Alto; William Hutchinson, tenor; and Ron Blake, Bass

"Largo" (from "Harpsichord Concerto in F Minor") - J. S. Bach / arr. Swingle
Soloist: Chelsea Wellman, Soprano



PART III - IMAGES OF AN AMERICAN ICON
"Power Chorale and Fugue" - Dave Brubeck

"How Does Your Garden Grow" - Dave and Iola Brubeck



PART IV - IMAGES OF AN AMERICAN TRADITION
"Ezekiel Saw the Wheel" - Traditional / arr. by Moses Hogan

"Give Me Jesus" - Traditional / arr. by Larry Fleming

"Elijah Rock" - Traditional / arr. by Moses Hogan

"I Want to Thank You Lord" - Traditional / arr. by Moses Hogan
Soloist: Connie Carnicom, Soprano

Terra Arts Chorale performing from the balcony.

TERRA ARTS CHORALE CONCERT

The Terra Arts Chorale will perform a concert at St. Mary's Church on Monday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. The concert titled "A Choral Landscape" will be directed by Michael Shirtz.

Among the works to be performed are "Alleluia" by Randall Thompson; "Regina Coeli" by Mozart; "Alleluia" by Ralph Manuel as well as works by J. S. Bach, David Brubeck, Moses Hogan, Larry Fleming, and Lloyd Pfautsch.

The concert is free and open to the public. You won't want to miss the superb choral group!

COMING SOON: ST. MARY'S ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT

The 28th annual St. Mary's Spring Concert will be held on Sunday, May 16 at 7:30 P.M.

This year's concert will feature guest conductor Jeff Lindquist, and Terra Community College student conductors Cory Jolly and Travis Jones. The concert will also feature Jeff Lindquist and Rick Ellis on trumpet, Mary Conley Riedy and Heather Dion on flute, and soloists Stefanie Rowland and Ron Blake.

Since this year marks the 325th anniversary of the birth of J. S. Bach, several works by Bach will be performed. There will also be several works performed based on hymns.

The concert is free and open to the public. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend! !

ST. MARY'S & TERRA MUSIC PROGRAMS WORKING TOGETHER

Over the past few years, St. Mary's Church and Terra Community College Music Dept. have worked together on numerous occassions. St. Mary's has hosted Terra in a number of their concerts including the Terra Choral Society, Terra Chamber Arts Orchestra, Terra Arts Chorale, and most recently the Terra Brass Choir.

Michael Shirtz is the Music Department Coordinator / Lead Faculty and Director of Choral Activities at Terra Community College.

This past winter, St. Mary's has taken 2 student conductors from Terra to have them rehearse and conduct the St. Mary's Parish Choir at the 9:30 Mass on Sunday morning. Students Cory Jolly and Travis Jones have been participating in this program since February under the supervision of Michael Shirtz.



CORY JOLLY


Cory is a dual major at Terra, majoring in Music Education and Music Performance (in voice). He is a graduate of Clyde High School. Cory is involved with the both the Choral Society and Arts Chorale at Terra. What he likes best about Terra is the personal connection with his teachers. He will graduate from Terra this Spring then plans to attend either Adrian College or Bluffton University. He hopes to eventually be a high school choir director or a college music professor.




TRAVIS JONES


Travis Jones graduated from Fremont Ross High School. He is a Music Education major at Terra with voice being his major instrument. Travis is currently involved with the String Ensemble, Arts Chorale, SOTA, and Choral Society at Terra. Travis likes the treat one-on-one teaching setting at Terra as well as the great and active staff. He will graduate in May 2011 after which he plans to get a BA at Akron University or Muskingum College. His career goal is to become a great choral conductor either at the high school or college level.

FUNERAL FOR INEZ M. JOERGER

Funeral Mass for Inez M. Joerger will be on Friday, April 23 at 10:30 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 10:00. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

ORGAN & BRASS CONCERT

About 250 people attended the concert last night with Organist Tim Claubaugh and the Terra Brass Choir under the direction of Jeff Blanchard. The program consisted of:


Organ & Brass: "MARCH TRIUMPHAL" - Sigfird Karg-Elert

Organ Solo: "CRUCIFIXION" (from "The Passion of the Christ") - John Debney

Piano & Brass: "MUSIC OF THE NIGHT" (from "Phantom of the Opera") - A. L. Weber / Arr, by Jeff Blanchard

Organ Solo: "LA REJOUISSANCE" (from "Royal Fireworks Music") - G. F. Handel

Brass Only: "POLOVTSIAN DANCES" (from "Prince Igor") - Alexander Borodin

Organ Solo: "ADAGIETTO" (from "Symphony No. 5") - Gustav Mahler

Organ & Brass: "FANFARE" - Jeremiah Clarke

Brass Only: "AVE VERUM CORPUS" - W. A. Mozart

Organ Solo: "WACHET AUF, RUFT UNS DIE STIMME" (BWV 645) - J. S. Bach

Organ Solo: "IN DIR IST FREUDE" (BWV 615) - J. S. Bach

Organ & Brass: "AN EASTER CELEBRATION" - Joel Raney


Performance of "Music of the Night"

Performance of the two Bach organ works. Note the "J. S. Bach Action Figure" on the organ console.

TERRA BRASS CHOIR

Director: Jeff Blanchard

Trumpet I: Jackie Macko, Megan Miller

Trumpet II: Lizzie Ellenberger, Tim Ellenberger, Tom Hetzel

French Horn: Travis Magoto, Tim Laderach, Megan Wistinghausen

Trombone: Duane Waite, Chris Wansitler

Tuba: Bary Cover, Sam Laderach, Steve Shimmer

Percussion: Lonnie Shuey

EASTER AT ST. MARY'S

THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE FROM THE EASTER VIGIL MASS(APRIL 3):

RCIA candidates being received into the church

RCIA candidates being received into the Church.

THE FOLLOWING PICTURES WERE TAKEN AT 9:30 MASS EASTER SUNDAY MORNING, (APRIL 4):

OTHER EASTER PICTURES:

FUNERAL FOR BEATRICE M. "BEA" POWELL

Funeral Mass for Beatrice M. "Bea" Powell will be on Monday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

CHOIRS HAVE WEEK OFF; BUT NOT SUNDAY

The Parish Choir and the Contemporary Choir do not have rehearsals this week (Wednesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 8). HOWEVER, both choirs WILL sing at their respective Masses on Sunday Morning (April 11). Be ready to warm up at your usual times Sunday morning.

FUNERAL FOR LINDA L. HOFFMAN

Funeral Mass for Linda L. Hoffman will be on Saturday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR JEFFREY J. SANDERS

Funeral Mass for Jeffrey J. Sanders will be on Friday, April 9 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Gary Guendelsberger will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss (?) will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

ORGAN & BRASS CONCERT COMING SOON! !

St. Mary’s Church, and Terra State College will present an organ and brass concert on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 7:30 pm at St. Mary’s Church. The concert will feature the Terra Brass Choir under the direction of Jeff Blanchard and Tim Claubaugh on the organ. The concert will include works by John Debney, Pietro Mascagni, Gustav Mahler, J. S. Bach, Sigfrid Karg-Elert, Andrew Lloyd Weber, and others. The concert is free and open to the public.

FUNERAL FOR PATRICIA MARY AHNER

Funeral Mass for Patricia Mary Ahner will be on Wednesday, March 31 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss (?) will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR GREG GERHART

Funeral Mass for Greg Gerhart will be on Thursday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH'S 325 BIRTHDAY! ! !

By Tim Claubaugh

This Sunday, March 21, will mark the 325th birthday of one of the greatest composers (if not the single greatest composer) to have ever lived, Johann Sebastian Bach.

Bach was born in the little German village of Eisenach, Germany, in 1685, and spent many years (over 25 years) serving as Organist and Cantor (Music Director) of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Germany, where he died on July 28, 1750.

While he is known for his hundreds secular works of Keyboard, Orchestral Suites, and Concerti, Bach is also known for his hundreds of sacred works that he wrote (much while serving at St. Thomas) for organ, cantatas, and Masses. He wrote over 200 cantatas alone; one for each Sunday of the Liturgical year as well as 4 very large choral works: "St. John Passion;" St. Matthew Passion;" "Christmas Oratorio;" and the "Mass in B Minor." Each of these large choral works use orchestra, choir ("St. Matthew Passion" uses a double chorus); organ and soloists.

This Sunday, March 21, the Parish Choir will be performing 2 of Bach's choral pieces at the 9:30 Mass. The first is the famous "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" and the second piece is "Jesus Who Didst Ever Guide Me."

In the afternoon, the Sandusky Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will be having a "Church Walk Concert" of Bach's music at 3 downtown churches. This concert begins at 3:00. For more information, go to the American Guild of Organist Sandusky Chapter Website here.

FUNERAL FOR MARY ANN SLOAN

Funeral Mass for Mary Ann Sloan will be on Thursday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Julie Castello will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR BERNICE R. "BUNNY" HUG

Funeral Mass for Bernice R. "Bunny" Hug will be on Monday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR JANET M. HAAS

Funeral Mass for Janet M. Haas will be on Saturday, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

VR TOUR OF ST. JOHN LATERAN IN ROME

This is simply beautiful...awesome. For those who have been fortunate enough to have visited the Vatican it is a chance to relive memories......for those whose journey is yet to be, enjoy. Much God given talent was given to build such edifices and create the wonderful art.

Use your Cursor for panoramic views. Not too fast or you'll get dizzy. Use Back button to get to each location. Also the screen has a + and -- for Telephoto or Wide Screen. That's in lower left of picture.

Enjoy!

Click here: St. John Lateran - VR Tours

Thanks to Dan Shepherd for this contribution.

LORD, WHO THROUGHOUT THESE FORTY DAYS

TEXT: Claudia Frances Hernaman, 1838-1898, alt.
MUSIC: John’s Day Psalter, 1562
TUNE: ST FLAVIAN
METER: CM (Common Meter: 86 86)

In his book, “Hymn Notes for Church Bulletins,” Austin Lovelace writes:
“As a result of her life-long interest in religious education, the author wrote 150 hymns for children. This one attempts to explain the deeper meanings of the forty days of Lent – fasting, praying, temptations, penitence which point to the joys of Easter which follows the penitential season.”


1. Lord who throughout these forty days,
For us did fast and pray,
Teach us to overcome our sins,
And close by you to stay.

2. As you with Satan did contend,
And us the vict’ry win,
O give us strength in you to fight,
In you to conquer sin.

3. As you did hunger and did thirst,
So teach us, gracious Lord
To die to self, and so to live
By your most holy word.

4. And through these days of penitence,
And through you Passiontide,
Fir evermore, in life and death,
O Lord! with us abide.

5. Abide with us, that through this life
Of doubts and hope and pain,
An Easter of unending joy
We may at last attain!

LITURGICAL / MUSICAL QUESTION

Mike W. asked a question about a particular "Alleluia" that he had heard sung at another parish. You can view his question and the answer to his question in the "Liturgical or Musical Questions" article here.

FUNERAL FOR CAROLINE ONEY

Funeral Mass for Caroline Oney will be on Saturday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR HOWARD PRINTY

Funeral Mass for Howard Printy will be on Friday, March 5 at 10:00 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR PAUL W. OHLEMACHER

Funeral Mass for Paul W. Ohlemacher will be on Thursday, March 4 at 10:00 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

Since Paul was a retired member of the Parish Choir, members of the St. Mary's Parish Choir will also be joining the St. Mary's Funeral Choir.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR KATHLEEN ANN SCALF

Funeral Mass for Kathleen Scalf will be on Wednesday, March 3 at 10:00 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register Obituary link, click here.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR TO SING SUNDAY

The St. Mary's Children's Choir, under the direction of Mr. Mike Schmenk, will be singing at the 11:30 Mass this Sunday in place of the Contemporary Choir. The Children's Choir will sing selections at the Offertory and Communion Meditation.

THE GLORY OF THESE FORTY DAYS

TEXT: Clarum decs jejunit; Gregory the Great, C. 540-604; Tr. By Maurice F. Bell, 1862-1947.
MUSIC: Louis Bourgeois, c. 1510-1561
TUNE: OLD HUNDREDTH
METER: LM (Long Meter: 88 88)


In researching this hymn, there was not a lot of material to use to write this article. Only one source was found. On the website, Lectionary.org, Richard Niell Donovan writes of this hymn:

“We don't know who wrote this hymn, but we know that it is very old -- at least as early as the tenth century, and probably much older. When this hymn was first sung, few people could read. They learned these words and sang them from memory -- or heard a choir sing them. As long ago as the Dark Ages, this hymn was bringing light into the lives of Christians.

The hymn speaks of ‘forty days.’ The forty days of which it speaks were the forty days of Christ's temptation. Those were days of hunger and thirst, because Jesus fasted for those forty days. They were days spent in the loneliness of the desert. We wouldn't want to experience what Jesus experienced during those forty days, because they were hard days, but this hymn speaks of ‘the glory of these forty days,’ and it says, ‘we celebrate with songs of praise.’

Those words might seem odd, given Jesus' suffering during those forty days -- but it isn't his suffering that we celebrate -- it is his triumph over evil -- and his promise to help us triumph over evil as well. As we remember Jesus' temptation, let us not forget that we are tempted too -- often -- every day. Let us remember to pray for Christ's help each day -- that Christ will keep us on the right path -- that God will help us to accomplish something worthy -- and that Christ will protect us from the evil one.”


It is disappointing that our current hymnal, Gather Comprehensive, uses the OLD HUNDREDTH tune as the tune for this Lent hymn instead of the popular Lent tune ERHALT UNS HERR.



1. The glory of these forty days
We celebrate with songs of praise;
For Christ, by whom all things were made,
Himself has fasted and has prayed.

2. Alone and fasting Moses saw
The loving God who gave the law;
And to Elijah, fasting, came
The steeds and chariots of flame.

3. So Daniel trained his mystic sight,
Delivered from the lion’s might;
And John, the Bridegroom’s friend, became
The herald of Messiah’s name.

4. Then grant that we like them be true,
Consumed in fast and prayer with you;
Our spirits strengthen with your grace.
And give us joy to see your face.

FRIDAYS OF LENT

On Fridays of Lent (Feb., 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26,), 5:30 pm. and Good Friday Afternoon, April 2, 2:15 p.m., the traditional STATIONS OF THE CROSS will be done with Organ Meditations.

Included in the organ meditations are works from the movie "The Passions of the Christ" by John Debney and works by J. S. Bach, Cesar Franck, and others. Presiders for the service will vary from week to week. The organist will be Tim Claubaugh. This service is open to all; you need not be Catholic to attend this very moving hour long service.

LENT

By Tim Claubaugh

During Lent we will be doing a few things differently than we usually do during Mass.

First you will notice that as you come into church, the Priest (and assisting deacon) will be kneeling in front of the altar, praying silently. We encourage everyone to pray silently before Mass. Also, there will be no Prelude music before Mass and no opening song during Lent.

When it is time for Mass to begin, the cantor will ask everyone to please stand, and we will begin by going right into the Gathering Rite. For the Penitential Rite, everyone will recite the "I confess to almighty God..." followed by the priests' absolution and the sung "Kyrie eleison" led by either the cantor or the deacon. During Lent, we will also be singing an Offertory song, except where there is a choir in which case the choir will sing a selection at the Offertory.

FUNERAL FOR MARY T. BRADFORD

Funeral Mass for Mary T. Bradford will be on Saturday, February 13 at 10:00 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Ron Abbott will be the organist; Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR JAMES LAURENCE ROE

Funeral Mass for James Laurence Roe will be on Friday, February 12 at 10:00 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

ALLELUIA! SING TO JESUS

TEXT: Revelation 5: 9; William C. Dix, 1837-1898
MUSIC: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811-1887
TUNE: HYFRYDOL
METER: 8 7 8 7 D

Episcopalian William Dix was born in Bristol, England in 1837, and like Charles Ives (1874-1954) was in the insurance business specializing in marine insurance; writing hymns was just a hobby for him. Other hymn text that Dix wrote include the famous Christmas Carol “What Child is This” and the Epiphany Carol “As With Gladness Men of Old.” Dix wrote “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus” as a Communion / Ascension hymn in 1866. It was first published in his collection “Altar Song verses on the Holy Eucharist” in 1868.

Rowland Prichard was born in Bala in Graienyn in 1811 and he wrote the tune “Hyfrydol” when he was 20 years old. The hymnal “Haleliwiah Drachefn” is where Prichard’s tune first appeared in 1855. Many English choir boys over the years have referred to Prichard’s tune as “Hydrofoil.”

Austin Lovelace, in his book, “Hymn Notes for Church Bulletins” writes that Dix, “… wrote this text as a new Communion hymn for the Church of England. However, the ‘communion’ stanza is usually omitted, making the text more generally useful for praise, adoration or Ascension.”



1. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
His the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph,
His the victory alone;
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
Thunder like a mighty flood;
Jesus out of every nation
Has redeemed us by his blood.

2. Alleluia! Not as orphans
Are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us,
Faith believes, nor questions how:
Though the cloud from sight received him,
When the forty days were o’er,
Shall our hearts forget his promise,
“I am with you evermore?”

3. Alleluia! Bread of Angels,
Here on earth our food, our stay!
Alleluia! Here the sinful
Flee to you from day to day:
Intercessor, friend of sinners,
Earth’s redeemer, plead for me,
Where the sons of all the sinless
Sweep across the crystal sea.

4. Alleluia! King eternal,
You the Lord of lords we own;
Alleluia! Born of Mary,
Earth your footstool, heav’n your throne:
You, within the veil, have entered,
Robed in flesh, our great high priest;
Here on earth both priest and victim
In the Eucharistic feast.

FUNERAL FOR MARY JEAN HIGGINS

Funeral Mass for Mary Jean Higgins will be on Friday, February 5 at 11:30 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 11:00; cantor in church by 10:45. Ron Abbott will be the organist; Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Jason Kahle (?) will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

MONTHLY UPDATES FOR FEBRUARY 2010

Be sure to check out the following monthly updates:"This Month in Music History" (on the AGO - Sandusky website)

"This Month in St. Mary's History"

"Monthly Video"

Also check out the weekly update "This Sunday's Music" as well as the new article below.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! LORD GOD ALMIGHTY

By Tim Claubaugh

TEXT: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826, alt.
MUSIC: John Bacchus Dykes, 1823-1876
TUNE: NICAEA
METER: 11 12 12 10

This hymn is a standard hymn of both Protestants and Catholics alike. Reginald Heber was an Anglican clergyman who wrote many hymns for his small parish near Birmingham, England. The first appearance of Heber’s hymn to the Holy Trinity came in 1826 (the year of his death in Calcutta, India) in “Selections of Psalms and Hymns for the Parish Church of Banbury.”

John Bacchus Dykes wrote the music to this hymn . Dykes was a child prodigy at the organ and was one of the men who established the University Musical Society at Cambridge. In 1849, he held the post of precentor at Durham Cathedral and it is while he was at the Cathedral that he wrote much of his music. He also received an honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Durham in 1849. While he and the Bishop of Durham did not get along very well, he found solace and comfort in setting hymns by Newman and others to music. Dykes died on January 22, 1876, in the asylum at Ticehurst in Sussex.


On the website Lectionary.org, Richard Niell Donovan writes the following history of this well known hymn:

“’Holy, Holy, Holy’ was written by Reginald Heber, an Anglican clergyman, nearly two centuries ago. He wrote hymns in an attempt to improve the singing in his little congregation at Hodnet, near Birmingham, England.

Most congregations in those days sang the Psalter–– but most sang it badly. To inject a bit of spirit in the hymn-singing, Heber introduced his congregation to some of the modern church music of his day, to include John Newton's ‘Amazing Grace.’ He also wrote dozens of hymns, the best-known being ‘Holy, Holy, Holy.’ He wrote it for Trinity Sunday, as evidenced by the words, ‘God in three persons, blessed Trinity,’ in the first and last verses.

The hymn tune was written by John Dykes. He called it Nicaea (also spelled Nicea) after the church council that established the doctrine of the Trinity.

When Rev. Heber was 40 years old, he reluctantly left his beloved England to begin service as Bishop of Calcutta, India. The scope of the job combined with the hot climate and primitive conditions, proved too much for Bishop Heber. He died at the age of 43 after serving only three years in India.

His music was Rev. Heber's true legacy. After his death, a hymnal was published that included all of his hymns. Even today, most hymnals include two or three of his hymns.

But it is this hymn, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy,’ that has blessed people all over the world. Translated into many languages and sung in many tongues, it was Rev. Heber's most enduring gift to the church.”


In his book, “Hymn Notes for Church Bulletins,” Austin Lovelace writes the following about the text of this hymn:

“In spite of a very limited rhyme scheme (the ‘ee’ vowel), irregular accent, and uneven numbers of syllables in the various lines, this hymn based on John’s vision of God enthroned in heavenly glory as found in Revelation 4 is a very popular hymn. The use of the angels’ song (Holy, Holy, Holy) is pure adoration of God in his ‘wholly-otherness.’ Although filled with apocalyptic language, the hymn combines a sense of mystery with God’s mercy, power, love and purity.”



1. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee:
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

2. Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
God everlasting through eternity.

3. Holy, Holy, Holy! Through the darkness hide thee,
Though the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

4. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy Name in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

PARISH CHOIR NOTICE

The Parish Choir will have rehearsal this Thursday. Men should be at rehearsal, ready to sing by 7:30. Women should come to rehearsal and be ready to sing by 8:00.

The Parish Choir will NOT sing this Sunday at the 9:30 Mass.

IN CHRIST THERE IS NO EAST OR WEST

TEXT: Galatians 3: 23; John Oxenham, 1852-1941
MUSIC: African American; adapt. by Harry T. Burleigh, 1866-1949
TUNE: MC KEE
METER: CM (common meter: 8 6 8 6)

On the website, lectionary.org, Richard Niell Donovan writes,

“In 1889, Rudyard Kipling published his poem, 'The Ballad of East and West,' which begins, 'Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.'

Those lines sound as if Kipling is saying that there is no hope that people from East and West can ever come together, but the opposite is true. The poem tells of Kamal, a man of India who steals an English Colonel's horse. The Colonel's son rides off in pursuit. The two men end up in a place where Kamal has a soldier behind every rock, but he respects the young Englishman's courage and spares his life. The young Englishman, in turn, passes up a chance to use a hidden pistol with which he could have killed Kamal. The poem ends as it began with these lines:

Oh, East is East, and West is West,
and never the twain shall meet,
Till Earth and Sky stand presently
at God's great Judgment Seat;

But there is neither East nor West,
Border, nor Breed, nor Birth,
When two strong men stand face to face,
though they come from the ends of the earth!


Kipling's poem celebrates the possibility of mutual respect between people who are very different from each other.

Nine years later after Kipling's poem was published, William Arthur Dunkerly (using the pen name John Oxenham) wrote this hymn, 'In Christ There Is No East or West.' The occasion was a great missionary exhibition sponsored by the London Missionary Society.

The hymn, which gets its inspiration from Kipling's poem, takes Kipling's idea a step farther. It reminds us that Christ brings all sorts of people together ‘in one great fellowship of love.’”


In his book “Hymn Notes for Church Bulletins,” Austin Lovelace writes about the text of hits hymn that it, “…is an example of a prophetic hymn – one that states the ideal to be achieved rather than the present situation. Unity and mission are combined, for the mark of a disciple is love for every person and the willingness to serve all humankind.”



1. In Christ there is no east or west,
In him no south or north,
But one great family bound by love
Throughout the whole wide earth.

2. In him shall true hearts everywhere
There high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
Close binding human kind.

3. Join hands disciples in the faith,
Whate’er your race may be!
Who serve each other in Christ’s love
Are surely kin to me.

4. In Christ now meet both east and west,
In him meet south and north,
All Christly souls are one in him,
Throughout the whole wide earth.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR TO SING SUNDAY

The St. Mary's Children's Choir, under the direction of Mr. Mike Schmenk, will be singing at the 9:30 Mass this Sunday in place of the Parish Choir.

The Children's Choir will sing a selection at the Prelude and Offertory.

FUNERAL FOR HELEN MARIE STEINHAUSER

Funeral Mass for Helen Steinhauser will be on Monday, January 18 at 1o:00 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Rosemary Manner will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR BRAD HOMEGARDNER

Funeral Mass for Brad Homegardner will be on Saturday, January 16 at 1:00 p.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 12:45. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

FUNERAL FOR MONICA M. AMBURN

Funeral Mass for Monica M. Amburn will be on Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Ron Blake will be the cantor; Fr. Dave Nuss will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

MITCHELS MEMORIAL MASS TIME CHANGED

The time for the Memorial Mass for Robert B Mitchel and Jane Lay Mitchel for this Saturday, January 9 has been changed to 11:00. Choir members are asked to be in their seats by 10:30.

For the complete article, click here.

MONTHLY UPDATES FOR JANUARY 2010

Be sure to check out the following monthly updates:"This Month in Music History" (on the AGO - Sandusky website)

"This Month in St. Mary's History"

"Monthly Video"

Also check out the weekly update "This Sunday's Music" as well as the new article below.

JOY TO THE WORLD

By Tim Claubaugh

TEXT: Psalm 98; Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
MUSIC: arr. from George F. Handel, 1685-1759, in T. Hawkes’ Collection of Tunes, 1823.
TUNE: ANTICOH
METER: Irreg. 4 4 6 4 4 6 6 8

Isaac Watts had a way of “Christianizing” the Psalms. The hymn “Joy to the World” is an example of that since the text for this favorite Christmas Carol comes from the later part of Psalm 98. In the Church, Psalm 98 is THE Christmas Psalm since it is sung as the Responsorial Psalm for “Christmas: Mass During the Day.” This hymn is known as a Christmas Carol, but can actually be sung throughout the year especially whenever the topic or theme of “Kingdom” comes up in the readings.


On the Website, Lectionary.org, Richard Niell Donovan writes of this hymn:

“Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was born to Dissenting parents (people who refused to accept the authority and practices of the Church of England). As a boy, he sang hymns outside prison walls to encourage his father, who had been arrested for his non-conformist beliefs.

Isaac showed promise as a poet at a very young age. As he grew, he became increasingly unhappy with the hymns that he sang in church each week. In those days, hymns were psalms set to music. Watts saw that the hymns thus reflected little or nothing of the New Testament, and set out to remedy that error. His hymns –– at least his earlier hymns –– reinterpreted the psalms in the light of the Christian faith. In 1719, he published a book of hymns entitled, The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament.

One of those hymns was ‘Joy to the World,’ based loosely on Psalm 98, which says, ‘Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises’ (Psalm 98:4). That psalm looks forward to the day when the Lord will come to judge the world in righteousness. In this hymn, Watts reinterpreted the psalm to rejoice in the coming of the Christ as our Lord and savior.

This hymn was sung to various tunes for many years. Then in 1839, Lowell Mason, a banker who happened to be quite interested in church music, published the tune that we now associate with ‘Joy to the World.’ Mason borrowed liberally from classical music, and acknowledged his debt to Handel's ‘Messiah’ for parts of this hymn tune.

Watts wrote some 600 hymns altogether, and is considered to be the father of Christian hymnody. His hymns include such favorites as ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’ and ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past.’ But the favorite of favorites is ‘Joy to the World.’”


1. Joy to the World!
The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart
Prepare him room
And heav’n and nature sing
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing.


2. Joy to the World!
The savior reigns;
Let us, our songs employ;
While fields and floods,
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.


3. No more let sin
And sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.


4. He rules the world
With truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of
His righteousness,
And wonders of his love,
And wonders of his love,
And wonders, wonders of his love.

FUNERAL FOR ANNA MARY ZLASNEY

Funeral Mass for Anna Mary Zlasney will be on Wednesday, January 6 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:30. Carol Icsman will be the cantor; Fr. Phil Feltman will preside.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.