Tuesday, April 28, 2009

THE BLUE MASS

By Tim Claubaugh

The "Blue Mass," to honor the work of all public safety personnel, will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2009 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 6 years. Come and be part of the tradition for 2009! !

Monday, April 27, 2009

SPRING CONCERT COMING SOON

St. Mary's 27th annual Spring Concert will be on SATURDAY, May 16 at 7:30 (this is different from the Sunday of previous years).

This year the concert will be dedicated to our pastor, Fr. Phil Feltman who will be retiring after 18 years of leadership and service to God here at St. Mary's.

Four choir anthems will also be done in memory of long time organist and Music Director Paul V. Becker who passed away last August. Paul was Organist and Music Director at St. Mary's from 1955-1980.

The concert will feature the Firelands String Quartet, Contemporary Choir, Parish Choir and flute soloist, Jennifer Kustec.

Please join us for this evening of enjoyable music. This concert is free and open to the public. We urge you to attend and bring your family and friends.

SEASONAL HYMN: EASTER

By Tim Claubaugh

As in the other 3 major seasons of the liturgical year (Advent, Christmas, and Lent), the Easter Season provides us with an array of wonderful hymns. During the Easter season, the hymns are about Christ’s resurrection! Probably THE ONE Easter hymn that is sung in all churches in the United States (Catholic and Protestant alike) during the Easter Season is the hymn “Jesus Christ is Risen Today.” This rousing hymn of Christ’s resurrection was written in the 14 Century (“Surrexit Christus hodie”) with verse 2 & 3 added around 1750 (when the “Alleluias” were added) (found in “The Compleat Psalmodist”) and verse 4 written by Charles Wesely (1707-1788).

The hymn tune, EASTER HYMN, was written in 1708 and is in 77 77 meter.

As one can see, this has been a very treasured Easter hymn for well over 300 years!

St. Mary's sang this hymn as the closing hymn on Easter Sunday. We will sing this hymn again on May 3 (Offertory) and May 17 (Opening Hymn).

The verses:

1. Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

2. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heav’nly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

3. But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky he’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

4. Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!
Praise him, now his might confess, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Spirit blest. Alleluia!

ORGAN & BRASS CONCERT WRAP UP

There were about 100 people that attended the Organ & Brass Concert with Organist Tim Claubaugh and the Terra Brass Choir. The Terra Brass Choir consists of 4 Trumpets, 2 French Horns, 2 Trombones, and 2 Tubas all under the direction of Jeff Blanchard.

Below is the program that was performed:

Performed from the balcony:
BRASS: "Toccata from "L Orfeo" - Monteverdi / arr. Leavitt
ORGAN & BRASS: "Praise the Lord With Drums & Cymbals" - Karg-Elert/arr. Brantigan BRASS: "Ave Maria" - Schbuert / arr. Gale

Performed down front:
ORGAN: "Legende" - Louis Vierne
ORGAN & BRASS: "Voluntary in D" - Stanley / arr. Leavitt
ORGAN: "Hornpipe" (From "Water Music") - G. F. Handel
BRASS: "Fugue on the Magnificat" - Pachelbel / arr. Dishinger
ORGAN & BRASS: "In Dulci Jubilo" - Praetorius / arr. King
ORGAN: "Fantasy Prelude on an Easter Hymn" - Gilbert Martin
ORGAN & BRASS: "My Spirit Be Joyful" (from Cantata No. 146) - J. S. Bach
ORGAN: "Tuba Tune in D Major" - C. S. Lang
ORGAN & BRASS: "Maestoso" (From "Symphony No. 3") - Saint-Sanes/arr. Gardner




A special thank you to our photographer, Craig Rudolph! !
Click on the picture to see it in a larger format.

The church before the concert began.


The first three pieces on the program were played from the balcony

First Row: Thomas Hetzel, Stephanie Lehr, Jackie Macko
Second Row: Rosemary Titkemeier, Travis Magoto
Third Row: Duane Waite, John Waite, Steve Shimer, Barry Cover










Terra Brass Choir Director, Jeff Blanchard, talking to the audience.







The final bows.



Monday, April 20, 2009

ORGAN & BRASS CONCERT THIS SUNDAY! !

An "Organ & Brass Concert" will be held at St. Mary's THIS Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. The brass are the "Terra Brass" from Terra Community College with St. Mary's Organist, Tim Claubaugh. This concert is FREE and open to the public. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend this exciting concert! ! !

COPLAND AT 9:30 MASS THIS SUNDAY

The Parish Choir will be singing one of the four motets by Aaron Copland this Sunday (April 26) at the 9:30 Mass. The motet, "Thou, O Jehovah, Abideth Forever" will be sung at the Offertory.

To read more about the "Four Motets" by Aaron Copland, go here.

REHEARSALS RESUME THIS WEEK FOR CHOIRS

The Contemporary Choir and the Parish Choir will resume their weekly rehearsals this week on Wednesdays at 7:00 (Contemporary Choir) and Thursdays at 7:30 (Parish Choir).

The choirs have a VERY busy spring ahead of them. They will be preparing for:
First Communion (May 3 - Cont. Choir)
Spring Concert (May 16 - both choirs)
Confirmation (May 23 - Cont. Choir)
Deacon Kishore Kottana's First Mass (May 31-both choirs)
Fr. Chas Singler's 25th Anniversary Mass (June 7 - Parish Choir)
Deacon Jason Kahle's Mass of Thanksgiving (June 13 - both choirs)
Wedding:Kris Proy / Kent Thornell (June 26 - Parish Choir)
Fr. Phil Feltman's final weekend (June 28 - both choirs)

CYCLE B: THE YEAR OF THE GOSPEL OF MARK: THE MIRACLE STORIES

By John R. Donahue, S.J., "Mark," Harper's Bible Commentary [Harper & Row, Publishers, San Francisco], pg. 987

Miracle stories occupy roughly a third of the gospel (more than the passion narrative). Mark describes the miracles of Jesus as "mighty works," not "signs" that authenticate the ministry of Jesus. From our perspective they are better called "symbols" of the power of God manifest in Jesus. This power is stronger than the forces of evil and illnes and respond to the needs of suffering people. They comprise four groups: healings, exorcisms, nature miracles and one resuscitation.

Mark also refers to them in summaries of Jesus' ministry. The different groups have similar formal characteristics which argue for oral retelling prior to Mark. Similar tales of extraordinary deeds of Old Testament prophets, Jewish rabbis, and Hellenistic heroes were common.

Mark incorporates these stories for a variety of reasons: to show Jesus as prophet mighty in word and deed, to exalt him above other claimants to divine power, and to evoke wonder and awe in God's power. By placing most of them prior to the first passion prediction (8:31-32) and the beginning of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, Mark subjects them to the narrative paradox of his gospel. Jesus the powerful one submits to God's will in becoming the powerless victim who is raised up by God. The resurrection is the ultimate work of power in Mark.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

CHOIRS HAVE WEEK OFF; BUT NOT SUNDAY

The Parish Choir and the Contemporary Choir do not have rehearsals this week (Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16). HOWEVER, both choirs WILL sing at their respective Masses on Sunday Morning (April 19). Be ready to warm up at your usual times Sunday morning.

WEBSITE WITH EXCELLENT MUSIC

The "Sound of Majesty" is a website that broadcasts a daily radio program of religious music. It is a very good program which you can listen to anytime during the day by going here then go to whatever date you want to listen to and click on the "Playlist" to get a list of what is being played, then click on "Listen" to actually listen to the program.

The program is mostly performances by very good choirs, soloists, instrumentalists from across the United States and all around the world as well as some spoken word. One could have this site playing while doing work on their computer.

This link is also in the sidebar.

FUNERAL FOR MARY D. HARTLIEB

Funeral mass for Mary D. Hartlieb on Saturday, April 18 at 8:15 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 8:00.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

CHILDREN'S CHOIR REHEARSALS TO BEGIN

St. Mary's Children's Choir will resume their rehearsals on Sunday, April 19 at 10:30 in the choir room. Rehearsals will last until 11:20. They are preparing for the Saturday, May 9, 4:00 Mass. If your child has not participated this year, and is interested in participating in the choir, contact the Children's Choir Director, Alice Weiss at 419-656-4499 or Music Director Tim Claubaugh at 625-7465, ext. 18.

To see the Children's Choir Calendar, click here.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

FUNERAL FOR KATHRYN H. BRENGARTNER

Funeral mass for Kathryn H. Brengartner on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:45.

For the Sandusky Register obituary link, click here.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

THE EASTER SEASON

By Tim Claubaugh

Alleluia! The Lord has risen! The Easter Season is upon us! This year, the great 50 Day Feast of the Easter Season begins with Easter Sunday, April 12 and ends on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.

Some of the major feast days that we have during this time are:
Sunday, April 19 - Divine Mercy Sunday (with Divine Mercy service which includes Exposition, singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction at 3:00)

Saturday, April 25 - St. Mark the Evangelist

Wednesday, May 13 - Our Lady of Lourdes (although this is not a major feast day, it is important to our parish since we are a Marian parish)

Thursday, May 14 - St. Matthias the Apostle (the apostle who was chosen by the other 11 apostles to replace Judas)

Sunday, May 24 - The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

There are also dates of historical importance to St. Mary's that you can see here.



So, liturgically and musically speaking, what can we expect?

First the environment will be spectacular! Jeff Elchert and his crew always do a tremendous job on reflecting the sights and smells of the season with all their skills of time and talent that they so graciously give.

More music!
1) The prelude, opening song and Gloria will all return!
2) There will be a Sprinkling Rite that will be used occasionally in place of the Penitential Rite.
3) After the priest or deacon proclaims the Gospel, he will chant, "The Gospel of the Lord," and we will all respond by singing the "Alleluia!" again.
4) During the General Intercessions (the petitions) we will sing the response, "Risen Lord, risen Lord, hear our prayer."
5) At the 9:30 Mass, the Parish Choir will sing the "Regina Caeli" as the Marian Anthem at the end of communion. Click here to see the article on "The Four Marian Anthems."
6) There will be the addition of more instruments (flute and brass) at certain Masses.
7) And of course there are all those wonderful Easter hymns that we will be singing over the next 50 days! !

Monday, April 6, 2009

MONTHLY VIDEOS

MARCH 2010:
This months video features again the English Boy Choir "Libera." This 5:22 long video is of the Libera Choir singing "Going Home" live at one of their many concerts that they give every year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2aLSat3h0w



FEBRUARY 2010:
This month's video is Fr. Edward Beck on ABC News Now interviewing Joe Simmons and Nancy Meyer. Meyer is a singer and actress and cantor at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Lincoln Center, New York City. Simmons is the “Principal Cantor” at St. John The Baptist Church in New York City and was the cantor at the recent Yankee Stadium Mass with Pope Benedict. Both Meyer and Simmons have recent CD’s out. This video is 6:51 in length.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpNEr1UKBGI




JANUARY 2010:
This months video features the English Boy Choir "Libera." This video contains highlights from the U. S. tour in 2008. It shows the boys being boys as well as showing their "angelic" side while performing. The video also shows short clips of some of their concerts including the Pre-Mass concert at Yankee Stadium when Pope Benedict was there. With their musical talent, Libera is a group of very gifted boys. The video is 6:31.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8UITvUW_VQ



DECEMBER 2009:
With Christmas coming upon us, a version of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" is in order. And who best to play this wonderful Christmas Carol than the famous Virgil Fox in concert, complete with audience participation! ! ! This video is 5:51 in length.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hwJubxie88&NR=1


NOVEMBER 2009:
This months' organ video clip is a “Funny.” However, you need to know a little bit about organ stops in order to understand the video clip. Most stops on organs have numbers on them such as 16’ 8’, 4’, 2’. What this tells the organist is that in an 8’ stop, the pipe that plays low C on the keyboard (or pedal) is 8’ in length with middle C being the same pitch as middle C on the piano (and all notes are played at the pitch that they are written). A 4’ stop means that the low C pipe is 4’ in length and all notes sound 1 octave higher than written. A 2’ stop means that the low C pipe is 2’ in length and all the notes sound 2 octaves higher than written.


The same is true if we go the opposite direction (lower). A 16’ stop means that the low C pipe is 16’ in length and all notes sound 1 octave LOWER than written. Almost all organs have 16’, 8’, 4’, and 2’ stops. Some organs have 32’ stops which means that the low C pipe is 32’ in length and the notes sound 2 octaves lower than written. These stops add a lot of “depth” to the music with those low sounds coming through. Our St. Mary’s organ has 3, 32’ stops, but they are all digital, not pipes.


A very few organs have 64’ stops (low C pipe is 64’ in length and the notes sound 3 octaves lower than written) such as the Organ at the Atlantic City, New Jersey Convention Hall that you heard a couple of months ago. With these stops, the human ear can no longer detect the pitch, but you “Feel” the sound waves as it resonates through your body. Quite an experience! ! The St. Mary's organ can produce a 64’ stop, but again it is through digital technology, not organ pipes.


Now for this months' video: In this video, the organist supposedly has at their disposal a 128’ stop (complete with a “danger” sign) which he draws on and then the video shows you the consequence of drawing this stop on and how it effects an entire city! ! ! VERY funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wpn7xyzUqg&feature=related


OCTOBER 2009:
Two versions of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (probably the most popular organ piece ever written) played first by organist Kurt Ison at the Sidney (Australia) Town Hall on a HUGE 5 manual monster!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FXoyr_FyFw&feature=related


The second (just the Toccata) is played on the organ at the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. This is another HUGE 5 manual monster!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSjYAcUomds&feature=related



SEPTEMBER 2009:
LIBERA (5:30):The group is comprised of about 15 boys from all over London, England. Their ages are six to sixteen. They toured the US back when Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass at Yankee Stadium (April 2008). They are an amazing choir with rich, pure, and yet haunting voices.Check this link out the link:
http://www.libera.org.uk/video/wvx/newdawnepk_b.wvx

Another church musician made the following observation,“It really angers me that in our American culture we place so much emphasis on sports and by their audacity of questioning their masculinity, heap ridicule on innocent children when they sing to their hearts’ desire, sometimes destroying that innocence forever….for what gain? State championships, all-league, all-state honors are really only temporary and fleeting. And THAT is supposed to teach our young people about life?

These kids raise the beauty of the human voice to the highest level of musical art. I have been blessed to hear the Moscow Boys Choir, the Vienna Boys Choir, the Texas Boys Choir, the Pittsburgh Children’s Choir and now Libera (although not in person, yet!).

Through these childrens’ voices, they have soared and touched the wings of angels and have shared their God given talents for the nurturing of our spirits and the edification of our souls. In their simplicity, by sharing their art, they….have allowed us… a glimpse of the Sacred Artist…..”



AUGUST 2009:
THE WEATHER CHANTED (2:57)
How would you like the weather to be chanted like this every night on the evening news?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z2jwDcb9wI


JULY 2009:
With Independence Day being this month, we have another Virgil Fox video of Fox playing the "National Anthem" and parts of it he plays only with his feet! !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ocgQ-00deI


JUNE 2009:
This months' organ clips are from the famous Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah. This building is considered by many to be the most acoustically perfect building in the world. It recently underwent a massive multi-million dollar renovation. This huge pipe organ has grown in size over the years. The last additions were done in the 1950’s.

The Renovation of the LDS (Mormon) Salt Lake Tabernacle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akgRN6ITYyw&feature=related

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Celebrates Re-opening of Tabernaclehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-AlNVGzdr4&feature=related


MAY 2009:
This month's organ video clip is again on the largest pipe organ in the world at the Atlantic City, New Jersey Convention / Auditorium also known as the “Boardwalk Hall.” The organ is a 449 Rank Midmer-losh, Op. 5550 with 2 consoles. The first console has 5 manuals (keyboards) and the second console has 7 manuals. In comparison, St. Mary’s organ has only 11 ranks of pipes.

The Auditorium Organ video, click here.

Boardwalk Hall Midmer Losh Atlantic City video, click here.



APRIL 2009:
This month's video will introduce you to the largest pipe organ in the world at the Atlantic City, New Jersey Convention / Auditorium also known as the “Boardwalk Hall.” The first video (2 minutes, 5 seconds) is a little intro to the hall itself: it’s history and the $90 million renovation / restoration project that it has undergone. The second video (1 minute, 54 seconds long) is a summary of this massive instrument which is currently under a multi-million dollar restoration project. It is a 449 Rank Midmer-losh, Op. 5550 with 2 consoles. The first console has 5 manuals (keyboards) and the second console has 7 manuals. Next month's video will go into a little more detail about the organ itself.

Boardwalk Hall - Atlantic City Tour
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y7PNUeQmx0&NR=1

The Senator's Masterpiece (trailer)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHJ-ral_IVM&feature=related



MARCH 2009:
Famous Organist Virgil Fox playing “Perpetual Motion” by Middelschulte (a "pedals only" piece)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbGCriVk9UM&feature=related

Monday, March 30, 2009

MUSIC FOR YOUR WEDDING

If you are planning on getting married at St. Mary’s Church, you should contact our organist, Tim Claubaugh (at 419-625-7465, ext. 18, or email music@stmarysandusky.org ) 6 months before your wedding. He will help you with planning the music for your wedding. If you are thinking of having another musicians other than Mr. Claubaugh play your wedding, you still need to contact Mr. Claubaugh to discuss this with him since whoever plays your wedding needs to have a knowledge and sense of the liturgy that they are playing and have experience at playing for Catholic liturgies. If Mr. Claubaugh clears another person to play your wedding, all the music for your wedding will need to be cleared by him as well.

If you would like to have a vocal soloist or other additional musicians such as a trumpet, flute, violin, etc., talk to Mr. Claubaugh and he can make those arrangements for you.

Keep in mind that your wedding at St. Mary’s Church is a religious sacrament and therefore the music at the wedding should reflect that as well as help your gathered guests to pray. The Diocese of Toledo has put out a document called, “Wedding Music Guidelines.” Here at St. Mary’s, we follow these diocesan guidelines.


The following comes from the Toledo Diocese “Wedding Music Guidelines”

“Principles of Planning The Ceremony:
Since the wedding liturgy is a celebration of a sacrament, the music must reflect that sacramental nature. The same general principles of planning worship and deciding on music are employed as at other liturgies.

The music should be chosen with the utmost care and consideration for the sacredness of the liturgy. It needs to be expressive of Christian faith and values. Music which only celebrates the human secular values of love is not appropriate in church. The assembly (your guests) gathered for the wedding should be drawn into active participation in this sacred ritual through prayer and song in order to share fully in the sacramental encounter with Christ the Lord.

Sometimes the only music familiar to the couple consists of songs heard at other weddings; such music may not necessarily be suited to the celebration of the sacrament. Certainly, secular love songs have no place in a sacramental celebration. Sung texts should reflect not only the love of a man and a woman but also the love of God for the couple and for all people. The pastoral musician will make every effort to offer a wide range of possibilities to the couple, particularly in the choice of music to be sung by the assembly.

As with Sunday Worship, planning for a wedding liturgy should begin with reflection on the Scripture readings to be used for the occasion. This done, the parish musician can help the couple select music to enhance the meaning of the chosen scriptures and the entire celebration.

Particular decisions about choice and placement of wedding music should grow out of the three judgments proposed in "Music In Catholic Worship," and explained further in "Liturgical Music Today."

Liturgical Judgments:
• Is the music’s text, form, placement and style congruent with the nature of the
liturgy?
• What parts are preferred for singing and who sings them?

Musical Judgments:
• Is the music technically, aesthetically, and expressively good, irrespective of musical style?
• Is the composition of good quality, and will it also sound good with the resources available?
• Do not confuse good and bad music with one style against another. Many good
pieces of music exist in chant, polyphony, choral hymns, responsorial songs and
contemporary compositions.

Pastoral Judgments:
• Will the words and music help this assembly to pray?
• Will your choice of music have the same feeling of prayerfulness within the assembly as you have originally intended.?”



The entire “Wedding Music Guidelines can be viewed in a pdf file here.

Music has its appropriate places in our lives. We wouldn’t have a pop song such as Brian McKnight’s “Back at One” sung at a church wedding no more than we would have a religious song such as the “Ave Maria” sung at a wedding reception.

Sometimes couples will come to their wedding music planning session wanting to have the “Bridal March” (also known as “Here Comes the Bride”) (from the opera “Lohengrin”) by Richard Wagner as part of the processional and the “Wedding March” (from “Midsummer Night’s Dream”) by Felix Mendelssohn as the recessional. Both of these were big pieces during the “pop culture” of their day with the Wagner piece coming from one of his operas and the Mendelssohn coming from a play. The opera and play that these pieces come from are very racy, and have themes of fraud, deception, and corruption in them as well. For these reasons, many churches, including St. Mary’s, do not allow these pieces as part of the wedding music. These two pieces do not have anything to do with weddings in the opera and the play. Neither of these pieces were used for weddings until recently (in the 1940’s) when these pieces were made popular for weddings by Hollywood in their movies. Your organist has plenty of other possibilities to show you from which you may choose.

When you meet with Mr. Claubaugh there is no need to come prepared with a list of music. It is actually better if you come to the meeting completely unprepared. If you have any questions between now and the day of your wedding, feel free to contact him at the above number or email address.

You can view the parish web page on “The Sacrament of Holy Matrimonyhere.

Also look at this Diocese of Toledo web page for more wedding information.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

LITURGICAL / MUSICAL QUESTION

A gentleman asked a very good question concerning the use of Gregorian chant. You can view his question and the answer to his question in the "Liturgical or Musical Questions" article here.

Monday, March 23, 2009

THE FOUR COPLAND MOTETS

By Tim Claubaugh

Throughout the year, the St. Mary's Parish Choir will be performing the "Four Motets" by the famous American Composer, Aaron Copland. The title of the Motets are: 1) "Help Us, O Lord;" 2) "Thou, O Jehovah, Abideth Forever;" 3) "Have Mercy on Us, O My Lord;" and 4) "Sing Ye Praises To Our King."

These four "gems" were written by Copland in 1921 while he was studying with the famous composition professor Nadia Boulanger in Paris.

Two of the four motets are "Penitential" and therefore are very well suited for Lent (I. "Help Us, O Lord" and III. "Have Mercy on Us, O My Lord"). Of the set, these two are the most "haunting" in their sound as well as very profound.

The other 2 motets (II. "Thou, O Jehovah, Abideth Forever" and IV. "Sing Ye Praises to Our King") are more joyous and motets of praise which can be done anytime during the year.

Besides being sung at various 9:30 Masses throughout the year, all four of these motets will be performed at the 27th annual Spring Concert on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAYS OF LENT

On Fridays of Lent (Feb., 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3), 5:30 pm. and Good Friday Afternoon, April 10, 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.

SEASONAL HYMN: LENT

By Tim Claubaugh

There are MANY excellent hymns that are sung during the Lent season. "What Wondrous Love is This" was sung at all the Masses this past weekend (March 21 & 22). This beautiful hymn has been around for a long time. The text was written by Alexander Means (1801-1853) and is written in 12 9 12 12 9 meter. The tune (WONDROUS LOVE) comes from the 1835 edition of "Southern Harmony" and has been part of the great American Hymnody for well over 100 years.

The Verses:

1. What wondrous love is this, o my soul, o my soul?What wondrous love is this, o my soul?What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of blissTo bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul;To bear the dreadful curse for my soul?

2. To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;To God and to the Lamb I will sing;To God and to the Lamb who is the great I Am,While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;While millions join the theme, I will sing.

3. And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on;And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on;And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be,And through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on!And through eternity, I'll sing on.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

THIS MONTH IN ST. MARY'S HISTORY

THIS MONTH IN THE HISTORY OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH
1855 - 2010: 155 years of rich tradition and history

JULY

?? - Rev. James J. Hamene left St. Mary’s as it’s 2nd pastor in 1861.

?? - Rev. S. John Hackspiel became the 3rd pastor of St. Mary’s in 1861.

?? - Rev. Andrew Herbstritt left St. Mary’s as it’s 9th pastor in 1868.

?? - Rev. Victor Hausner became the 10th pastor of St. Mary’s in 1868.

01 - Rev. Philip S. Feltman became the 21st pastor of St. Mary’s in 1991. Second longest serving pastor (18 years)

01 - Rev. David Nuss became the 22nd pastor of St. Mary’s in 2009.

20 - Feast Day of St. Liberata (Virgin & Martyr), +c. 140, whose relics are in the Cross Reliquary in St. Mary’s Altar.


If you know of any other historic dates of our Parish, please contact the editor at music@stmarysandusky.org .

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

FUNERAL FOR KENNETH HARKNESS

Funeral Mass for Kenneth Harkness on Saturday, March 21 at 10:00. Choir members are asked to be in church by 9:45.

Click here for the Sandusky Register link.

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.

THE FOUR MARIAN ANTHEMS

By Tim Claubaugh

This season, the Parish Choir has taken up the practice of singing one of the four Marian Anthems at the Sunday 9:30 Masses. This custom is retained in many churches and cathedrals, especially in a church or cathedral where the name of that house of worship is named after our Blessed Virgin Mary.

The "seasonal anthem" is sung on Sundays and Marian feasts throughout the year towards the end of Mass. At St. Mary's we have been singing it as a Communion Meditation piece. These are 4 Gregorian Chants that have been a rich part of our Catholic heritage for well over a thousand years.

The four Marian Anthems are as follows:

“Alma Redemptoris Mater” (Advent – Presentation of the Lord)
Alma Redemptoris Mater,quae pervia caeli Porta manes,et stella maris, succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat, populo:Tu quae genuisti, Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem,Virgo prius ac posterius,Gabrielis ab orceSumens illud Ave, peccatorum Miserere.

Loving mother of the Redeemer,Gate of heaven, star of the sea,Assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise againTo the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,Yet remained a virgin after as before.You who received Gabreil’s joyful greeting,Have pity on us poor sinners.
-Translation from “Liturgy of the Hour"

“Ave Regina Caelorum” (Candlemas – Wednesday of Holy Week)
Ave Regina caelorum, Ave Domina AngelorumSalve radix, salve porta,Ex qua mundo lux est orta:Gaude Virgo gloriosa, Super omnes speciosa:Vale o valde decora,Et pro nobis Chirstum exora.

Hail, Queen of the Heavens, Hail, Ruler of AngelsHail Root, Hail GateFrom whom the Light is rising on the world.Rejoice, O glorious Virgin, of all mankind, the fairest:Thou art worthy, O Lady of exceeding beauty,Pray to Christ for us. - Translation by Dr. Rudolph Masciantonio

“Regina Caeli” (Easter Sunday – Pentecost Sunday)Regina caeli laetare, Alleluia:Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia:Resurrexit, sicut dixit, Alleluia:Ora Pro nobis Deum, Alleluia.

Queen of heaven, rejoice! Alleluia!For he whom you did merit to bear. Alleluia!Has risen, as he said. Alleluia!Pray for us to God. Alleluia!
- Translation from the “Liturgy of the Hours”

“Salve Regina” (Day after Pentecost – Christ the King)
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;Vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve,Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae.Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentesIn hac lacrimarum valle.Eia ergo, advocata nostra,Illos tuos misericordes oculosAd nos converte.Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tuiNobis post hoc exsilium ostende.O Clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,Our life, our sweetness, and our hope.To you do we cry,Poor banished children of Eve.To you do we send up our sighsMourning and weeping in this vale of tears.Turn then, most gracious advocate,Your eyes of mercy toward us,And after this exileshow us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.O Clement, o loving, o sweet Virgin Mary.
-Translation from the “Liturgy of the Hours”


Click here for a printable version of this article.

ABOUT HEATHER GERBER

Heather Gerber has been a member of St. Mary’s Parish since December 1995. As Contemporary Choir Director, her responsibilities include selecting music, conducting weekly choir rehearsals and directing the choir during 11:30 a.m. Sunday liturgies. She also accompanies and cantors at other weekend and daily Masses.

Heather is also very excited to be the music director for Sandusky LifeTeen. Check out www.sanduskylifeteen.org for a calendar of events!
Heather and her husband, John, have been married since July, 1998. They have a “very spoiled” Maltese named Sophie. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching piano and guitar.
You can email Heather at hgerber@stmarysandusky.org or contact her by calling 419-370-8241.

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR CALENDAR

Contemporary Choir
Heather Gerber, Director
419-370-8241


Information currently not available.


For more information on the Contemporary Choir, click here.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

CHILDREN'S CHOIR CALENDAR

St. Mary’s Children’s Choir
Grades K-6
Arlene Strohl, Director
(419-)

REHEARSALS: (Thursdays, 4:00-4:45):
March: 3, 10, 17, 25, 31 (13 is Mass)
April: 7, 14, 21, 28 (10 is Mass)
May: 5, 12, 19 (8 is Mass)


MASSES TO SING (11:30 Mass):
March: 13
April: 10
May: 8


* Rehearsals are Thursday afternoons, 4:00-4:45 in the choir room.

To see biographical information about Arlene Strohl, go here.

PARISH CHOIR CALENDAR

St. Mary's Parish Choir
Timothy L. Claubaugh, Sr., Director
Phone: 625-7465, ext. 18
Email: music@stmarysandusky.org


ST. MARY'S PARISH CHOIR
2010-2011 CALENDAR

Please Note: 1. All dates are Thursday or Sunday unless otherwise noted.

2. Rehearsals are every Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. unless otherwise
noted.

3. The choir sings every Sunday morning with warm-up at 9:00 in the
choir room unless otherwise noted.

2010
DATE
- TIME - EVENT
09/9 7:30 PM First Choir Rehearsal for the 2010 - 2011 Season.

10/03 9:00 AM Warm-up in Choir Room for choir's first Sunday Mass.

10/14 NO CHOIR REHEARSAL

10/17 CHOIR WILL NOT SING AT MASS

Sat., 10/30 6:00 PM Fall Party at Stefanie and Jeff Rowland’s house.

Sat 11/7 TURN CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR WHEN GOING TO BED TONIGHT!!

11/21 Blessing of all parish musicians at the 9:30 & 11:30 Masses. The beginning of National Pastoral Musicians Week.

Tue 11/24 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

11/26 7:45 AM Choir warm-up for 8:15 Thanksgiving Day Mass.
NO REHEARSAL IN THE EVENING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12/23 7:30 PM Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Midnight Mass.
PLEASE BE ON TIME ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Fri. 12/24 10:45 PM Warm-up in choir room for Midnight Mass.
PLEASE BE ON TIME

Thur. 12/30 N O R E H E A R S A L ! ! ! ! ! ! !


2011
DATE - TIME - EVENT

Fri. 1/7 6:30 Christmas Party at the Guendelsberger’s.

Sat 3/12 TURN CLOCKS AHEAD WHEN GOING TO BED TONIGHT ! ! ! ! ! ! !

3/17 Rehearse with Zion Lutheran Choir AT ST. MARY’S.
St. Patrick's Day Party after rehearsal ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

4/7 7:00 PM Rehearse AT ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH.

Tue. 4/19 7:30 PM Dress rehearsal for Holy Week. PLEASE BE ON TIME ! !

Thur. 4/21 5:30 Warm-up for Holy Thurs. 6:00 Mass.

Sat 4/23 8:00 PM Warm-up for Easter Vigil Mass in the Choir Room.

Sun. 4/24 9:00 AM Warm-up for Easter Morning Mass in Choir Room

Thur 5/12 7:00 PM Rehearsal AT ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sun, 5/15 T.B.A. Perform at Zion Lutheran Church for their morning services.

Tue. 5/17 7:30 PM Spring Concert Rehearsal (just St. Mary’s Choir)

Wed., 5/18 7:30 PM Heidelberg Concert Choir to perform. We will supply their
Overnight housing.

5/19 7:30 PM Final rehearsal for the 29TH Spring Concert.
With Zion Lutheran Choir
PLEASE BE ON TIME ! ! ! ! ! !

5/22 6:30 PM Warm-up for 29TH Spring Concert.
PLEASE BE ON TIME ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

6/12 P.C. Last Sunday to sing at 9:30 Mass.

Thur., 6/16 5:30 PM Music Ministries Evening Prayer & Banquet.


9/08 7:30 PM First Choir Rehearsal for the 2009-2010 Season ! ! ! ! ! ! !



For more information on the Parish Choir, go here.
For biographical information on Tim Claubaugh, go here

Saturday, March 14, 2009

THIS SUNDAY'S MUSIC

THIS PAGE IS TEMPORARILY DOWN

Subject to change without notice.

MUSIC SCHEDULE

LENT: 
February 22 (ASH WEDNESDAY)  
     8:15    Tim / School Mass
     6:00    Tim / Phil

 Feb. 25 & 26 (L1)
    4:00    Heather / Bob
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Bob / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Julie / C.C.
     5:00    Br. Terry

 March 3 & 4 (L2)
     4:00    Tim / Carol
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Julie / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Marie / C.C.
     5:00    Andrew* / Phil

 March 10 & 11 (L3)
     4:00    Tim / Glen
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Carol / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Arlene / Heather  M /
                                                C. C. / Child Ch.
    5:00    Alice / Steven

 March 17 & 18 (L4)
     4:00    Tim / Bob*
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Glenda / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Glen / C.C.
     5:00    Marlene / Kris

 March 24 & 25 (L5)
     4:00    Tim / Randy
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Rosemary / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Randy /  C.C.
     5:00    Amy

 March 31 & April 1 (Passion/Palm Sunday)
     4:00    Tim / Rosemary
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Phil / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Julie /  C.C.
     5:00    Andrew* / Phil


__________________________



Thur., April 5 (HOLY THURSDAY)
     6:00     Tim / Heather / Marie / C.C.


Fri., April 6 (GOOD FRIDAY)
     12:30    Tim / Glen / P.C.
       2:15    Tim
       7:00    Life Teen “Living Stations” @ Holy Angels

Sat., April 7 (EASTER VIGIL),
       8:30    Tim / Glenda, Ron, Julie, Phil / P.C.


April 8 (EASTER SUNDAY)
     7:30    Tim / Rosemary
     9:30    Tim / Randy / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Heather M. /  C.C.
     5:00    Br. Terry

      _____________________________________


April 14 & 15 (E2)
     4:00    Tim / Glen
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Ron / P.C.
    11:30    Tim / Heather / Steven / C.C.
     3:00    (Divine Mercy – at H.A. this year)
     5:00    Br. Terry

April 21 & 22 (E3) 
     4:00    Tim / Ron
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Glen / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Arlene / Marie  / C.C. / Child Choir                                                         
     2:00    Tim / Gary G. (?) (Blue Mass)
     5:00    Alice / Rosemary

April 28 & 29 (E4)
     4:00    Tim / Julie
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Randy /  P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Glen / C. C.
    5:00     Marlene / Ron

May 5 & 6 (E5) (1st Com weekend)
     4:00    ??? / Ron 
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Glenda  / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Marie / C.C.
     5:00    Andrew* / Phil
May  12 & 13 (E6) (Mother’s Day)
     4:00    Tim / Bob*
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Julie / P.C.
  11:30    Tim / Heather / Arlene / Randy  / C.C. / Child Choir
     5:00     Amy
May 19 & 20 (ASCENSION)
    4:00     Tim / Glen
    7:30     Tim
     9:30    Tim / Carol / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Julie
     3:00    Tim / Heather / Heather M. / C.C. (Confirmation)
     5:00    Alice / Kris
May 26 & 27 (PENTECOST)
     4:00    Tim / Randy
     7:30    Tim
     9:30    Tim / Clara / P.C.
   11:30    Tim / Heather / Marie / C.C.
Wed., June 6 (8th Grade Graduation)
     7:00     ? ? ? / ? ? ?

 June 2 & 3 (TRINITY)
    4:00     Tim /  Rosemary
     7:30     Tim
     9:30     Tim / Phil / P.C.
   11:30     Tim / Heather / Steven / C.C.
     1:30     @ Sts Peter & Paul (Bacc.)


June 9 & 10 (CORPUS CHRISTI)
     4:00     Tim / Julie       
     7:30     Tim
     9:30     Tim / Clara
   11:30     Heather / Marie

June 16 & 17 (O11) (FATHERS DAY)                                                  
     4:00     Amy / Marie
     7:30     Alice / Rosemary
     9:30     Alice / Randy
   11:30     Heather / Heather M.


June 23 & 24 (Nat of John Bap)
     4:00     Tim / Carol
     7:30     Tim
     9:30     Tim / Ron
    11:30    Heather / Steven


June 30 & July 1 (O13) 
     4:00     Tim / Ron
     7:30     Tim
     9:30     Tim / Glenda
   11:30     Heather / Julie




 
Cantors are responsible for getting their own replacement if they can not cantor an assigned Mass.
* First name is the Mass Accompanist, second name is the cantor. Third (initials) is the choir (when applicable).
** P.C. = Parish Choir
***C.C. = Contemporary Choir
 
Cantors: Bob Lazarony, Carol Icsman, Glenda Lindquist, Julie Castello, Kris Dinovo, Marie Grimm,  Phil Dinovo, Ron Blake, Rosemary Manner, Steven Balcerzak, Heather Mishlen, Glen Verhoff, Randy Ramhoff
 
Mass Accompanists: Alice Weiss, Amy Chamberlain, Bob Lazarony,  Glen Verhoff, Heather Gerber, Marlene Longer, Tim Claubaugh, Andrew Morfier, Br. Terry Nuefer.
 
Directors: Tim Claubaugh, Parish Choir
Heather Gerber, Contemporary Choir
Arlene Strohl, Children’s Choir
 
For more information about the choirs and cantor program, go here.