Happy Mother's Day

Well, its Mother's Day. I hope each of you spends time with your mother either present or departed. I still have my mom with me but I know quite a few who's moms have passed away. If you can't spend the day with your mother than pray for your mother and ask that she pray of you. (please pray with me...)

Heavenly Father, we ask that you guide and guard our mothers on their journey through this earth. Be their inspiration and example of patience and forgiveness. For our departed mothers, grant unto them eternal rest and Thy beatific vision. Love them and care for them till we meet again in Thy loving arms.

Most Holy Mother Mary, intercede for our mothers where ever they may be. Let your mantle cover them and be their impenetrable fortress against the foe. As you held your Son Jesus, also hold our departed mothers that they may join the angels and saints in praising God forever. Amen.

Happy Mother's Day

God Bess You and your Mother

Deo Gratia

Today, I was reminded of the love and care that God has for us all. It seems that when it rains, it pours, yet I have noticed that tests are often a result of our pride or vanity. We say, think, do, or believe that we are above all things and that we could never sink to the level of others; and by doing so, we are tested. Tested is not quite what some would like to hear; but, nonetheless tested we are. If we say we can handle anything, than brother, be prepared to see what comes your way. If we say, "I'm not like so and so, I would never...", be careful, never may come sooner than you think. If we judge others on our perfect (in our eyes) lives; than our lives may soon be changed drastically. Whatever that case, God hears us and sometimes He doesn't like what He hears.

I have been tested and continue to be. It is because of my sin of pride that I am brought to my knees. It is my own word that mocks God and therefore; He chastises me as a father does his son, because He wants me to mend my life and change my judgemental attitude towards my fellow man. God does bring down the rain (trials/tests) to humble us and remind us of our faults so that we may repent, ask for forgiveness, and be more compassionate towards all...regardless of who we think they are.

Today I was reminded that DOMINUS (the Lord) is in charge of all. Through our suffering and trials, He works His will and lovingly blesses us with what we need, not what we want. Deo gratia (thank God) for this day that Thou has given me and my family. Thank you Jesus Christus (Jesus Christ) for Thy compassion and love. Thank you Sancta Maria, Mater Dei (Holy Mary, Mother of God) for Thy prayers of intersession. Thank you St. Jude for your miraculous prayers to our Lord on our behalf. Thank you St. Michael for your intervention and protection in our spiritual war against the evil one. And thank everyone who prays for our intentions and those of all in need.

This was a beautiful day that our Omnipotens Deus (all powerful God) has given us. Though we are not worthy, His mercy endures forever. Deo gratia Dominum nostrum per misericordia tua. Amen. (Thank you God, our Lord for thy mercy. Amen.)

Practice, Polish, Perfect...

As Americans, we often see things from a different view point than the rest of the world. If a song is twenty years old, it is a classic; never mind whether twenty years ago it was popular or not, it is still considered a classic. A few years ago, I had the rare opportunity to tour Europe with a church choral group. It was eye opening. What to us is antique or classic, doesn't compare in the "old world". One of the major differences I saw, was the still standard hymn usage for the assembly and the choral masterpiece for meditative prayer. It was a comfort to hear people of all types sing hymns older that the United States with still as much life and meaning as when they were first written.

In the U.S. we tend to sing songs of praise because they are in fashion or because they are the favorite (usually because the musician can play it) of the music group that is "performing" at church. I have on many occasions heard musicians/choir directors ask each other, "what are we singing today?" (usually 5 minutes before Mass begins). And we wonder, why we don't feel anything as Mass with regards to the music. As a church musician, I believe that music for the Liturgy (Mass) should be the best that we can offer. It should require practice, polishing, perfection, but never "performance". If it is performances that motivate a musician, than the church is NOT the place to do it. Music should be a service and offering to the Almighty who gave us the gift of music to use for His glory.

That is why we should do all that we can to preserve the beauty of traditional music for the assembly to join in sung prayer. The hymns should reflect (tie in with) the readings of the day and invite the congregation to pray (sing) the psalmody. If a choral piece is used, it is intended to uplift the silent prayer (meditation) during a special time in the Liturgy such as after communion as people kneel (not sit) in reverence after receiving the Eucharist (true Body of Christ).

Next time you see your church musician, first of all thank them for serving in a music ministry; second, tell them which songs you enjoy singing with them; third, ask them to sing an old favorite hymn so that your children and you do not lose the beauty of the classic favorite hymn heritage of our church, and if that musician is you...practice, polish, perfect, and serve. May God Bless You. St. Cecilia, pray for us.

St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians.

Carry Our Cross

A friend of mine once told me that God gives us the cross that we must each carry...

When we can no longer bear the weight of the wood and stumble and fall, He is there to help us with our cross, usually in the form of a friend or relative who happens to come along at the right moment. How many times haven't we fallen? I know that no matter how many times I am tempted and fall, God has always forgiven me and called me to Him.

If you or I can help someone in spiritual need, we should rejoice in being given the opportunity to be God's messenger of hope. I encourage you to e-mail me your stories of how you have seen the face of God. Sometimes we feel alone and unwanted, yet He is always waiting for us to swallow our pride and call Him. Please pray for me and all others in need. If you can't pray, sing. He gave us our voice (whether we like it or not) it was meant to be lifted up in sung praise. I am reminded of the lyrics to an old hymn:

All creatures of our God and King

Lift up your voice and with us sing

Alleluia, Alleluia

O golden sun with golden gleam

And silver moon with softer sheen

O praise Him, O praise Him,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Novena to Saint Jude

St. Jude, Patron of Hopeless Causes

O Holy, Saint Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Saint Jude pray for us who invoke your aid. Amen.

Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This novena (nine day pray) has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised.

Corpus Christi Cathedral Music

If you enjoy music in a solemn church setting, where song meets prayer; you should consider traveling to Corpus Christi, Texas and visit the Corpus Christi Cathedral (on Lipan and Upper Broadway). The cathedral is a Spanish style church and houses the Kenedy Memorial Pipe Organ (a 90 plus rank instrument).

The Cathedral Music program is one of the best church music programs in the nation. It is home to the Pontifical Chorale an 80 member auditioned adult SATB choir. (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass - just in case you forgot from your choir days) The chorale is accompanied by members of the Corpus Christi Symphony and the grand pipe organ. The chorale sings on Sundays at the 9:30 am televised Mass. The Pontifical Chorale has been invited to the Vatican in Rome to sing for the Holy Father on several occasions and during his trips to the US. Singing at the 12:00 noon Mass is the 60 voiced Cathedral Youth Choir (SATB). The Schola Cantorum (men's Gregorian Chant ensemble) sings on Saturdays while the children's Cherub Choir sings once a month. The adult Hand Bell Choir rings at special liturgies and events.

All of this was started by Lee Gwoetz and Greg Labus, co-directors. Greg has continued his ministry as Rev. Labus with the neighboring Diocese of Brownsville. Lee is currently director of music and is a fantastic musician/organist who travels presenting workshops and seminars on liturgical music. The Cathedral is truly the gem of the city. Located on the bluff over looking the bay, it is a must see for all faithful. While there, get information on their Cathedral Concert Series which brings performing artists from around the world. Artists include the Bonn Orchestra from Germany, Vienna Boy's Choir from Austria, Westminster Boy's Choir from England, and many more (all performances are free). But above all, the best part of your visit to the cathedral is their warmth and hospitality. I often travel (the three hour trip) to Corpus Christi on Sundays just to sing and pray in the beautiful Cathedral by the sparkling sea. A place where you feel the true presence of God.

For information on CD recordings of the choirs, please contact the cathedral Office of Music Liturgy. The recordings are magnificent.

Amazing Grace

If words alone could lift the heart, then consider those uplifting phrases set to music. Since the creation of man, we have strived to give thanks, praise, honor, gratitude, glory, and love to our Lord. It seems that only through the silence of meditation; we may trully find His Word. Yet often we are swept away by a whisper of a song. The beating of our hearts pounds all the more loudly and our emotions soar as our spirits rise heavenward to embrace God...then trully it is His Amazing Grace that empowers us to seek and to find God through sung prayer. Sacred music is not words, nore notes, or even beautiful melodies. It is the union of mind, heart, spirit, and hope that helps us transend our daily existance and be brought out of darkness into the Holy Light. Therefore it is much more appropriate so say, "...I once was lost; but now am found, was blind; but now I see."