Archive

Our Events in 2004

Concert on Wednesday 6 October

Fifty people gathered to hear Ian White perform some of his music and talk about his faith at this specially arranged evening. Ian is a Christian singer with an international reputation and has made many recordings - and most of the music we were introduced to came from the album 'Pre revival days'. Ian's message focussed on God's healing love.

Workshop on Saturday 18 September

Fr Michael Hutson (Diocesan Director of Music for Argyll and the Isles) started the day by talking with us about how music can effect us, change us, and give expression to what is important in our lives. It is a tool in prayer, and in song an assembly is united in a special way.

During the day we looked at pieces of music suitable for use in parishes, including some psalm settings and a setting suitable for the final commendation and farewell at funerals.

In the early centuries of the church, music was for all the people to sing all the time, not for choirs to sing and others to listen. God gave us the voices we have, and nowhere in the Bible does it say that only those who 'can sing' have to sing!

The day ended with a celebration of Mass.

Galloway Music Festival Mass - Sunday 15 August

Our fifth open air Mass was held on the Solemnity of the Assumption. When we arrived at lunchtime we couldn't decide whether it was going to rain or not but eventually decided to set up outside . . . . However, all went well, and sunburn became more of an issue than getting wet.

We had a strong group of musicians including violins, recorder, trumpet, guitars, flute and bagpipes. There weren't as many people in the congregation as usual (perhaps because we were clashing with other events) but those that were there really enjoyed it. The Mass ended with a procession to the newly completed prayer garden at Smithstone House.

Many thanks to everyone who came along, and to Smithstone House for putting up with it all!

Music Ministry Day at St Teresa's - 22 May 2004

A workshop was held at St Teresa's hall, Dumfries. Although the programme was the same as in March, in reality the day was very different as there were different people present with new ideas and experiences to share. The morning session was led by Sister Dorothy McCaffrey SND (Religious Education Advisor - primary schools) on music for the combined celebration of Confirmation and First Eucharist. There is great excitement in the parish for the celebration of these Sacraments, and it is important that what is sung is liturgically appropriate and highlights the liturgy of the Word (and in the Easter season this is pointing us towards the Risen Jesus), the rite of Confirmation and the Eucharist. This is an opportunity for people to realise they are in the presence of God, and the congregation must all feel involved.
We were introduced to several of the songs used in schools in the Alive-O programme. Preparation for First Communion follows the sequence of Mass - the Christian community gathers to listen and proclaim the Word of God, to learn to say sorry, and to share the Bread of Life so that they can go out into the world and live a life of love and service.

After lunch, Fr Stephen Motroni led us with reflections on Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit. Singing lifts the heart and mind to God, but we must be careful what we sing and make sure it is appropriate and theologically correct! The power of the Holy Spirit is associated with music at various places in the Bible - in Joshua 24 there is the sounding of the trumpets, the psalms highlight singing, dancing and the playing of musical instruments directed to God's praises, the elders are all holding harps in Revelation 5 v 8, and the bagpipes make an appearance in Daniel 3 v 15!

To close the day, Michael McCulloch and Eleanor Glen Kelly introduced us to some new worship songs and choruses. We learnt these very easily and sung them very well!

Our thanks are due once again to all at St Teresa's for welcoming us, providing us with refreshments, and helping make the day a success.

Music Ministry Day at Smithstone House - 20 March 2004

A workshop was held at Smithstone House. The morning session was led by Bishop Taylor and Sister Dorothy McCaffrey SND (Religious Education Advisor - primary schools) on music for the combined celebration of Confirmation and First Eucharist. Bishop Taylor explained the background to the celebrations and Sister Dorothy explained about the Alive O programme used in primary schools (and also the music contained within that). The Bishop then took us through a list of hymns that he had found to be appropriate and successful for use at the Sacraments. The morning ended with discussion on the points that had been raised, and this reflected the importance everyone felt about welcoming and involving the children and their families within the parish community. The respective roles of parish, parents and schools were recognised and affirmed.

After lunch, Fr Stephen Motroni led us with reflections on Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit. We were introduced to a new word 'pneumatology' - the theology of the Holy Spirit. We looked briefly at the symbols for the Holy Spirit - fire, wind, dove and water, and their significance. We considered the power of music and song to enhance faith; and that it is important for musicians to understand about the liturgy and celebrations they are taking part in if they are to lead the music.

To close the day, Michael McCulloch and Eleanor Glen Kelly introduced us to some new worship songs and choruses, which were easy to pick up and tuneful and enjoyable to sing.

Our thanks are due once again to all at Smithstone House who helped make the day a success.