Our Events in 2007

RETREAT DAY FOR MUSICIANS- ‘AND GOD SAID . . . . CHILL! !’ 

A group of sixteen gathered at Smithstone House on Saturday 10 November, not quite knowing what was going to be ahead of us!

The theme of the day was ‘And God said . . . . chill!’  During the first session Fr Stephen Latham introduced this theme and the principles of Sabbath rest.  After coffee, we celebrated Mass in the chapel at Smithstone House.

After lunch, we went for a ‘prayer walk’ - which could be described as prayer in motion, walking calmly and confidently with an openness to God’s revelation.  After sharing our experiences of this, we finished the day with a concluding liturgy.

THE GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL MASS

Galloway Music Network aims to provide ongoing support to musicians within the Diocese, and to encourage the sharing of ideas and resources.  As well as workshop events, each year we hold an open air Mass, to celebrate the gift of music and bring musicians together to share and enjoy their ministry.

The eighth of these was held on Sunday 19 August in the grounds of Smithstone House, Kilwinning.  The day before was memorable as perhaps the wettest day so far in 2007, but despite a grey and cold start on the Sunday morning things improved and conditions were almost ideal - it was neither too hot nor too cold, and only slightly windy!

We were delighted to welcome Bishop Taylor and Fr Stephen McGrattan to celebrate the Mass along with Fr Stephen Motroni from Smithstone House.  Musicians included a keyboard player, two guitarists, a flautist, a violinist and a tambourinist.  The St Anne’s Mass by James MacMillan was interspersed with very different hymns and instrumental music, and Scottish music (Highland Cathedral) during the presentation of the gifts.

There were about seventy people present from different parishes, and some of these served as readers and Eucharistic ministers.

At the end of the Mass we processed singing a Taizé chant to Smithstone House’s new labyrinth (with Stations of the Cross), and this was blessed by Bishop Taylor.

MUSIC MINISTRY EVENING

Our latest evening workshop was held on Wednesday 7 February. After November's meeting, we had thought that 'evenings' were a popular time, but unfortunately at this event there were only 13 people present (although we did find out that other meetings were being held on the same evening).

We opened with a short talk from Fr Stephen Motroni on Lent, but the main part of the evening was a session on music for these important seasons. This again was led by Les Hendren (from St John Ogilvie's in Bourtreehill). Music was taken from 'Resurrexit' published by Decani Music, and our thanks are due to them for permission to photocopy materials for the workshop.

We went through a wide range of materials including psalms and other music suitable for the Triduum. As in November, some of the music would be very easy for congregations to learn, and some of it was harder, but in general it was 'accessible' and 'tuneful' and enjoyed by workshop participants. We were accompanied by a music group consisting of guitar, keyboard and violin.

Our thanks are due to Smithsone House, once again, for their hospitality.