St. Michael Music Ministry

Good News!!

2010-08-17T09:21:00.003-04:00

The surgery on my shoulder went very well and I was very encouraged to hear that there was NOT a rotator cuff tear. Instead, I had several bone spurs removed. This means that the recovery period will be a lot less than originally anticipated and therapy can begin sooner. Hopefully, if all goes well, I will be able to begin playing for Mass again on a limited basis in early to mid-September. I want to extend heart-felt thanks to all who have sent me good wishes, the cards and prayers, and the people who have helped so much with music at Mass - especially Pauline Dagaas, Tony Lenne, Bob and Chris Pickell, and Helen Shorter. Bless you all.

A Bit of Bad News

2010-07-29T08:58:00.002-04:00

Since March, I have been struggling with pain in my left shoulder. After undergoing a couple of rounds of physical therapy, x-rays, and MRI, it has been determined that I need surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and a couple other issues. The surgery has been scheduled for, Tuesday, August 2. Unfortunately, I will be unable to play for the Masses (according to the orthopedic surgeon) for anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. I cannot tell you how sad that makes me - playing for Mass is such a part of who I am and a duty that I love beyond measure. Please keep me in your prayers - that I have a quick recovery, that I work hard at physical therapy following surgery, and that I am back in full form by the Advent/Christmas Season. I also want to extend heart-felt gratitude to the cantors, Bob and Chris Pickell, Helen Shorter, and Pauline Dagaas for being so generous in their willingness to help out until I am once again able to play.

Organ Committe Meeting

2010-07-22T08:47:00.002-04:00

The organ committee will meet on Wednesday, July 28, at 6:30pm in the Rectory Meeting Room. Dr. Craig Cramer of Notre Dame University will be at the meeting to share his knowledge and expertise about the organ and to answer questions. We thank Dr. Cramer for helping with our project - we are fortunate to have him join us.

Pipe Organ - II

2010-06-17T09:27:00.000-04:00

More Questions and Answers about our Pipe Organ

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1. What makes a pipe organ so special or unique? How does it work?
• The pipes which make up an organ work the same way as the human voice – wind passes over a vibrating device to make sound.
• The Church directs us to hold the pipe organ in “highest esteem”.
• A properly built and maintained instrument offers a great variety of sound and richness of tone.
• Usually, more than one keyboard is part of a pipe organ. The keyboards for the hands are called “manuals” and the keyboard for the feet is called a “pedal-board”. These different keyboards, which all activate separate pipes, provide a large variety of sound not possible with other instruments (unless you have many of them).
• The organist uses the entire body when playing. Complete melodies and songs can be played using the feet alone.
• Each key on the keyboards activates specific pipe contained in the organ chest. Adding “stops” allows more than one pipe to sound when a key is depressed.
2. Why do we need a pipe organ when the keyboard that is in the choir loft has a setting for organ
on it?
• A recording, no matter how well done, is never as good as the real thing.
• Instruments that use recordings of other instruments only provide a shadow of an imitation of the authentic instrument.
• A pipe organ is very complex and offers much more richness of sound and variety than a recording.
• Duplication of a properly utilized pedal board is impossible on a single manual instrument
3. Why should I donate money for an instrument when there are so many other needs and wants?
• The decision to donate money is a personal one, and no one should feel obligated or pressured to donate.
• There will always be many needs and wants in a church community. People will feel strongly positive about some of them and strongly negative about others. That is just the way of it. The best thing one can do is pray about how God wants us to donate. If one feels called to donate to the organ fund, great. If one feels called to donate to another cause or need, also great. Every cause that receives donations benefits the over-all life of the Parish.
4. We have a large debt. Why should I donate money for another fund-raiser when we owe so
much?
• Again, no one is being told they “should” donate to anything with which they do not agree or do not feel comfortable. The debt will be with us for quite a while, and anyone can donate to that anytime they choose.
• The fund-raiser for the organ is rather unique in that for every dollar donated to the organ fund, a dollar will be applied to debt-reduction. This fund drive could be viewed as a “win-win” situation – we get a beautiful instrument to enhance our worship and our debt is reduced at the same time.

5. Why don’t we investigate purchasing an electronic instrument? They cost significantly less than
a pipe organ.
• Worship of our God and Creator is a glorious activity. What we use to enhance our worship and praise of Him should be of the highest quality that we are capable of providing. An electronic instrument pales in significance when compared to a fine pipe organ, both in appearance and in sound.
• While it is true that the initial out-lay of cash for an electronic instrument may be much less than the cost of a pipe organ, over the long-term, the pipe organ gives the greater return on investment.
• Price is not the only factor to consider in purchasing an instrument for the church. A pipe organ tends to increase in value – electronic instruments rapidly depreciate in value.
• Pipe organs, when properly maintained, can literally last hundreds of years. Electronic instruments last only a fraction of that time.
6. What amount of money needs to be raised?
• Since we already have a fine instrument in storage, the amount we need to raise is quite a bit less than what we would need to contract for a new instrument.
• The cost for installing the instrument in storage would probably range from $150,000 - $250,000.
• The cost of purchasing a new pipe organ would probably range from $300,000 – $700,000..
7. If I have questions about this project, who can I talk to?
• The organ committee would be happy to answer any questions. Members of the committee are: John Bockman, Eileen Feece, Tom Flynn, Bryan Casper, Greg Lenburg and Cindy Boener.
• If you would like to volunteer your time to serve on the committee, please call the Rectory and let us know! (936-4935)

Organ Project

2010-06-15T09:07:00.001-04:00

Questions and Answers about our pipe organ

1. Why do we need a new instrument? There is nothing wrong with our current instrument.
• Unfortunately, there is quite a lot wrong with our current instrument. The problems with the pipe organ have been independently well-documented by an organ historian (Mr. Michael Friesen), our current organ tuner (Bogue Organ Company) and five organ builders (Schantz, Goulding&Wood, Hal Gober, Berghaus, and George Bozeman, Jr.). The reports by Mr. Friesen and the Bogue Organ Company are on file in the Rectory and anyone who wishes is welcome to read them.
• Most of the problems associated with our organ are a direct result (most unfortunately) of the additions and work done on it in the mid-1980’s.
• Our organ could be likened to a totaled car – when a car is totaled, it is rendered unfit for driving but there may still be good and valuable parts that were not damaged. Such is the case with our organ – there are still a few working parts (which is why it may still be used in a very limited capacity), but the complete instrument has been damaged to the point that it is un-usable in its entirety.
2. How often do pipe organs need to be replaced? Will we have to do this again in 20 years?
• Pipe organs are amazing instruments and have an incredibly long life-span as long as they are properly maintained. It would not be too optimistic to expect a well-maintained instrument to serve our parish for well over a hundred years.
• The oldest known pipe organ in continuous use is in a monastery in Switzerland. It has been in use since it was installed in the mid-1300’s.
3. We have a piano in the church. Why do we need an organ, too?
• We are fortunate to have such a fine and beautiful piano in our church. It is a lovely instrument and serves its purpose well.
• While the piano is fine for the week-day Masses with children and for the Sunday Masses while we raise the money to install a pipe organ, there are many occasions for which a pipe organ is the most appropriate instrument – Confirmations, First Communions, Midnight Mass, Easter Vigil Mass, Weddings and Funerals, to name a few. This does not mean that the organ would be used exclusively – whatever instrument best fits the music planned will be used – we will continue to have the piano and guitar and other instruments used on a regular basis.
• Liturgically speaking, the Church directs us to hold the pipe organ in “highest esteem”. If we love our faith and want to maintain fidelity to her teachings, we need to follow her directives to the best of our ability.
4. What options are available for an organ?
• Most of the builders we contacted in the late 1990’s recommended using only a small portion of our existing organ and replacing the remainder with new parts.
• The organ could be replaced entirely, which is probably the best option.
• A fine instrument could be acquired from the OHS (Organ Historical Society) or a church that has closed, which could then be made suitable for our worship space. In fact, we have such an organ in storage.
5. The instrument we have in storage is an older instrument. Why should I donate money for a
“used” instrument?
• As stated earlier, as long as an organ is properly maintained and not damaged by other means, age is not a detrimental factor. In fact, in many cases, age can be a bonus because as the wood and metals the pipes are fashioned from mature, a more beautiful tonal quality can be the result. In this case, a pipe organ can be likened to a fine wine or a classic antique – age only improves the quality.
• The instrument we have in storage is a 20-rank Kilgen – an instrument made by a fine and respected company and one which may have significant historical value.

6. Why can’t we just “fix” our organ? It was also made by a fine builder and should have historic
value as well.
• While it is true that our organ was originally made by a fine builder, it was terribly butchered by another builder in the mid-1980’s – damaged to the extent that the best course of action is replacement.
• During the “restoration” by this builder, the historic value was lost – it can no longer be classified as an historic instrument because too much has been damaged or changed. (see report by Michael Friesen on file in the Rectory).
7. How can we ensure that we get the best and most appropriate instrument for our church?
• Education – a pipe organ is a very complicated and complex instrument with many parts and many options.
• Understanding and stating clearly the needs and requirements of our worship space and worshipping community.
• Visiting and listening to more than one organ builder – site visits and meetings with several organ-builders is an excellent way to gain more understanding and insight about pipe organs. Also, when more than one source is consulted, comparisons can be made – who says the same thing, who seems out of line with the majority opinion, what items do each builder agree upon, etc..
• Hiring an organ consultant – an expert in the field can be a valuable source of information and help guide the organ committee. Dr. Craig Cramer of Notre Dame University has agreed to work with us in this capacity.
8. Why should we spend so much money on something that is just used for church music?
• That is probably the single most important reason to have a fine instrument. Music is integral to Liturgical services and can add much beauty and dignity to each Mass or Liturgical event.
• As stated earlier, there are many occasions beyond Sunday Mass or week-day Masses with children which call for an organ to be used. (Weddings, funerals, etc.)
• Having a fine instrument encourages fine musicians to come to our church. There are several colleges within easy driving distance which have organ major programs. It would be quite easy to set up a working agreement with the music departments of those colleges to have organ majors visit our church once or twice a year to offer recitals for the public.
• Having a good instrument would encourage young students to learn how to play the organ. We need to train young people now to be the musicians of the future.

2009-12-30T12:50:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone who gave so generously of their time and talent for the Christmas Eve and Day Masses. The music was beautiful and the Masses were greatly enhanced by the offerings of so many. The children's choir sang at the 4PM Christmas Eve Mass and consisted of: Olivia Wendel, Cory Andrzejewski, Mary Blake, Jeffrey Oliver, Audrey Himes, Aleczandra Dolan, Sydney Oliver, McKenzie Scheetz, Elizabeth Szalay, Emily Blake, Kaitlyn Lenne, Reuban Osman, and Alexandra Jeffirs. In addition to choral pieces prior to Mass, several instrumentalists and vocalists also provided music. They are: Aiden Osman - clarinet, Kaitlyn Lenne - flute, Jordan Pratt - piano, Elizabeth Szalay and McKenzie Scheetz - violin duet, Pauline Dagaas - piano, Kaitlyn Lenne, Emily Blake and Pauline Dagaas - vocal trio, Sydney Oliver - vocal solo, and Jordan and Audrey Pratt - violin/piano duet. Thanks to all - the parish is blessed by their giving.

The adult choir sang at Midnight Mass and offered a thirty minute musical prelude prior to the Mass. Many thanks to Bob and Chris Pickell for their direction and vocal duet, Lenore Jones for her lovely solo, Stephen Boener and Taylor Jones for their rousing trumpets, and all the choir for giving so generously of their time throughout the year. St. Michael Parish is indeed blessed by their sharing of their talents!

Christmas Choir

2009-11-25T10:56:00.002-05:00

All St. Michael's children in grades 4 through 8 are invited to take part in a special Christmas Choir which will sing at the 4PM Mass on Christmas Eve. Rehearsals will be held at 5:30pm on Wednesdays, Dec. 9, 16, and 23 in the choir loft. Attendance at two of these rehearsals is required. Please call me at the Rectory, (574) 936-4935, if you have any questions or concerns.

Choir Practices Resuming

2009-08-11T09:21:00.003-04:00

Adult Choir rehearsals will resume on Thursday, September 10, at 6:30pm in the choir loft. The adult choir is open to any St. Michael parishioner who is a freshman in high school or older. Rehearsals generally run from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. We would love to have new members. Please think about coming to join us and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sincere Gratitude

2009-07-03T09:46:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone who offered their prayers, support, food and presence upon the death of my father-in-law, Bernard Boener. I cannot express how grateful I am to you all for your acts of kindness and love. This has been a difficult time for the family, but having our grief lifted up to God in prayer and acts of kindness by those who love us has been a tremendous source of comfort to us. Thank you and bless you.

Article for Bulletin on Pentecost Sunday

2009-06-02T10:13:00.002-04:00

This Sunday, before the Gospel Acclamation, we will sing a piece of music known as a "sequence". Sequences were very common during the middle ages and experienced a height of popularity in the 11th and 12th centuries. During that time, there were as many as 4500 sequences written for use in the Liturgies. Sequences came about as an addition to the long melisma commonly sung at the end of the "Alleluia" to cover the procession of the Book of the Gospels before the proclamation of the Gospel. Rather than merely singing a single syllable on this extended melisma, composers began adding texts.

The Council of Trent (16th century) brought many reforms to the Catholic Church and one of these was to limit the number of sequences allowed for Sunday Mass. From the high point of over 4500, the Church banned the use of all but four. These are: Dies Irae (sequence commonly used for funerals and All Souls Day - has now been moved to the "Liturgy of the Hours" and may be sung, if desired, in the week before Advent); Lauda Sion Salvatorem (sung on Corpus Christi Sunday); Victimae Paschali Laudes (sung on Easter Sunday); and Veni Sancte Spiritus (also known as the "Golden Sequence" and sung on Pentecost Sunday). A fifth sequence, Stabat Mater (for "Our Lady of Sorrows"), was added in the early 1700's. The Church mandates that two of these sequences, "Victimae Paschalie Laudes" and "Veni Sancte Spiritus" are to be sung on the appropriate Sunday before the Gospel Acclamation - the remaining are optional.

Sequences tell a story and follow a strict compositional structure. The sequence for Pentecost contains ten verses - each verse is divided into two phrases and each of thse two phrases is divided into three smaller phrases of seven syllables each. This strict attention to detail and numbering was very important to the composers and were considered a way of giving honour and glory to God. For example, the number ten is twice five, the number of books in the Pentateuch - the number three is a reference to the Holy Trinity - two refers to the dual nature of Christ, and seven refers to the days of creation. Each sequence written had its own formula and references.

Sequences may sound odd to our ears today and we might not understand the significance and importance of them. The Church, in Her wisdom, instructs us to keep this tradition on two Sundays of the year. By singing the sequences, not only are we acknowledging that something very significant happened on thse days, we are also maintaining a connection with our deep and rich Church history.

Two St. Michael High School Musicians Honoured

2009-05-20T09:15:00.003-04:00

Plymouth High School held their annual music awards ceremony on Monday, May 18. Two of our parishioners were honoured with the "Outstanding Musician" award for their class - Taylor Jones; freshman and Stephen Boener; Junior. Stephen also received the "Richard Benefield Memorial Award" for musical excellence. Congratulations to these musicians!!!

Recognition of 8th-grade Graduates

2009-05-15T10:45:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30pm, St. Michael Church will celebrate a Mass to honour the 8th-grade graduating class of St. Michael School. I would like to recognize three of the students who have given freely of their time and talent to assist at week-day Masses during the school year, and also at Sunday Masses. Emily Blake, Pauline Dagaas and Kaitlyn Lenne were all members of the St. Michael Parish Youth Choir and exhibited wonderful leadership qualities. The Youth Choir will miss them very much. Kaityln Lenne and Pauline Dagaas also assisted as cantor and accompanist for Sunday Masses and will continue in that capacity. All of these girls are a blessing to our parish and we appreciate their contribution and generosity very much.

First Communions

2009-05-08T10:30:00.002-04:00

On April 26, St. Michael celebrated the first of two Masses for First Communion. Many people helped with the instruction of the children, the planning of the Mass, and the music and need to be acknowledged. I would like to especially thank Mrs. Kimberley Mendez who normally leads the music at the Hispanic Community's Masses. She was unable to attend the Mass on April 26 due to her own graduation ceremony, but she helped so much in selecting music, rehearsing with me and organizing cantors and a group of singers. On May 3, we celebrated the second of the Masses. I would like to especially thank Miss Kaitlyn Lenne who did a beautiful job in leading the singing. Thanks also to Miss Kelsy Risner and Miss Lilly Bottorff who accompanied with flute and clarinet. The Masses were greatly enhanced by those who shared so willingly of their time and talent.

Mission Thank You

2009-03-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

Our recent Parish Mission was a wonderful event filled with the grace and goodness of God. Many people participated in the planning of this Mission and I would like to acknowledge their generosity and dedication. Firstly, thanks need to be expressed to the people who helped each evening with the music. The following served as cantors: Lenore Jones, Danielle Lenne, Jack Davis, Dr. Tom Miller and Bob Pickell. Monday night was assisted in great part by the St. Michael youth and several of them accompanied the singing with instruments: Kaitlyn Lenne - flute; Ashley Lenne - tambourine; Simon Salgado - trumpet; Taylor Jones - trumpet. Each evening many choir members attended to help with the singing: Jayne Pesch, Tony Lenne, Billie Kimble, Lenore Jones, Mike Boener, Stephen Boener, Judy Schmidt and Tom Miller. Secondly, a great deal of planning went into each evening and a group of people met several times over two months to select the readings, psalmody and prayers. These individuals are: Cindy Boener, Donna Chaney, Tony Lenne, Greg Lenburg, Tony Risner, Jen Kohrman, Joseph Caudle, and Fr. Kummer. Thirdly, many thanks to the volunteers who proclaimed the Word of God, who brought delicious food each evening, who acted as greeters and ushers, who led prayers or Psalmody, and all who came and benefited from this beautiful time of renewal. May God continue to bless us and hold us in His care.

Dessert Recital Huge Success

2009-03-04T09:38:00.001-05:00

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all who contributed so generously to make our First Annual Dessert Recital a success. It was a true joy to see and listen to the more than 20 students who participated in the afternoon. Their time and dedication to music is a blessing to our Parish and we are grateful for the sharing of their talent. Also, many thanks to the people who brought such delicious desserts to share, the people who came and enthusiastically supported the students' performances, and the people who donated to the Youth Group's Mission Trip - over $2oo dollars was raised. All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon of music and fellowship. Mrs. Filson and I hope to see you again next year!

Dessert Recital for Musical Youth of St. Michael

2009-01-29T15:03:00.001-05:00

St. Michael's has been blessed with many talented youth. To recognize those that have been involved in Solo/Ensemble contest and those who help at Mass, we are hosting a dessert recital on Sunday, March 1 at 4:30pm. Come and hear St. Michael's youth play and/or sing. A good-will donation will be accepted to help with the High School Youth Group Mission Trip. Desserts and punch will follow the recital. Hope to see you there! Come and support our talented youth!!

New Year - New Season

2008-12-31T09:20:00.000-05:00

YOUTH CHOIR - Youth choir rehearsals will begin again in the New Year on Wednesday, January 21 at 5:30pm in the choir loft. Youth choir is open to any St. Michael parishioner in grades 4 through 8. Hope to see you there!

ADULT CHOIR - Adult choir rehearsals will resume in the New Year on Thursday, January 22, at 6:30pm in the choir loft. The adult choir is open to any St. Michael parishioner who is a freshman in high school or older. Come join us!

The Christmas Season

2008-12-30T12:06:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Christmas music at St. Michael's so beautiful! The Youth Choir, as well as several instrumentalists, did an outstanding job at the 4PM Christmas Eve Mass. Choir members include: Pauline Dagaas, Kaitlynn Lenne, Emily Blake, Brittany and Brianna Gantz, Brantlee Joseph, Cory Andrejewski, Abigail and Alexandra Jeffirs, and Reuben Osman. These youths have been attending weekly rehearsals and we truly appreciate their dedication and talent! Aiden Osman and Kelsy Risner offered their talents on the clarinet and flute and also offered much of their time in learning new music and attending rehearsals. St. Michael's is blessed to have such a dedicated group of youths willing to give of their time and talent!

The adult choir offered their talents at the Midnight Mass, including a 30-minute prelude. It is a joy to work with the choir and to see the dedication and love that the members give to St. Michael's. Our worship is beautifully enhanced by their singing. Also, many thanks to Bob and Chris Pickell who give so willingly of their time and talent. We are truly blessed!

New Season Starting Up!

2008-08-21T10:27:00.000-04:00

Youth choir will resume on Wednesday, September 10 from 5:30pm - 6:10pm in the choir loft. This choir is open to any St. Michael parishioner in grades 4 throuh 8. The youth choir generally is scheduled to sing at an 11:30am Mass each month. Hope to see you there!

Adult choir rehearsals will resume on Thursday, September 11 at 6:30pm in the choir loft. The adult choir is open to any St. Michael parishioner who is a freshman in high school or older. Auditions are not required. The adult choir leads the singing at the 9:30am Mass from September through late-May or early-June, depending on the Liturgical Calendar. Please come join us - new members are always welcome!

Parish Picnic

2008-07-15T13:09:00.000-04:00

St. Michael's annual Parish Picnic will be held at Price's Pond on Sunday, July 27. For any musician (singers and instrumentalists) who would be interested in assisting at this Mass, a short rehearsal will be held on Thursday, July 24, at 6:30pm in the church choir loft. Please come and help us raise a joyful song to the Lord!

Blessings Abound!

2008-06-23T09:28:00.001-04:00

One of the most profound joys that I experience as a musician is seeing the love of music catch hold in a young person and then have that person share their talents. Our parish is very fortunate to have many young students who not only have a love of music and the talent for it, but who are also willing to share this gift with the church. Over the past year we have been blessed to have many young people share their gift of music at Mass. We have two teen-age cantors (soon to be increased by two more - they will be training this year), two teen-age and pre-teen-age flutists, a teen-age pianist (who will be offering her talents at the July 5 Sunday Mass while I am on vacation), a teen -age trumpet player, and a wonderful teen-age guitarist. It is such a joy and blessing to see them work and practice diligently to help with the Mass even amidst the busy-ness and stresses of their school-work and extra-curricular activities. Their giving has been a true gift to our parish - when you see them, please encourage them in their work and let them know how much we appreciate and love what they do!
Pauline Dagaas - piano
Kaitlyn Lenne, Kelsy Risner - flute
Andy Sanchez - guitar

Taylor Jones - trumpet
Danielle Lenne, Stephen Boener - cantors

Adult Choir and Cantor Picnic

2008-05-20T11:36:00.001-04:00

The end-of-season Choir/Cantor picnic will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2008 from 2pm to ?? at the Gazebo at Price's Pond. Meat, drinks, cutlery and tableware will be provided. Please bring a dish to share. Dr. Tom will also provide a heaping platter of his famous fish. Please come and bring your family!!

End of Season for Youth Choir

2008-04-22T10:32:00.001-04:00

Thanks to the Youth Choir for providing music each month at an 11:30am Mass. Their dedication to rehearsal time and consistency in attending the assigned Mass made for a very good season. The last rehearsal for this season will be on April 23 at 5:30pm. The last Sunday Mass at which they will sing this season will be on April 27 at 11:30pm. We will close our season with our annual movie day with Fr. Kummer (which had to be postponed from its earlier date in March due to a death in my family) on May 4 at 2:00pm. Pizza and drinks will be provided - choir members may brings snacks to share if they wish.

The new season will resume following Labour Day. Youth choir is open to any St. Michael's parishioner in grades 4 through 8.

Thank you for a great season!!!!

He is Risen! Alleluia!!

2008-03-26T11:01:00.001-04:00

The power and beauty of music add much to our Easter joy. Thanks to everyone who gave selflessly of their time and talent to make the musical aspects of the Holy Triduum such a wonder. From the triumphal singing of "Lift High the Cross" to enter into Holy Thursday, the beauty of the sung Passion on Good Friday, the poignant and moving "Reproaches" as we venerated the cross, to the joyous and rousing Spanish "Gloria" on Holy Saturday - every musical aspect helped to enhance the beauty of the Liturgies we were experiencing and increase our appreciation of the wonder and joy of this glorious Easter Season. May the risen Lord continue to bless us and keep us in His care as we continue to celebrate with great joy the 50 days of Easter.

Organ Meditations

2008-03-06T17:35:00.000-05:00

Due to an unfortunate problem with our organ, the Lenten Organ meditations have been cancelled. We hope to have the problem resolved by Easter. Please keep this matter in your prayers as it would be a shame to not have the glorious sound of the organ on Easter Sunday.

Chrism Mass - March 17

2008-02-28T09:16:00.000-05:00

All singers are invited to be a part of a Diocesan choir for the celebration of the Chrism Mass. Rehearsal will be on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:30pm at St. Matthew's Cathedral in South Bend. The Chrism Mass will be held on Monday, March 17 at 7:30pm at St. Matthew's Cathedral in South Bend.

Weather Cancellation

2008-02-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

Due to the winter storm, organ meditations are cancelled for this evening, February 26. They will resume on March 4.

Organ Meditation - First Week of Lent

2008-02-16T18:13:00.000-05:00

“You are meddling with powers you cannot possibly comprehend.” This line was spoken by one of my favourite characters, Dr. Marcus Brody, in one of my favourite movies – “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. In the movie, two groups of people are frantically searching for the Holy Grail – the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper. One group was seeking in order to use the cup for selfish, twisted and evil purposes and the other was desperately trying to stop the first group from succeeding.
Where does the desire to use a good and holy object for evil intent come from? What causes the twisting and distortion of the good into something quite different? Marcus Brody’s comment, I think, comes very close to answering these questions. God has a design for each of us. He formed us and breathed His spirit into each of us and He calls us to love Him and to live as He would have us live. We have blessings and we have hardships, but all are in God’s domain and we can trust Him. When we meddle with that relationship, when we try to step outside of God’s plan for us, when we desire to control our lives and keep God out, when we fail to trust in Him even when it seems as though He is absent – when we meddle with things we cannot possibly understand – that’s when distortions, lies, and sin can occur.
In the Old Testament reading from the First Sunday of Lent we hear how Adam and Eve were tempted by a great lie. And, tragically, Adam and Eve stepped outside of God’s plan for them – they doubted and they desired and they tasted the fruit which all too soon turned bitter.
Jesus was tempted, as we read in the Gospel from the First Sunday of Lent, by mis-use of the Holy Scripture. A good and holy thing was twisted and used for evil intent. Jesus saw through the sham – He was tempted – but He chose to maintain fidelity to God’s plan for Him.
Temptations are part and parcel of our life here on earth – we cannot escape them nor rid ourselves of them. We are able, however, to immerse ourselves in God – to turn our lives over to Him and to trust Him totally and completely. It is only when we think ourselves capable of handling things on our own that we get in serious trouble – when we start messing with things that we cannot possibly comprehend. God has everything in His hands – we may not see clearly, we may not like what we experience, we may wish for things to be different – but God is master and ruler of all and we would do well to listen to Him and do as He would have us do. May this Lent be a time of turning our hearts to Him, of learning to trust, to giving ourselves to His plan and may we praise Him forever.

Organ Meditations

2008-02-15T10:53:00.000-05:00

Due to attending a pre-Triduum retreat for parish musicians at St. Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana, I will not be presenting an organ meditation on Tuesday, February 19. The meditations will resume on February 26 at 5:30pm.

Youth Choir Movie Day - DATE CHANGE

2008-01-25T13:41:00.000-05:00

Youth choir members are invited to meet at the Rectory on Sunday, MARCH 2, 2008 at 2:00pm for our annual "Pizza and Movie with Fr. Kummer" day. Pizza and drinks will be provided - you may bring other snacks if you desire. We will be watching "Evan Almighty". Mark your calendars and be sure to come!!!

Parce Domine - Spare us, O Lord

2008-01-25T10:37:00.000-05:00

With these words, we begin our Lenten journey. We approach the altar of God asking for His pardon and mercy, singing the very words the prophet Joel proclaims in the first reading: Parce Domine - spare us, O Lord. The first reading of the Ash Wednesday Liturgy calls us to rend our hearts, not our garments. It is a call of useful activity - a practical and effective method to turn back to the Lord. What good does it do to rend our garments if we continue in the same path? But rending our hearts - this is where true conversion takes place. May the disciplines and activities in which we take part this Lent help us to focus our hearts and mind on God so that we may, indeed, turn to Him.

Lenten Organ Meditations

2008-01-16T09:19:00.000-05:00

A series of Organ Meditations will be presented each Tuesday of Lent from 5:30pm-6:00pm in the church (just prior to the Soup and Spirit gatherings). Printed reflections on the “Lenten topic” for the week and musical notes about the selections played will be available. The purpose of the organ meditations is not to present a “recital” or “performance” but rather to offer a time for prayer and meditation supported with the beauty of music. As such, a person may come and go during the time as they wish. May these meditations help to lift our hearts and minds to God as we travel the Lenten days together.

Music at St. Michael's

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Youth Choir: Open to any St. Michael parishioner in grades 4 through 8 – rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 – 6:05 p.m. Follows Wednesday night Religious Education class schedule.

Adult Choir: Open to high school freshmen and older – rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., September through May

Cantors - Open to confirmed members of St. Michael’s Parish by invitation or audition only. Requires a fair amount of musical skill and willingness to attend cantor rehearsals. Cantors help to lead the congregation in song and are responsible for singing the Psalm and Gospel Acclamation during Mass. Flexibility in scheduling is appreciated.

Our Instruments

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Ca. 1920 VanDinter pipe organ – Approximately 16 ranks.
Yamaha digital piano.
Wurlitzer spinet piano.
Guitars – We currently have two parishioners who lead the music with guitar, usually at the 11:30 a.m. Mass.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church

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1156 "The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy."20 The composition and singing of inspired psalms, often accompanied by musical instruments, were already closely linked to the liturgical celebrations of the Old Covenant. The Church continues and develops this tradition: "Address . . . one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart." "He who sings prays twice."21