November 17, 2024

Dear Parish Family,

November 22 is the Feast Day of Saint Cecilia.  Cecilia lived in the second century of Christianity and is believed to have died around  174 A.D.   During that time there were great persecutions of the Christian Church and many became martyrs for their faith.  Cecilia was one of them. A feast day in honor of Saint Cecilia was celebrated as early as 545.

It is said that as she was being led away to be executed, she kept a song in heart.  Therefore, she is considered the Patron Saint of Musicians and is often depicted in art holding an organ.

Saint Cecilia’s feast day is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of Church Music, especially that which is used in the Sacred Liturgy.   Saint Augustine said that when you sing, you pray twice.  We thank all our parish music ministers, under the direction of Joreen Kelly, and their dedication and service that help our parish sing to God with all our hearts.   We are grateful to celebrate:

Cantors: Bernadette Bratina, Horace Busch, Chris Grimme, John Kelly, Emile Mattucci, Kimberlee McKitish, and Vanessa Valovage

Adult Choir: Mary Bender, Eric Booher, Sandy Boylan, Horace Busch, Maura Dash, Maeve Gleeson, Chris Grimme, Giovanna Johansen,  Ed Kaminsky, Kathy Luft, Emile Mattucci, Kimberlee McKitish, Dorothy Oliver, Irene Oravecz, Ken Thomas, Patty Thomas, Vanessa Valovage, and Diane Warriner.

Children’s Choir: Adella Bogdan, Prardhana Gali, Mya Speca, and Alice Zinsmeister

Hand Chime Choir: Patricia Anthony, Maeve Gleeson, Chris Grimme, Miriam Hubler, Ute Hubler, Noreen Kelly, Janeen Oliver, Chris Purcell, Mary Lynn Rafferty, Ken Thomas, and Patty Thomas.

Grace and peace!

Father Neil Sullivan