Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God

January 1, 2007
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God

http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearc/solmary.html

Reading 1 - Nm 6:22-27
Reading 2 - Gal 4:4-7
Gospel - Lk 2:16-21


Opening: Go, Tell It On The Mountain(cc-233)
Offertory: Holy Is His Name(cc-325)
Com 1: What Child Is This(cc-243)
Com 2: The Servant Song(cc-502)
Closing: Hail Holy Queen(cc-320)

SUNDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS: HOLY FAMILY C Lectionary #17C

SUNDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS: HOLY FAMILY C Lectionary #17C

FIRST READING: Sirach 3: 2-7, 12-14
SECOND READING: 1 John 3: 1-2, 21-24
GOSPEL: Luke 2: 41-52

http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearc/holyfam.html

Opening: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing(cc-228)
Psalm: Ps 128 - Blessed are those who love you(Haugen) [see sheet]
Offertory: It came upon the midnight clear(cc-235)
Com 1: Christians, Let Us Love One Another(cc-447)
Com 2: The First Noel(cc-245)
Closing: Angels We Have Heard On High(cc-236)

Christmas Eve / Day

Reference Material: http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearc/nativityvigil.html

Christmas Canon Band
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire Band
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen(cc-231) Band / Choir/ Congregation
In The Bleak Midwinter(see sheet) Band / Choir
Lo, How a rose E'er Blooming(cc-226) Choir
Hark! The Herald Angeles Sing(cc-228) Band / Choir / Congregation
Night of Silence/ Peace Peace(see sheet) Band / Choir
Dream a Dream(see sheet) Band / Choir

Opening: O Come, All Ye Faithful(cc-225)
Psalm: Ps 96: Today our savior is born(cc-64)
Offertory: O Little Town Of Bethlehem CC-229
Com 1: Away in a manager CC-238
Com 2: Child of the Poor(cc-244) (built upon theme of What Child Is This)
Eve Meditation: Silent Night CC-232
Day Meditation: It came upon the midnight clear(cc-235)
Closing: Joy to the world(cc-227)
Postlude: Angels We have Heard On High(cc-236)

December 24, 2006 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 24, 2006 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:1-4a. Bethlehem , birthplace of the Shepherd-King, David, is invoked as a promise of the coming messiah who will take his place as the ideal king.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (79) 80 . This communal lament, at a time of great national suffering, invokes the memories of God's great deeds as the basis for asking God to intervene once more to save “the vine” that is the chosen people.

Hebrews 10:5-10. This passage introduced into Christian thought the idea of a “first” and “second” covenant, the second based in fidelity to God's will, not in strict observance of the Torah. (In fact, “fidelity to God's will” seems to have been Jesus' own interpretation of the First Testament: It is a call to do God's will under all circumstances, with the Torah as the description of the best way to be faithful.)

Luke 1:39-45. Mary's visit to Elizabeth leads to a prophetic statement by the older woman that Mary is the mother of the Lord, the one who believed in the Lord's promise.

Opening: Christ Be Our Light(cc-395)
Psalm: Lord Make us Turn ... (from Lectionary Psalter)
Offertory: Mary's Song(cc-324)
Com 1: This is Jesus(see sheet)
Com 2: O Sanctissima(cc-323)
Closing: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

December 17, 2006 - Third Sunday of Advent

December 17, 2006 - Third Sunday of Advent

http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearc/3sa.html


What does it mean to have a “savior”? What does it mean to be a “savior”? A savior, negatively, is someone who does not do evil things. A savior is someone, positively, who removes evil and replaces it with good.

Zephaniah 3:14-18a. The Jerusalem Temple , in its heyday, was intended to be a sign of a much deeper reality: “The Lord , your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior.” The chosen people are those who are aware of God's presence.

Psalm of the Day: Isaiah 12:2-6 . This poetic canticle from Isaiah is an example of psalm-type compositions in the Bible found in sources other than the Book of Psalms. Here the psalm singer expresses thanksgiving for God's saving presence.

Philippians 4:4-7. Expecting the imminent coming of the Day of the Lord, Paul tells the community at Philippi that their attitude should be one of expectation and rejoicing, not fear at the Lord's coming.

Luke 3:10-18. When people ask John what they should do to prepare for the Day of the Lord, his advice is a mix of negatives (“don't . . .”) and positives (“share . . .”). His expectations of the “one mightier than” himself are similarly a mix of negative (“clear the threshing floor”) and positive (“baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire”) images.

Opening: Let The Valley's Be Raised(CC-218)
Psalm: Cry out with joy and gladness(Rosario)
Offertory: Isaiah 49(CC-403)
Com 1: Behold the lamb(CC-481)
Com 2: On Jordan’s Bank(CC-215)
Closing: Come, O Come Emmanuel(CC-213)

DECEMBER 8, SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Lectionary #689

Today's feast is about the conception of Mary, not about Mary's conception of Jesus. The conception of Mary by Anna as immaculate, that is, as free from original sin, is not taught in the Scriptures; it is a mystery that derives from her future role as the mother of the Lord. It is, in other words, a conclusion derived from the Church's understanding of who Jesus is and Mary's role as Theotokos, Mother of the Lord (see January 1). The readings, therefore, focus on Mary's relationship to Jesus and, indirectly, to the church.

Genesis 3:9-15, 20. The story of the "original sin" was interpreted by the church as suggesting that we are all bound by the failure of our first parents, subject to punishment for their sin. It became church teaching that Mary was freed from this burden by a special gift of God, to prepare her for her mission as the mother of Jesus. The Latin translation of this story gave Eve's name as "Eva," and made it possible for some Latin Christmas carols to pun that "Ave" (the angel's greeting to Mary) "fit ex Eva" ("Ave" was shaped from "Eva.")

Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12. Knowing how desperately humans would mess things up by misusing the gift of freedom, God planned to send Christ Jesus and to unite us to Christ. Passages like this led early Christian teachers to conclude that Mary, as part of that plan, would have been prepared by God.

Luke 1:26-38. Earlier (and somewhat inaccurate) translations of this announcement story were used to argue for Mary's freedom from sin. The Latin translations called her "gratia plena," "full of grace," and theologians argued that she could not be "full of grace" if she were subject to original sin. That translation tradition is echoed in the translation we are currently using, but the story, in any translation, certainly makes the point that Mary was a central part of God's plan to save humanity from its sin.

Prelude: Ave Maria(Norbert) (see sheet)
Opening: Save Us, O Lord (CC-339)
Psalm: Ps 98: All The Ends Of The Earth[CC-98]
Offertory: O Sanctissima(cc-323)
Com 1: One Bread, One Body(in spanish and english)(cc-490)
Com 2: I Sing a Maid(see sheet)
Closing: Immaculate Mary(cc-321)

Cantor Schedule (Nov 19th to Dec 25th)

Date	Song	5 mass	8:30 mass	10 mass	Ccm mass
November 19, 2006 - Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time B	For You Are My God V2,3,4 [CC-425]	Michael	Michael	Tim	Pam
November 26, 2006 - Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King	Our Lord Jesus Christ(B) (from Lectionary Psalter)	Teri	Silke	Cathy	Kate
December 3, 2006 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT C Lectionary #3	Ps 25: I Lift Up My Soul(cc-16)	Danielle	Michael	Kristina	Sarah
December 9, 2006 – Immaculate Conception(9am mass + 7:30pm mass)	Ps 98: All The Ends Of The Earth[CC-98]		Teri
December 10, 2006 - Second Sunday of Advent	God has done great things for us(from Celebration Series)	Katie	Lisa	Tim	****
December 17, 2006 - Third Sunday of Advent	NEED TO WRITE ONE				****
December 24, 2006 - Fourth Sunday of Advent	Lord Make us Turn ... (from Lectionary Psalter)				****
December 24, 2006 - Vigil of Christmas					****
December 25, 2006 / Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)					****

December 10, 2006 - Second Sunday of Advent

December 10, 2006 - Second Sunday of Advent

Reference material : http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearc/2sa.html

Opening: Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord(see sheet)
Psalm: CS2: God has done great things for us
Offertory: A Voice Cries Out(cc-214)
Com 1: you are my all in all(see sheet)
Com 2: O Come, Divine Messiah(CC-221)
Closing: Let Heaven Rejoice(cc-286)

December 3, 2006 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT C Lectionary #3

December 3, 2006 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT C Lectionary #3

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearc/1sa.html

*** Need to teach MPB the Mass of St. Tim ***
*** LAST CCM MASS ***

Opening: O Come, O Come Emmanuel(CC-213)
Ps: Ps 25: I Lift Up My Soul(cc-16)
Offertory: Hosea(CC-341)
Com 1: Draw Me Close To You(see sheet)
Com 2: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus(cc-216)
Closing: Alleluia! Hurry, The Lord Is Near(cc-223)
Postlude: Rise Up Jerusalem(see sheet)

November 26, 2006 - Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

Jesus Christ is the “faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and ruler of the kings of the earth.”

Daniel 7:13-14. The mysterious image of “one like a Son of man”—probably representing the faithful people of Israel in its original context— was evoked by Jesus to describe his ministry.

Revelation 1:5-8. The author expects Jesus, the faithful witness, to return in victorious triumph, revealing the meaning of the resurrection to all.

John 18:33b-37. In the confrontation between Jesus and Pilate, Pilate learns a new meaning of kingly rule: giving testimony to the truth.


Reading 1 - Dn 7:13-14
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5
Reading II: Rev 1:5-8
Gospel: Jn 18:33b-37

Opening: He Is Exalted(ss1-179)
Psalm: ??????????
Offertory: To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King(cc-310)
Com 1: Crown Him With Many Crowns(cc-309)
Com 2: How Great Is Our God(see sheet)
Closing: Soon and very soon(cc-465)
PostLude: Prince of peace(see sheet)

November 19, 2006 - Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time B

November 19, 2006 - Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time B

Reading I: Daniel 12:1-3
Responsorial Psalm: 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
Reading II: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

Michael, protector of the weak, is the model for all public service. We need to put our belief into practice.

Daniel 12:1-3. Even under persecution, the people should continue to hope for deliverance from God. The Archangel Michael was considered the special protector of Israel.

Hebrews 10:11-14, 18. Christ has made the perfect “sin offering.” Where there is complete forgiveness, there is no need for any additional offering.

Mark 13:24-32. Many people in Jesus' time expected an imminent ending of time, or at least a dramatic ending of the “age” in which they were living. Jesus accepts that expectation, but he calls on his disciples to remain faithful to his teaching, which “shall not pass away.”

Prelude/Extra: Breathe On Me (see sheet)
Opening: Let The Fire Fall(see sheet)
Psalm: For You Are My God V2,3,4 [CC-425]
Offertory: Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest[CC-293]
Com 1: O Sacrament Most Holy[cc-362]
Com 2: We Will Rise Again(cc-429)
Closing: Sing a New Song[CC-372]

November 12, 2006 - Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time B

http://liturgy.slu.edu/32OrdB111206/theword_working.html

November 12, 2006 - Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time B


Reading I: 1 Kings 17:10-16
Responsorial Psalm: 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Reading II: Hebrews 9:24-28
Gospel: Mark 12:38-44 (long form);
12:41-44 (short form)

Key words and phrases from the Gospel: He . . . observed, rich people, large sums, poor widow, her whole livelihood

To the point: Surprisingly, the "large sums" given by the "rich people" pale in comparison to the widow's far greater gift of "two small coins." She gives her all, "her whole livelihood."

It is not the size of the gift which measures its value but the depth of the self-gift from which it comes. This is the kind of giving of which Jesus takes note.

Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: The gospel widow gives her last coins; Elijah's widow gives her last meal. If Elijah's widow is rewarded with food for a year, imagine how great the gospel widow's reward!
Connecting the Gospel to human experience: A child's handmade birthday card to Mom is as precious to her as Dad's gift of jewelry. It is not the size of the gift which measures its value but the depth of the self-gift from which it comes.

Understanding Scripture:
Selfless giving and giving of self: Apart from the Temple discourse in Mark 13, the episode in this Sunday's gospel is Jesus' last public act before his passion and death.

With the sober reality of the cross looming large, the religious posturing of the scribes in the Temple precincts is especially onerous. Their clothing, seating, public acts of piety, and places of honor keep public attention focused on them.

This is the same posturing and jockeying for position for which Jesus had rebuked James and John (Sunday 29). But the self-seeking of the scribes goes far deeper: Jesus charges that they "devour the houses of widows" (see Isa 3:14).

The exploitation and victimization of widows represents a far more grievous offense than merely seeking honor and prestige. Moreover, these disgraceful acts are hidden behind the "pretext" of "lengthy prayers." Using public piety to mask private corruption will receive a "severe condemnation."

The self-seeking and self-serving deeds of the scribes set up a contrast to the inconspicuous generosity and selfless other-centeredness of the unnoticed widow who acts with genuine piety.

The severity of her poverty may be inferred from her offering: the Greek word translated as "two small coins" refers to the smallest coin in circulation (equivalent to our smallest coin, the penny). These two coins constituted her "whole livelihood." When the text calls her a "poor widow," it is an understatement: she is closer to destitute.

Her poverty is contrasted to the "rich people [who] put in large sums." We may presume that the offerings of the rich were exactly calculated tithes, while the offering of the widow was complete and unstinting she "contributed everything she had."

On the one hand, she is a model of discipleship as she humbly gives what she can. Again, the story of the rich man (Sunday 28) comes to mind: even his desire for eternal life cannot induce him to give up his possessions, while this poor widow gives up "her whole livelihood."

On the other hand, her offering everything she has anticipates the offering Jesus will soon make when he, too, gives his entire life.

Opening: We are called ( CC-511 )
CCM Opening: Come, Now is the time to worship(SS2-383)
Psalm: CC-99: Praise the Lord My Soul
Offertory: give thanks(see sheet)
Com 1: the supper of the lord (cc-486)
Com 2: eye has not seen (cc-439)
Closing: city of god(cc-509)

Nov 1 -- mpb music / all saints day

Opening: For all the saints(cc-306)
Ps: CC-13: Lord This is the people(sing and read)
Offertory: Amazing Grace(cc-423)
Com 1: Pan De Vida(cc-482)
Com 2: Blest Are They(cc-397)
Closing: Salvation Belongs To Our God (see sheet)

November 5, 2006 - Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time B

November 5, 2006 : Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time


Reading I: Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Responsorial Psalm: 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
Reading II: Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel: Mark 12:28b-34

Key words and phrases from the Gospel: love God, love neighbor as yourself, not far from the kingdom of God

To the point: No one draws near to God's kingdom by simply quoting the commandments. Instead, the way into the kingdom is through love of God and neighbor. When we live these commandments rather than simply quote them, we, too, hear Jesus say to each of us, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: The two great commandments arise from Israel's confession of faith: "The LORD is our God, the LORD alone" Because we believe, we love.
Connecting the Gospel to culture: Despite what much of the entertainment industry projects, love is not self-absorbed but other-centered, not transient but the enduring hallmark of all Christian faith and living.

Understanding Scripture:
The greatest commandment: The Lectionary at this point omits Mark 11:1-12:28 which deals with his arrival in Jerusalem. Only one passage from this section is proclaimed on Sunday (the entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday) while the rest of the passage is read on weekdays.

This Sunday's passage, which takes place in Jerusalem, is a fitting summary statement near the end both of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of Mark and as an approaching finale to the liturgical year.

So important is this discussion between Jesus and the scribe that it is found in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and is proclaimed in all three liturgical years.

The three gospels agree that the greatest commandment is actually a combination of two passages from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:4 and Leviticus 19:18. The linking of these two commandments is found in other ancient writings which may be earlier than the gospels and is, therefore, not unique to Jesus nor does it seem to originate with him.

Mark's version has two distinctive features. (1) Only in Mark does Jesus begin his quotation of the Law with the Shema, "Hear, O Israel . . ." (found in this Sunday's first reading).

The inclusion of the Shema roots the observance of these great commandments in the primary affirmation of Israel's confession of faith: The LORD alone is God. Thus, faith finds its fulfillment in the love of God, neighbor, and self: because we believe, we love.

(2) The second distinctive feature is found in the conclusion. The scribe observes that keeping these commandments far surpasses the offering of sacrifice. In response Jesus tells the scribe that he is not far from the kingdom of God.

Though Jesus approves the scribe's insight that love is more desirable than sacrifice, love and sacrifice should not be seen in conflict with one another, for on the cross the love of Jesus attains its most perfect expression in sacrifice.

For disciples, then and now, the greatest commandment not only sums up the life and teaching of Jesus, it identifies the path of discipleship as the way of love.

Opening: One Spirit, One Church
CCM Opening: Lord Reign In Me
Ps: I Love You Lord(ss2-411)
Offertory: Come To the Water(CC-400)
Com 1: We Have Been Told(cc-460)
Com 2: The Cry of the Poor
Closing: You are Worthy of My Praise(see sheet)

October 29, 2006 :Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time B
October 29, 2006

Reading I: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Responsorial Psalm: 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Reading II: Hebrews 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

Key words and phrases from the Gospel: Jesus; Jesus, Son of David; have pity on me; I want to see; followed him on the way

To the point: The encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus dramatizes the elements of true discipleship:
• recognize Jesus ("Jesus, Son of David");
• acknowledge the need for Jesus ("have pity on me"; "I want to see");
• respond to Jesus' call ("He . . . came to Jesus");
• become Jesus' disciple ("followed him on the way").

Although Bartimaeus models discipleship, he is not the center of the story because discipleship is never about us. The center of the story and the heart of discipleship is always Jesus.

Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: While the gospel highlights the work of Bartimaeus in responding to Jesus' call, the first reading directs our attention to God's actions: "delivered his people . . . bring them back . . . gather them . . . console them guide them . . . lead them."
Connecting the Gospel to religious experience: Almost instinctively we, like Bartimaeus, turn to God when we experience need or crisis. Although unwelcome, such an experience creates space within us to encounter our saving God.

Understanding Scripture:
Seeing and following Jesus: The section of Mark's gospel that deals with discipleship (8:22-10:52) began with the healing of a blind man (8:22-26; omitted from the Sunday Lectionary) and concludes with this Sunday's story of blind Bartimaeus.

In between these two stories of the blind coming to sight are three episodes in which the disciples are blind to the meaning of Jesus' mission and of their own discipleship. Their spiritual "blindness" is evident in their persistent misunderstanding (see Sundays 24, 25, 29).

The gradual coming to sight of the first blind man (8:22-26) culminates in this story in which Bartimaeus both regains his vision and becomes a follower of Jesus.

The disciples, too, must come to "see" Jesus if they are to follow him faithfully.

The focus of this story on the call to discipleship is clear both in 10:49 where the "call" Jesus issues to Bartimaeus is mentioned three times and in 10:52 which reports that Bartimaeus "followed [Jesus] on the way."

The way on which Jesus is walking leads to Jerusalem, a fact already hinted at in Bartimaeus' address to Jesus as "Son of David." In Jerusalem, the City of David, the crowd will see in Jesus one who brings the "kingdom of our father David" (11:10).

Jerusalem is the city in which Jesus will undergo his life-giving death and glorious resurrection.

The story of Bartimaeus comments obliquely on the gospels of the two previous Sundays. On Sunday 28 the rich man is hesitant to follow Jesus because he cannot give up his many possessions; by contrast, as soon as Jesus calls Bartimaeus, "he threw aside his cloak" (10:50), the one thing he owned.

In last Sunday's gospel Jesus asked James and John the exact same question he asks of Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" (10:36, 50). The two disciples, who are following Jesus without understanding, ask for seats of glory in the kingdom; by contrast, blind Bartimaeus asks "to see," with the result that he "immediately" follows Jesus, the "Son of David."

This blind beggar has clearer vision than the disciples!

Opening: Alleluia! Sing To Jesus (CC-312)
CCM Opening: Trading My Sorrows(ss2-357)
Psalm: CS2: God has done great things for us
Offertory: Open My Eyes, Lord
Com 1: We Remember
Com 2: Give Me Jesus(CC-349)
Closing: Your Grace Is Enough(SS2-403)

Small bible study from Matt Maher

If you haven't checked out http://www.worshiptogether.com, you really should. They regularly give away sheet music. There's a lot of great resources for praise and worship leaders and music ministers. Enjoy!


***

Author: Matt Maher
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalm 23:5, 116:13; Romans 5:15, 15:13; 2nd Corinthians 1:5, 4:15

How many times do we pray prayers that are pretty much self sustaining? Or prayers that are just about what we need in a given moment, as opposed to a prayer life infused with a kind of grace that spills out into everything we do; Isnt it a poverty when we fail to see the full realization of the gift of God’s grace working in our lives? To see that our worship of God is, in fact, His gift to us. It’s a worship that is meant to be all encompassing of the human experience; that when we love God with our hearts, minds, and souls, His Spirit alive in us overflows. As a result, it doesnt matter what situation we find ourselves in. Note the response of David in Psalm 23. “You prepare a table in the sight of my foes. You anoint my head with oil, and my cup overflows”. In the sight of our sinfulness, God prepares a place in us and anoints us. His cup overflows into us, and our cup, our heart overflows with His grace and mercy, spilling out into everything we do. Everything we are

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time B - October 22, 2006

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time B - October 22, 2006

Opening: Christ, Be Our Light
Psalm: CC-26 : Lord, Let Your Mercy
Offertory: You Are My King (Amazing Love)
Com 1: Gift of Finest Wheat
Com 2: Pan de Vida
MPB Closing: Though the Mountains May Fall(CC-432)
CCM Closing: Thanks Be To God

October 15, 2006 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 15, 2006 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Opening:Gather us In(cc-471)
Ps:RA-175(see sheet)
Offertory:One Spirit, One Church(cc-461)(instrumental)
CCM Offertory:Enough(see sheet)
Com 1:O God, You Search Me(cc-427)
Com 2:Thy Word(ss-211)
Closing:We Fall Down(ss2-401)

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 8, 2006

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 8, 2006

Planning Ref: http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/27sot.html

Opening: Table of Plenty( CC-475 )
Psalm: Blessed Are Those Who Love You(haugen) (see sheet)
Offertory: I Love You Lord(ss2-411)
Com 1 : Jesus, Come To Us(cc-411)
Com 2 : The Servant Song(cc-502)
Closing: Sing To The Mountains (cc-376)
CCM Closing: I could sing of your love forever [SS-184]

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - OCT 1

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - OCT 1


http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/26sot.html

Opening: Gather Your People(CC-474)
Psalm: CC-19: Lord, You have the Words
Offertory: Come To Me(cc-442)[instrumental]
CCM Offertory: Unashamed Love(see sheet)
Com 1: We are one Body(ss-165)
Com 2: Blest Are They(cc-397)
Closing: Be Glorified(see sheet)
CCM Closing: You Know Who I Am(ss2-420)

25SOT - September 24

25SOT - September 24
Reference: http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/25sot.html

CCM Opening: God of Wonders(ss2-346)
Opening: Canticle of the Sun - CC-386
Psalm: RA-132 - (see sheet)
Offertory: Servant Song - CC-506
Communion 1: This Is Jesus- (see sheet)
Communion 2: We Are Many Parts- CC-516
Closing: Lead Me Lord-CC-398

Cantor Schedule(Sep 10 to Nov 5)

Date	Psalm	MPB - 5PM	MPB - 8:30 AM	MPB - 10 AM
Sept 10 - SOT 23SOT	CC-99: Praise the Lord My Soul	Teri	Silke	Cathy
Sept 17 - 24SOT	RA-163	Michael	Michael	Laurie C.
Sept 24 - 25SOT	SS2-259: The Lord Upholds My Life	Teri	Cathy	Cathy
Oct 1 - 26SOT	CC-19: Lord, You have the Words	Katie	Silke	Tim
Oct 8 - 27SOT	Blest Are Those Who Love You (Haugen)	Michael	Michael	Laurie C.
Oct 15- 28SOT	RA-175	Teri	Lisa	Tim
Oct 22- 29SOT	CC-26 : Lord, Let Your Mercy	Michael	Silke	Laurie C.
Oct 29- 30SOT	CS2: God has done great things for us	Katie	Michael	Cathy
Nov 1 - All Saints	CC-13: Lord This is the people(sing and read)		Cathy(7PM only)
Nov 5 - 31SOT	SS2-411 - I love you Lord	Teri	Lisa	Tim

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time B - September 17, 2006

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time B - September 17, 2006

Context from http://liturgy.slu.edu/24OrdB091706/theword_working.html

Key words and phrases from the Gospel: "You are the Christ," must suffer . . . be rejected . . . be killed . . . rise, come after me, take up . . . cross

To the point: This gospel reveals and explains the identity of Jesus as the Christ (= "messiah"): he is the One who must suffer, be rejected, and die to accomplish his mission. Christ's identity, in turn, reveals the mission of disciples: take up the cross.

Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: This passage from Isaiah (the Third Song of the Servant of the Lord) is otherwise found only on Palm Sunday (all three years) and on Wednesday of Holy Week. The tradition of associating this reading with the passion of the Lord makes it an appropriate complement to this Sunday's gospel prediction of the Lord's forthcoming death.
Connecting the Gospel to culture: In a consumer society we think that what we acquire or have reveals who we are. As Christians, we reveal who we are by what we give up—our lives.

Understanding Scripture:
Jesus, suffering Messiah: This Sunday's passage stands at the very middle of Mark's gospel and signals both a climax and a change in focus.

The persistent question about the identity of Jesus which has shaped the gospel to this point finds an answer in Peter's response to Jesus: "You are the Christ."

But, like the blind man who is healed in stages (Mark 8:22-26), Peter's profession is at first imperfect: he fails to see that this Messiah must suffer and die.

Peter's error is understandable. He identifies Jesus as "the Christ": this is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word "messiah" which means "anointed one." The name "Jesus" is the word for "savior." Thus, the name "Jesus Christ" means, "the anointed savior."

In the Old Testament kings, priests, and occasionally prophets were anointed when they began their office. The term is especially associated with the Davidic kingship.

When Peter identifies Jesus as the Messiah and Jesus apparently accepts that designation, Peter is perhaps thinking that Jesus is the anointed savior-king who will defeat the Romans and restore homerule to Judah This kind of messiah will be triumphant and glorious!

But Jesus quickly disabuses Peter of his misunderstanding by launching into a prediction of his forthcoming suffering and death.

Indeed, the meaning of Christ's messiahship becomes the focus of Jesus' teaching for the remainder of the gospel. His prediction, that the Son of Man "must suffer . . . be rejected . . . be killed . . . and rise," is the outline of the plot from this point on.

Along with Jesus' teaching about the Messiah goes a pronounced emphasis on what it means to be a disciple of this kind of Messiah: those who follow Jesus likewise deny self, take up the cross, and lose their life.

It is therefore ironic that Peter immediately attempts to become the master and teacher by "rebuking" Jesus! Jesus sharply reminds him that the proper place for a disciple is "behind" (8:33) or "after" (8:34) the Master.

Disciples of Jesus can understand their proper role—their true "selves"—only when they understand that Jesus is a Messiah who suffers and dies.

Opening: Sing Out His Goodness(see sheet)
Psalm: RA-163
Offertory: Take Up Your Cross (cc-304)(instrumental)
Com 1: Now We Remain(cc-455)
Com 2: Above All(ss2-312)
Closing: Join in the dance(ss2-321) Verses 3 and 4
CCM Closing: Amazing Love (see sheet)

Sept 10 - TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/23ot.html

Opening: Open The Eyes Of My Heart (ss2-415)
Psalm: Praise The Lord, My Soul(cc-99)
Offertory: Envia Tu Espiritu(see sheet)
Com 1: Song of the body of Christ(cc-480)
Com 2: Let There Be Peace On Earth(cc-449)
Closing: We are the light of the world(cc-396)
CCM Closing: Let The River Flow(ss-125)

September 3, 2006 - Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 3, 2006 - Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/22sot.html

CCM Opening: Light the Fire Again(see sheet)
Opening: All People On Earth Do Dwell(v1,4,5)
Psalm: Ps 15: They Who Do Justice(see sheet)
Offertory: Center of My Life(instrumental)(cc-414)
CCM Offertory: Give Us Clean Hands(ss2-303)
Com 1: Seek Ye First(cc-422)
Com 2: Whatsoever You Do(cc-512)
Closing Lift Up Your Hearts To The Lord(cc-373)

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8/14-15/06

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8/14-15/06
http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/assumption.html

Prelude:Ave Maria[instrumental]
Opening: Haily, Holy Queen(cc-320)
Psalm: Ps 45 : The Queen Stands at Your Right Hand(see sheet)
Offertory: O Sanctissima(cc-323)
Com 1: Servant Song(cc-506)
Com 2: Holy is his name(cc-325)
Closing: Immaculate Mary(cc-321)

Cantor Schedule(July 16 to Sep 3)

Weekend	Mass	Sat 5PM	Sun 8:30am	Sun 10am	Selection
16-Jul	15 SOT	Teri	Silke	Laurie	Ps 85: Show Us Your Kindness(cc-51)
23-Jul	16 SOT	Michael	Michael	Tim	CC-Shepherd Me, O God
30-Jul	17 SOT	Teri	Silke	Cathy	CC-95: I will praise your name
6-Aug	Transfiguration	Teri	Michael	Laurie	CC-65: The Lord is King
13-Aug	19 SOT	Teri	Silke	Tim	CC-27: Taste and See(Talbot)
20-Aug	20 SOT	Michael	Michael	Cathy	CC-28: Taste and See(Moore)
27-Aug	21 SOT	Teri	Silke	Laurie	RA-151: Taste and see(Schiavone)
3-Sep	22 SOT	Michael	Michael	Tim	CC-7 : Ps 19: Lord You have the words(Haas)

August 27, 2006 - Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 27, 2006 - Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/21sot.html

MPB Opening: I want to praise your name(see sheet)
CCM Opening: Be Glorified(see sheet)
Psalm: RA-151: Taste and see(Schiavone) (sing & read or chant)
Offertory: Beautiful Savior(cc-520)
Com 1: This Alone (cc-405)
Com 2: The Summons (ss-137)
MPB Closing: Shout to the Lord (SS2-396)
CCM Closing: Overflow(see sheet)

Catholic Praise and Worship

Hello all!

I just listened to a pretty inspiring and informative radio show on Catholic praise and worship. I thought that you might be to enjoy it as well.

http://catholicrockers.blogspot.com/
(Listen to the show on Catholic Praise and Worship)

In our parish activity and CCM, we've seen strong attraction to praise and worship as a way for prayer as community. The speakers really bring up a lot of practical issues regarding distribution, theology, and practical matters regarding the writing process.

The big take away for me from this program is that we(as a church) need to write more Catholic praise and worship that falls in line with the fullness of truth of the church. The speaker strongly feels that incorporating more of our Catholic tradition into this song writing can really yield beautiful fruit that may bring about unity for all Christians.

Pretty cool stuff!!

I'd love to hear what you think as well..

August 20, 2006 - Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 20, 2006 - Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/20sot.html

Reading 1: Prv 9:1-6
Reading 2: Eph 5:15-20
Gospel: Jn 6:51-58

*** CCM Mass - Make sure to teach the mass of St. Tim ***

CCM Opening: Light the Fire(see sheet)
Opening: seek the lord(cc-258)
Psalm: CC-28: Taste and See(Moore)
Offertory: My soul is thirsting(ss-68)
Com 1: Look Beyond(cc-496)
Com 2: O Sacrament Most Holy(cc-362)
Closing: You are Worthy of My Praise(see sheet)

August 13, 2006 - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Context: http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/19sot.html

Reading 1: 1 Kgs 19:4-8
Reading II: Eph 4:30—5:2
Gospel: Jn 6:41-51

Opening: Now as we Gather (see sheet)
Ps: CC-27: Taste and See(Talbot)
Offertory: Only a shadow(cc-433)
Com 1: Christians, Let Us Love One Another(cc-447)
Com 2: This is Jesus(see sheet)[see sheet]
Closing: All the ends of the earth(CC-363)

August 6, 2006 - Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Context: http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/transfiguration.html


Opening: Come Christians Join To Sing(cc-361)
Psalm: The Lord is King(cc-65)
Offertory: I Lift Up My Soul(cc-16)
Com 1: You are Near(cc-417)
Com 2: All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name(cc-313)
Closing: God of Wonders(ss2-346)

July 30, 2006 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 30, 2006 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

http://liturgy.slu.edu/17OrdB073006/theword_working.html

Reading I: 2 Kings 4:42-44
Responsorial Psalm: 145:10-11, 15-16, 17-18
Reading II: Ephesians 4:1-6
Gospel: John 6:1-15

Opening: Rain Down(cc-401)
CCM Opening: Beautiful One(Hughes) [see sheet]
Ps: Ps 145: I will praise your name (cc-95)
Offertory: The Church's One Foundation(cc-464)
Com 1: Bread of Life(fisher) (cc-483)
Com 2: We Fall Down (ss2-401)
CCM Closing: Overflow(maher)(see sheet)

July 23, 2006 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Context: http://liturgy.slu.edu/16OrdB072306/theword_working.html

Reading I: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Reading II: Ephesians 2:13-18
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

Opening: This Day God Gives Me(CC-528)
CCM Opening: Here Am I To Worship(ss2-386)
Psalm: Shepherd Me, O God(CC-11)
Offertory: We Will Rise Again(cc-429)
Com 1: Panis Angelicus(cc-394)
Com 2: God of Day and God of Darkness(cc-531)
Closing: Shout to the North(see sheet)
CCM Closing: All Glory To God(ss2-339)

NPM Conference Notes

All in all, it was an amazing experience meeting music ministers who have been working for years. The following notes only represent a small fraction of the wisdom and music guidance we received from the conference. I hope that we can use some of these ideas to help shape the organization of our music program. Please drop me an e-mail if anything in particular jumps out at you.

PDF of Rosario Conference Notes

July 16th - FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

July 16th - FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/15sot.html

Opening: Here am I Lord(cc-501)
Psalm: Ps 85: Show Us Your Kindness(cc-51)
Offertory: Praise God from whom all blessings Flow(cc-371)
Com 1: Take My Life(see sheet)
Com 2: Come With Me Into The Fields(see sheet)
Closing: Lead me, Lord(ss-107)
CCM Closing: Trading My Sorrows(ss2-357)

July 9 - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Context from http://liturgy.slu.edu/14OrdB070906/theword_working.html

Opening: Faith of our Fathers(cc-146)
Psalm: Our Eyes are Fixed on the Lord(Michael Guimont)(See sheet)**
Offertory:Give Thanks(see sheet)
Com 1: Eye has not seen (cc-439)
Com 2: To Be Your Bread(CC-488)
Closing:Glory and praise to our God(CC-359)
CCM Closing: Shout To The North(see sheet)

July 2nd - 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/13sot.html

Opening: Come, Now is the time to worship(SS2-383)
Psalm: Ps 30, I will praise you Lord(CC-21)
Offertory: Because of Jesus(instrumental)
CCM Offertory: Light the fire
Com 1: O Lord, I am not worthy(CC-522)
Com 2: On Eagle's Wings (CC-418)
Closing: America, The Beautiful(CC-525)

June 24 - TWELFTH SUNDAY of Ordinary Time

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/12sot.html

Opening: Lift High The Cross(CC-305)
Ps: Psalm 136: God's Love is Everlasting(SS2-282)
Offertory: you are my all in all(see sheet)
Com 1: As the deer longs(CC-415)
Com 2: How can I keep from singing?(CC-431)
Closing: Blest Be the Lord(CC-426)
CCM Postlude: How Great is our God(Tomlin)

June 18 - BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST Lectionary #168

Emerging in the thirteenth century in response to attacks on the real presence of Christ in the sacrament, this feast was first celebrated in 1247; it was added to the general calendar in 1264. From the late fourteenth century, the most conspicuous aspect of this feast was a procession with the reserved sacrament that followed Mass, probably modeled on the Palm Sunday procession in England , in which the sacrament was carried to represent Christ the King. In Germany it became associated with a petition for good weather, and the procession included four stations at which the sacrament in the monstrance was offered in blessing in the four directions.

Today's readings focus our attention on the “blood of the covenant” and, therefore, on Christ's redeeming presence among us as the new sign of the covenant (and under the form of wine).

Exodus 24:3-8. The covenant which God offers is a matter of life and death. Once they hear the words, understand them, and commit themselves to the covenant, Moses sprinkles the people with “the blood of the covenant.” This ritual gesture suggests that violation of the covenant brings death; it is also a reminder that all of life is in God's hands because it was believed that life itself resided in the blood.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (115) 116

This song of thanksgiving, originally sung by a grateful individual, has become the song of the church as it takes up the cup of salvation in the Eucharist to give thanks to God.

Hebrews 9:11-15. Written after the destruction of the Temple (70 CE), this letter “spiritualizes” Temple ritual and applies it to Christ. Here, Christ is presented as the high priest entering the Holy of Holies, not by offering purification sacrifices but by offering himself—“his own blood”—which purifies himself as well as all who share in the “new covenant.”

Sequence: Lauda Sion

Unlike the sequences for Easter Sunday and Pentecost, this sequence is optional. If used, it may best be used as a processional piece accompanying the movement of the Gospel Book through the congregation. People planning to use this sequence should note how very long it is; they might consider using the shorter form which begins with the verse “Lo! the angel's food is given.” The Canadian Catholic Book of Worship III has a reworking of the text set to the Pange Lingua tune (#693), and the chant for the short form (“Ecce Panis”) is in the Liber Cantualis. A setting of the short form of the sequence is available in By Flowing Waters (Paul Ford, The Liturgical Press), 207. The following versions of the hymn may be used in their entirety or shortened by comparing the texts with the one found in the Lectionary.

Laud, O Zion JS 473/BB/PRM B

Praise, O Zion , Voices Raising WC 627/PMB 319

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26. In Mark's version of the Last Supper, the words over the cup are far more extensive than the words over the bread, since in this version Jesus evokes the prophetic image of the messianic banquet, celebrated with new wine “in the kingdom of God .”

Opening: Gather Your People(CC-474)
CCM Opening: Salvation Belongs To Our God(see sheet)
Ps: Ps 16: Our Blessing Cup(CC-78) [sing and read]
Offertory: Eat this bread(CC-491)
Com 1: Behold the lamb(CC-481)
Com 2: Adoration by Matt Maher
Com 3: Litany for the Holy Eucharist (1,Ps,2,G) WC 643
Closing: Salvation Belongs To Our God(see sheet)
CCM Closing: Thanks Be To God(see sheet)

June 11 - TRINITY SUNDAY Lectionary #165

We celebrate the mystery of God as Trinity, not in splendid self-isolation but as for us. In the opening prayer for today's Mass, we give thanks to the Father, who “sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy,” for “through them we come to know the mystery of [divine] life.”

Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40. Moses solemnly evokes the memory of who God has been for Israel : the one who chose them and liberated them, who spoke “from the midst of fire” and gave them the Torah.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (32) 33
Selected verses from this hymn praise God as the creator and also as the one who watches over the faithful (“the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him”).

Romans 8:14-17. We are more than God's chosen people. By the power of the Spirit working within us, we have been made children of God and joint heirs with Christ.

Matthew 28:16-20. The formula for baptism was already in its fixed, ritual form when Matthew placed it here, at the end of his Gospel.

Opening: Sing Out, Earth and Skys (CC-388)
CCM Opening: Hosanna (see sheet)
Ps: Ps 33: Happy the People You Have Chosen(CC-24)[sing and read]
Offertory: Abba Father(cc-365)
Com 1: Holy, Holy, Holy(cc-299)
Com 2: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name(CC-355)
Closing:Shine, Jesus Shine (SS-202) [v 1 and 3]

June 4th - PENTECOST

SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST YEAR B Lectionary #63B
Since it is the final feast of the Great Fifty Days, how does Pentecost complete Easter?

Acts 2:1-11. The Spirit fills the disciples and sends them out to preach to the whole world. God's Spirit, like God's love, is missionary; it impels us beyond ourselves and our own concerns.
Psalm of the Day: Ps (103) 104
A hymn of praise to the Creator who also sustains the whole of creation especially through the gift of water (verses 10-18 and 27-35). See the commentary on the water imagery used at the Easter Vigil.

Galatians 5:16-25. Paul's version of the morality of two ways—the way of life and the way of death—contrasts the “deeds of the flesh” with the “deeds of the Spirit.” He reminds the Galatians that they are in the Spirit, so they should put into practice what they affirm about themselves. (The second reading for Year A may be used in place of this text.)

John 15:26-27; 16:12-15. The Spirit will testify to Jesus, and so will the church. In fact, the Spirit will testify through the church.

Opening: Let the fire fall(see sheet)
Ps: Ps 104: Lord, Send out your spirit(cc-76)
Offertory: Come, Holy Ghost(instrumental) (cc-293)
Com 1: We are many parts(cc-516)
Com 2: Send us your spirit(cc-295)
Closing: Everyone moved by the spirit(see sheet)
CCM Closing: Let the river flow

May 21 - SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER B

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/6se.html

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER B Lectionary #56

In the readings, we reflect on what authentic love can mean. For the early Christians, it meant reaching out to the Gentiles. What barriers do we put in the way of Christ's love in our time?

Acts 10:25 -26, 34-35, 44-48. After his vision of the meal on the rooftop, Peter is shown reaching out to Cornelius and his family because “God shows no partiality.”

Psalm of the Day: Ps (97) 98

God is enthroned not only as the ruler of Israel , but as sovereign over the whole world, for “all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.”

1 John 4:7-10. We know what it means to love because God has first loved us and sent his Son into the world to give us life.

John 15:9-17. If you want to show your love for me, Jesus says, then love one another.

Opening: They will know we are Christians by our love(cc-513)
Ps: All the ends of the earth(see sheet)
Offertory: O, Santisima (cc-323)
Com 1: Seed, Scattered and Sown(cc-495)
Com 2: I have loved you(cc-399)
Closing: Holy is the Lord (see sheet)

Meditation on Ministry

Hello all!

I thought this meditation on ministry was kind of cool. Hope you enjoy it!


The content was taken from http://www.wau.org/meditations.

****************

John 13:16-20

Have you ever had a day like this? You wake up determined to make a difference in the world by living for Christ and being his humble servant. You spring out of bed, zealous to be the messenger of his love—just the kind Jesus had in mind when he said, “Whoever receives one whom I send receives me” (John 13:20). By evening, though, the spring in your step is gone, and you wonder what happened. You tried hard to live as an ambassador for Christ. You really wanted people to know that Jesus is the source of your joy. Yet looking back on the day, you still had a sense that something was missing. It was as if all your efforts were inadequate—not sufficiently persuasive, faithful, or even loving.

Days like this are bound to come, but when they do, we should look at them as special gifts from God. It’s on these kinds of days that we are reminded that on their own, human efforts will always be inadequate! Just as Peter and the other apostles had to let Jesus wash their feet, the same is true for us (John 13:3-12). It’s only as we let Jesus minister to us that we will be made fit to minister to others.

Picture yourself at the bottom of a massive staircase, with Jesus standing at the top. The sight of his glory, and the sense of love coming from his heart captivate you and make you want to be with him. But every time you try to go up a step or two, you slip back. Finally, frustrated and a little bit sore from all your falls, you cry out for help. In an instant, Jesus descends to the lowest step, sweeps you up in his arms, and carries you up to the top.

Don’t let today become “one of those days”! Instead, start out by placing yourself in the Lord’s presence through prayer and peaceful openness. Let him sweep you up in his arms and wash your feet. It’s true: You’ll never become a messenger of God’s love on your own. But then again, God never intended you to. May this truth fill all of our hearts with joy and encouragement!

“Jesus, you love me enough to send me to share you with others. Give me a heart of gentle humility, that I may serve as you served.”

Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 89:2-3,21-22,25,27

May 28 - Ascension of the Lord

Context from http://www.npm.org/Planning/yearb/ascension.html

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION (A, B, C) Lectionary #58B

The ministry of Christ is continued in the ministry of the church. In accord with the decision of the U.S. bishops (1998) as confirmed by the Holy See (1999), this solemnity may be transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter in certain ecclesiastical provinces of the United States .

Acts 1:1-11. Luke's second volume begins with the ascension of Jesus and his commission to the apostles to wait for the promised Holy Spirit.

Psalm (46) 47

This enthronement psalm, dating probably to the reign of David and Solomon, has three sections: praise of God as the “most high,” the enthronement of God as sovereign in heaven, and the tribute given to God on earth.

Ephesians 4:1-13. Paul urges the Ephesians to live in accord with their faith, and he reminds them that Jesus became one of us in order to empower us with the gifts we need to live that way. (The second reading for Year A may also be used.)

Mark 16:15-20. This is the “longer ending” to Mark's Gospel, which contains a description of the miraculous signs that will confirm the truth of apostolic preaching. Use of this text might take some extra explanation.

opening: Let Heaven Rejoice(cc-286)
ps: Ps 47 : God Mounts His Throne (cc-35)
offertory: Holy is His Name (cc-325)
com 1: Bread, Blessed and Broken( see sheet )
com 2: All Hail Power Of Jesus' Name (cc-314)
closing: Lord, I lift your name on high(ss-189)

May 14 - 5th Sunday of Easter

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER B Lectionary #53

In the 2006 U.S. secular calendar, this day is Mother's Day. In the calendar of the Easter Season, the readings say that the vine has many branches, but if they are not connected to the central vine, the branches wither.

Acts 9:26-31. This summary of Paul's early ministry after his conversion on the Damascus road and his protection by the Jerusalem Church ends with a statement that the communities in Jewish Palestine were at peace. (The Book of Acts from this point focuses on the mission to the Gentiles.)

Psalm of the Day: Ps (21) 22

Though this is a psalm of lament, whose first verse was quoted by Jesus on the cross, the verses selected for today's psalm come from the end of the text—an invitation to all the ends of the earth to join in singing God's praise.

Psalm 66 has three parts: a hymn to divine mercy (vv. 1-7), a communal thanksgiving for deliverance from some danger (vv. 8-12), and an individual thanksgiving (vv. 13-20).

1 John 3:18-24. John calls on his communities to live the love they profess. The letter also shows that the community relies on the “inner Spirit” as its guiding principle rather than on apostolic authority, as the other Christian communities did.

John 15:1-8. Jesus is the true vine. A branch cannot bear fruit if it is separated from the vine.

*** FIRST COMMUNION @ MPB -- Wahoo!! ***

Opening: He Is Exalted(see sheet)
Psalm: Psalm 22: I will Praise You, Lord(Guimont)(sing and read/ see sheet)
Offertory: We Have Been Told(cc-460)
Com 1: One Bread, One Body(cc-490)
Com 2: Hail Mary Gentle Woman(cc-319)
Closing: Holy Is The Lord(see sheet)

Impressions of Matt Maher and "Life On the Road"

Impressions of Matt Maher and "Life On the Road"

Wow! I wish every Catholic friend I’ve ever had could have been at this concert. Matt Maher was an awesome man of God to meet. In less than five minutes of arriving at the Life on the Road event, I bumped into Matt Maher; I probably sounded like a complete dork talking to him because I admire his ministry so much. He, however, seemed really peaceful and humble in everything he did.

The first part of the praise and worship concert started like most do. The worship started with lots of cool driving tunes from the new album. (Overflowed) To help people sing along to the new praise and worship songs, they had a projector with all the lyrics to the song. It was interesting to note that they tried to put all the lyrics to the song on one slide… This enabled the praise and worship leader to jump around the song a little bit more and underscore certain parts of the song without driving the projectionist crazy. I probably do this to Matt Desalvo all the time at CCM!

Sarah was definitely happy that a certain Jewish sounding praise song called “It is Good” was played. I have avoided playing this song with CCM for a long time, but it was really cool to see how Matt used it. I’ve never seen so many people dance joyfully before the Lord. It was really a cool moment.

One signature of Mr. Maher is his ability to mix extremely classic melodies and prayers together with new material. I loved how he introduced “Resurrection Day” with an old “Glory and Praise” song with lots of Amen’s. You’d know the song if you heard it… At the end of adoration, they played a really neat setting of the divine praises mixed with “His name is Jesus” by ThirdDay for the refrain. It was really a well crafted prayer.

So… All of this is good and cool… and then Jesus shows up! Matt Maher mentioned that during the middle of the concert they would have a little bit of time for Eucharistic adoration. The whole dynamics of the event changed from being just another Christian concert to true Catholic worship and praise! It was really moving for me to see some of our students from CCM break into tears just from joy for the Lord. At this point, the whole focus of the worship was on Christ. I greatly noticed that Matt left a lot of room in the worship for God to speak. There were long extended moments where he was doing nothing more than picking his guitar.

On a personal note, this event made me reflect upon all of the work of the past year with our new parish and our students at CCM. It made me think hard about how God had moved in our lives… It got me excited about the work that’s to come! It was really awesome for me to witness this mini-retreat. Praise the Lord!

Needless to say, after adoration, the praise and worship was absolutely through the roof. I hope I can post some pictures soon. It’s amazing how powerful praise and worship can be when Christ is really REALLY there! Lots of praise… Lots of dancing! (Yes.. dancing!!)

It was really an awesome pleasure to see Matt Maher in action. Though he’s a very gifted song writer and prayerful man, he does not seem to like to be the center of attention. Like every cool man of God, he simply points to Christ through his actions, music, and attitude. I really thank Matt for taking special time to visit with our CCM’ers too. It ment so much to them that he just “hung out” and “chatted” with them. The rest of Matt’s band had the same attitude too. After this evening of worship, it really made me excited to go home to praise the Lord again with Most Precious Blood! Thank you Lord for putting such wonderful servants into our church family!

Spirituality in music ministry

Talk by:

Randy Raus
Vice President
Parish Ministries
LIFE TEEN Office
Marietta, GA
800.809.3902 or 480.820.7001
rraus@lifeteen.com
18 years of service

http://www.lifeteen.com/default.aspx?PageID=CTHOME

Personal spirituality and God comes first

• Order of operations: God, Family, (everything else)
• Give yourself the best gift – silence
• Some of the best adoration time is just being quiet before the Blessed Sacrament; Let the Lord speak to you.
• “How are you?”
• If your most common answer is “I’m busy”, it might become important to adjust some aspects of your prayer life
• Thought to pastoral workers – Speaker strongly encourages time in daily mass
• Try to avoid comparing yourself spiritually to others; evaluate the quality of your spiritual life with God! He’ll let you know how you’re doing
• Let God shape you!
• Let God work on you!
• Make sure not to minister to yourself during worship; For this reason, it’s important to keep your spiritual life thriving!
• Pay attention to lyrics!
• We sing about amazing realities of the universe!
• Inspirational exercise – Try getting one of your best lectors to do a dramatic reading of a common praise and worship song ;
• The church wants authenticity!
• Therefore…
• Don’t feel like you have to be a comedian
• Just try to bring people to prayer
• Be real!
• Music
• It’s always about God
• It’s never about us
• It does have a profound impact in helping people to pray together
• Cool Story : St. John Bosco
• St. John Bosco had a great love of teaching children to love the Lord. For his young men, he had a very clever way of getting them to enjoy prayer; He would encourage his students to play outside in the heat… Immediately following, he would lead them into a very cool prayer chapel with Eucharistic adoration. This sound like something Josh would do!
• Cool Story 2
• A traveler was visiting a Catholic mission; This humble mission in some third world country would serve various workers of the village and the spiritual needs of the children; During adoration, they would always encourage the children to be closer to the Blessed Sacrament; They found that the older members of the church were so encouraged and inspired by observing the developing lives of children and seeing how they react to the Lord’s presence.
• Cool Story 3
• The speaker told us a little bit about his brother who had passed away from illness. His brother, who was not always close to the church, had some form of cancer. (I think?) In this story, the speaker recounts how encouraged his brother to deeply consider becoming Catholic with the time he had remaining. His church and the community at large really had a large role in helping make his brother feel welcome and loved by God. Because of the small efforts of so many faithful people and lots of love from God, the speaker was very proud to profess that his brother is Catholic and probably in heaven… Since he is part of the community of saints, he is now praying for them now. This helps underscore how God can use our efforts in ministry.
• Random other tips
• Interaction with teens (or your congregation) before and after mass is extremely important. Try to make yourself available and willing to “hang out” with your church.
• “Be God’s” (Common Quote from Rich Mullins)
• Be available to pray with your teens or church members. Taking time for personal prayer with someone in need can really show the love of Christ.

Playing Vs. Praying

Notes from Matt Maher

• "Singing Isn't Always Praying"
  Matt Maher, the famous voice behind XLT, puts down his guitar and steps in front of the camera to explain how singing isn't always praying.
• http://www.lifeteen.com/default.aspx?PageID=MEHOME&__DocumentId=33213
• “Be Context Sensitive”
• Become profoundly aware of where you are…
• Know who you are praying with…
• Adjust your music and temperament for your environment
• Thoughts on “Blessed Be The Name” by Matt Redman
• http://www.justworship.com/worshipsongs/blessedbeyourname.html
• At some point Matt Maher was going through some form of chem-o therapy. At this very vulnerable time of his life, he talked a bit about how he emotionally reacted to this song just driving in his car. Though this was a very powerful song to him at this time, he mentioned that he was glad that he didn’t immediately use this song in worship. It just wasn’t the right time or context for him and his congregation.
• Teens, Young Adults, the church long for authenticity – Just be real… Don’t force yourself to do things that don’t feel natural to your personality. (i.e. Don’t feel like you have to be a comedian)
• Important things to consider when leading worship
• What’s the KEY of the song?
• If you’re struggle to vocally hit notes or form chords, your congregation will be struggling pray with you too.
• Context, Context Context
• Warm UP’s with the congregation – Do them!
• Opportunity to teach new music
• Opportunity to for you as a music minister to engage the congregation to sing and worship
• Opportunity to pray
• Order
• Music, Music
• Cell Phone
• Silence (very important)
• “Congregation Warm up” starts at published mass time! Not 10 minutes before the start of mass.
• Make sure to do simple things well.
• Try to become part of the assembly; If EVERYONE in your church knows you by name, how cool you are, and how technical of a musician you are, then something needs to change. Again, mass is about God… Not you!
• In the best of all cases, try to become as invisible as possible
• I really like this idea… I think I want to call this Ninja Music Ministry(“you must become za shadow..”)
• How does the Congregation song?
• Catholics unlike protestants sing in octaves
• Men are always one octave below woman
• Fact: Women sing more than men!
• Therefore, play to the women when possible…The men will catch on..
• If songs have musical phrases that consistently hit notes above C# or D, you will probably start losing some of the women… Be aggressive in changing keys!
• Be mindful of your vocal style
• If people are having trouble understanding your words, focus on pronunciation and diction
• Be very careful who you emulate – Avoid trying to model yourself after Michael Jackson or other pop artists who use a lot of “style.” Watch out for Chris Tomlin who sings much higher than normal men should! (i.e. How many people can actually sing along with Indescribable? This comment is probably good for Michael W. Smith too)
• Great quote about Chris Tomlin: “He’s an extremely small human being.” [Let the record show that I love Chris Tomlin… He really rocks and is a Holy man! I just thought it was funny to hear Matt talk about him this way.]
• Try to sing like you say simple words. Clearly and boldly… Avoid weird and strange vibrato
• What if your congregation is not singing?
• Make it your goal that the congregation sings the Psalm response well.
• Make it your goal that the congregation sings the closing song well.
• It’s okay to review more songs with the congregation including the Psalm. Be bold during your congregation warm up!
• Don’t give what you don’t have… Make sure to you fill your own spiritual cup! (Most important)
• On recording CD’s
• Great songs take time. Matt talked about instances where good songs failed to sell simply because the author did not take the extra time to really refine his or her work.
• Want to make a CD?
• There’s no better marketing agent than the Holy Spirit
• Make sure what you write or perform is prayerful.. God will do the rest
• DON’T CALL YOUR MUSIC MINISTRY A BAND – LIFE TEEN BAND—BAD!
• Little bits on Matt Maher’s music background
• Jazz – Helped Matt learn what NOT to play
• Classical
• On planning
• If you’re the only person planning your liturgy, Matt greatly encourages directors to find another model. Ego does not belong in mass. Plan with a team of people who really care about making the liturgy powerful, prayerful, and Christ centered. The team should also include people who aren’t musicians.
• Plan with your priest(s)!!!!
• Note from Fr. J.
• http://www.lifeteen.com/default.aspx?PageID=FJHOME
• Do something revolutionary… Use the SACRAMENTRY! “The mass is glorious!” Some of the best ideas for enhancing liturgy is to just to do what the little red book says!
• On Political correctness
• God = Father = Abba
• “Father, forgive them… They know not what they do..”
• Therefore, there is no need in lyrics to remove the “Father” from God
• On The Psalm
• There’s a new resource published by OCP by Craig Holson(sp?) that will provide Psalms for all 3 church years
• When it’s really hard to find a psalm response for a week, here’s some things you can do
• Read the verses! The US Conference of Catholic Bishops calls us to really try to stay as close to the verses as specified by the lectionary; There’s a greater degree of freedom on the “refrain” of the Psalm.
• On the authority of the music director
• Matt had a really funny way of expressing the music minister’s authority; if the bishop of your diocese had the ability to sing and play guitar at all the masses in the diocese all at the same time, he would! Since he can’t, music ministers are called to lead worship in the form of music; the music minister extends the power of your pastor and the bishop; you, therefore, should feel empowered to make hard choices at times in regards to the direction of your ministry and helping people to pray. Again, try to plan with your priests or pastor! We are always called to show respect and consideration towards our priests in what we plan.
• Stay up to date on your reading in regard to official teachings on music in liturgy
• Big take away! True prayer is the key to everything.. That's what we're called to do in the mass. Amen!